Quick Benefits
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish. It’s rich, creamy, and topped with a sweet, buttery pecan crust that adds crunch to every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any meal where you want to wow your guests. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a great way to sneak in nutrient-dense sweet potatoes!
Essential Ingredients
- Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 cups cooked sweet potato
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 whole egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pecan Topping:
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Preparation Steps
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or 9-inch pan with non-stick spray. - Make the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Spread the Base:
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. - Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, stir together the brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. - Top It Off:
Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the sweet potatoes. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until hot and bubbly. - Cool Slightly:
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vitamins: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vital for eye health and immunity.
- Natural Sweetness: Their natural sweetness allows you to use less refined sugar overall.
- Healthy Fats & Fiber: Pecans add heart-healthy fats and dietary fiber, giving this dish an indulgent yet balanced nutritional profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairing: Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.
- Presentation Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or fresh rosemary for an elegant touch.
- Holiday Favorite: A must-have at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners!
Creative Variations
- Mini Casserole Cups: Use muffin tins for individual servings.
- Add Marshmallows: Mix in or top with mini marshmallows for a sweeter twist.
- Spiced Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cayenne for a flavor boost.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes for best texture.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Boiled, roasted, or even baked sweet potatoes all work well.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and topping separately, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Don’t Overmix: For a fluffier texture, beat the filling just until combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, just be sure to drain and mash them well before mixing.
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the pecans with oats or a streusel topping without nuts.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
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Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved, decadent side dish known for its creamy sweet potato base and a crisp, buttery pecan topping. Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, it delivers just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, making it a standout favorite on any table. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving comfort food, this dish never disappoints.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups cooked sweet potato
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup softened butter
1 whole egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch baking pan and coat it with non-stick spray to prevent our casserole from sticking.
In a mixing bowl, gather all the ingredients for the sweet potato mixture. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Oh, the sweetness of the potatoes combined with the butter is a joy!
Spread this luscious sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Now, let’s move on to the crumb topping! In another bowl, blend all the topping ingredients until well mixed. This rich crumbly topping will give our casserole that irresistible crunch we crave.
Sprinkle the topping generously over the sweet potatoes, allowing every bit to mingle together.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and hot. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with the most delightful aroma.
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. This resting time will make serving so much easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
