If there’s one dish that truly shines during the holiday season, it’s Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. Far from just an ordinary side dish, it nearly qualifies as dessert! Creamy, sweet, and with a delightful crunch from the topping, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Every time I whip this up, it miraculously vanishes from the table before I can even grab seconds!

What makes this casserole so wonderful? It’s easy to prepare and relies on simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just enjoying a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into how I prepare this family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: This sweet potato base is decadently smooth, perfectly flavored with a touch of vanilla.
• Crunchy Topping: The pecan topping provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sweet potato underneath.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who might shy away from sweet potatoes find themselves indulging in this delightful dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this casserole is a stress-free addition to any holiday menu.

Recipe: Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by boiling or baking your sweet potatoes until they’re soft and tender. After they cool slightly, peel and mash them until they reach a smooth consistency. You should have about 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes ready to go.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine your smooth mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix this until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base
Pour the creamy sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a lovely base.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until you achieve a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this delightful mixture generously over the sweet potato base.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is heated right through. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to ensure it holds together.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:
This casserole is best served warm, making it a perfect side dish for roasted turkey, ham, or any of your holiday favorites. It also brings a lovely contrast when paired with fresh salads or green beans.

Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or if you’re looking for a quick fix, microwave individual servings.

Make-Ahead Option:
To save time, you can prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve.

Helpful Tips

1. Sweet Potatoes: For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness significantly.
2. Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, substitute the pecans with a crumble made from oats, brown sugar, and butter.
3. Extra Creamy Base: For an even richer texture, add a splash of heavy cream to your sweet potato mixture.
4. Customizable Topping: Feel free to get creative! Add some shredded coconut or a pinch of cinnamon to the pecan topping for a festive spin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes are a great shortcut! Just be sure to drain and mash them before incorporating into the recipe.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh just before serving for best results.

Q3: How do I make the topping crunchier?
If you’d like an extra crunch, you can bake the casserole a little longer, or broil it for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve that perfect crispy topping.

Q4: Can I reduce the sugar?
Of course! Feel free to cut back on the sugar in both the sweet potato base and the topping to suit your taste preferences.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze it after baking. Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.