Are you ready to elevate your holiday meal or weeknight dinner with a truly unforgettable side? Look no further than this Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe. This delightful dish combines tender sweet potatoes with a luscious, creamy base and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser that is shockingly simple to recreate at home.
Key Ingredients for Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole:
To bring this culinary masterpiece to life, gather the following ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (approximately 4-5 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
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- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
This Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is an absolute delight, perfect for anyone seeking a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to execute. Its rich, velvety sweet potato base, combined with the irresistible crunch of the pecan topping, makes it a standout. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, typically requiring only about 20 minutes of active preparation time before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth.
- Create the Sweet Potato Base: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, softened butter, milk, beaten egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or an equivalent oven-safe casserole dish) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture: Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. If the topping starts to get too dark, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole because its main feature is its incredible balance of sweet and savory, wrapped in a comforting, creamy texture that truly melts in your mouth. Imagine the rich, buttery goodness of perfectly mashed sweet potatoes, elevated by warm spices and a hint of vanilla, all crowned with a delectable, crunchy pecan streusel. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures that distinguishes it from a simple mashed sweet potato side.
Beyond its amazing taste, this homemade version offers significant cost savings compared to ordering it out, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the hefty restaurant bill. The flavorful pecan topping, with its combination of browned butter, sweet brown sugar, and toasted nuts, is truly what makes this dish shine and sets it apart. It delivers the same luxurious experience as a high-end restaurant, often surpassing expectations. We encourage you to whip up this delightful casserole at home; your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you!
What to Serve Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole With
This Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses and other side dishes. For a classic holiday feast, serve it alongside a succulent Roasted Turkey or a juicy Glazed Ham. Its sweetness complements savory meats perfectly. During a regular weeknight, it’s a fantastic accompaniment to Grilled Chicken Breast or Pork Chops.
Consider pairing it with green vegetables like Garlic Green Beans or Roasted Asparagus for a balanced meal that adds a touch of freshness. A crisp Garden Salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to its richness. For a truly indulgent spread, try it with Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Cornbread Dressing. Don’t forget a warm batch of Dinner Rolls to soak up any delicious goodness!
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
- Sweet Potato Choice: While any sweet potatoes will work, choose Garnet or Jewel varieties for the best color and natural sweetness. They tend to have a richer, moister flesh.
- Don’t Over-Boil: Cook the sweet potatoes until they are just fork-tender. Over-boiling can make them watery, which will dilute the flavor and texture of your casserole. Drain them very well!
- Smoothness is Key: For an extra smooth and creamy base, you can use an electric hand mixer or even a food processor (pulse just until smooth, don’t overmix) instead of a manual masher.
- Room Temperature Butter and Egg: Ensure your butter for the base is softened and your egg is at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the sweet potato mixture, preventing a curdled texture.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg to your preference, or even add a pinch of allspice or ground ginger for a deeper flavor profile.
- Toasting Pecans (Optional but Recommended): For an even richer pecan flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the topping mixture. Let them cool completely before using.
- Preventing a Soggy Topping: Make sure your melted butter for the topping isn’t too hot, as this can affect the crumbly texture. Also, sprinkle the topping evenly so it bakes consistently.
- Preparation Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato base mixture up to 1-2 days in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and then add the pecan topping just before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole remains delicious, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. After it has fully cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. If freezing the whole casserole, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe dish and tightly wrapped with aluminum foil and then plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling. From the refrigerator, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until warm.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole truly is a revelation, offering gourmet taste with surprising simplicity. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or elevate your family meal, bringing comfort and indulgence to any table. Don’t hesitate—give this incredible recipe a try and create new delicious memories in your kitchen!
Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs
- Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
- A: While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes (drained very well) as a shortcut. Ensure they are unsweetened for best results.
- Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- A: Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato base mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the pecan topping just before baking for the best texture.
- Q: What if I don’t like pecans?
- A: No problem! You can substitute other chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds in the topping, or omit nuts entirely and just use the flour, brown sugar, and butter for a streusel topping.
- Q: Is this casserole very sweet?
- A: This casserole has a balanced sweetness, but the sugar content can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the sugar in both the sweet potato base and the topping by 1/4 cup each.
- Q: Can I add marshmallows instead of the pecan topping?
- A: Absolutely! For a classic marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole, omit the pecan topping. Instead, add a layer of mini marshmallows during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or until they are golden brown and gooey.
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Easy Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.3 lbs sweet potatoes
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth.
- Create the Sweet Potato Base: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, softened butter, milk, beaten egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, Pinch salt
- Prepare a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or an equivalent oven-safe casserole dish) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture: Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans.1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup chopped pecans
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. If the topping starts to get too dark, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.