Ruths Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Copycat

Isn’t it fascinating how a dish can evoke such warmth and nostalgia? You might be curious about how to replicate the rich, creamy goodness of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole right in your own kitchen. This beloved recipe, with its perfect blend of sweet potatoes and a crunchy praline topping, has become a staple at gatherings. But what if you could master it without stepping foot in the restaurant? Let’s explore some tips and techniques that can transform your holiday table with this delightful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole copycat recipe for its perfect blend of flavors and textures. The creamy sweet potato mixture, combined with sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs, creates a rich base that everyone enjoys.

The addition of a brown sugar and pecan crust gives it a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. This dish is versatile, making it suitable for holidays, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. One of the best things about this recipe is its reliability. You’ll find that it yields consistent results, thanks to the clear steps and precise ingredient measurements.

Plus, the ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, ensuring you won’t struggle while preparing it. The straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. You can even make it ahead of time, allowing for easy serving when you need it. Nutritionally, sweet potatoes offer fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, while pecans add healthy fats and protein.

The crust mixture adds an additional layer of flavor and texture that enhances the overall experience of this dish. You can adapt the recipe to fit your taste by adjusting sugar levels or spices, making it a truly personalized dish.

History

Sweet potato casserole has a rich history rooted in Southern cuisine. This comforting dish started in the South, where early versions often included ingredients like cream or milk. Over the years, it evolved into the sweet potato casserole we recognize today, frequently gracing tables during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations. The dish has become a cherished part of holiday traditions.

It’s important to understand the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, as they often get confused. Yams, native to Africa and Asia, are starchier and have pale flesh. In contrast, sweet potatoes, native to the Americas, are generally sweeter and have bright orange flesh. This distinction is essential for making an accurate recipe. Additionally, many people mistakenly refer to sweet potatoes as yams, despite them being different vegetables.

The toppings of sweet potato casserole have also changed. The first marshmallow-topped recipe appeared in 1917, likely to promote marshmallows. However, pecans became a staple in Southern recipes, offering a crunchy texture and sweetness.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is well-known for its unique version, featuring a praline topping created by executive chef Jim Cannon. This recipe, which includes vanilla extract, has been widely shared, solidifying its place in culinary history.

Recipe

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Copycat Recipe

This delightful sweet potato casserole is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. With its rich, creamy filling complemented by a crunchy pecan topping, it presents a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or family dinners, it will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your kitchen. The casserole is particularly popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, reflecting its status as a cherished holiday dish.

Making the casserole from scratch is simpler than you might think! By following this recipe, you can recreate the signature flavors and enjoy the warmth of homemade comfort food. Let’s get started by gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing to indulge in this delicious treat.

Ingredients:
– 2-3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
– 3/4 cup to 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 eggs, well beaten
– 1/4 cup to 1 stick melted butter
– 3/4 cup to 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup flour
– 3/4 cup to 1 cup nuts (pecans preferred)
– 1/4 cup to 1/3 stick melted butter (for crust)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin by baking the sweet potatoes for about 1 hour until soft. Once baked, allow them to cool before peeling and mashing them until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture thoroughly until it becomes fluffy and well incorporated.
Grease a baking dish or spray it with nonstick spray. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
In another bowl, prepare the crust mixture by combining brown sugar, flour, nuts, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and crumbly.
Evenly sprinkle the crust mixture over the surface of the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sweet potato filling is firm.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer, you can cover the casserole and refrigerate it before baking the crust, adding an extra 10 minutes of baking time if chilled.

Extra Tips:

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar in the sweet potato mixture for added depth. Additionally, you can customize the nuts in the crust according to your preference, or even omit them entirely for a smoother texture.

When baking, keep an eye on the casserole in the final minutes to verify it doesn’t over-brown. Finally, feel free to experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of the sweet potatoes!

Final Thoughts

This sweet potato casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth to any gathering. When you prepare Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, you’re creating a beloved holiday staple that everyone will enjoy.

The rich, creamy texture balanced with the crunchy brown sugar and pecan topping makes it a standout side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. To achieve that signature taste, using high-quality ingredients is essential. Start with perfectly cooked sweet potatoes, add butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg for a creamy base, then top it off with a mixture of brown sugar, pecans, and flour. This dish is not only a favorite for special occasions but has also become a staple in family gatherings.

The baking process is simple, and the result is a dish that can also double as a comforting snack.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations, like adding marshmallows or making it gluten-free and dairy-free. You can even scale it up for larger gatherings, ensuring that everyone gets a taste.

FAQ

When preparing your sweet potato casserole, it’s natural to have questions about ingredients, techniques, and storage. One common question is whether you can use different types of sweet potatoes. While canned sweet potatoes save time, fresh ones yield better results. Red Garnet yams are a great alternative, offering a richer flavor and a smoother texture.

For the crust, combine brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans, then mix in melted butter to bind everything together. Spread this mixture evenly over your sweet potato base and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a delightful crunch.

If you’re wondering about preparation, you can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply bake at 350° for 30 minutes, then add the crust and bake for another 10 minutes. Additionally, this dish is a holiday feast favorite, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

After removing it from the oven, let the casserole set for at least 30 minutes before serving; this helps the flavors meld.

Lastly, if you’re hosting a large gathering, feel free to double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to use a 2-quart baking dish and preheat your oven to 350° for perfect results!