If you love Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe brings the restaurant-style holiday favorite right into your kitchen. With its creamy sweet potato filling and crunchy brown sugar pecan crust, this dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Unlike other casseroles, this recipe skips marshmallows, letting the rich flavor of sweet potatoes shine.
We’ll guide you through a step-by-step sweet potato casserole recipe, share pro tips for the perfect pecan topping, and even show you make-ahead options. By the end, you’ll know how to recreate the famous Ruth’s Chris casserole at home, impress your family, and enjoy a truly restaurant-style holiday side dish.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Filling
- 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon orange zest for extra flavor
For the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by prepping the sweet potatoes: peel and chop them, then boil until tender. Mash them with butter, brown sugar, eggs, and cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg for that classic holiday flavor.
For the brown sugar pecan topping, mix pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar until evenly coated. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes into a greased casserole dish, then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving. This method ensures a creamy sweet potato filling with a crunchy pecan crust, just like Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.
Tips & Tricks
For a perfect Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, follow these pro tips:
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for smoother texture.
- Mash thoroughly for a creamy filling without lumps.
- Toast pecans lightly before mixing to enhance crunch and flavor.
- Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry casserole.
- Make it ahead: prepare the filling and topping, store separately, then assemble before baking.
Optional flavor boosts: add orange zest, vanilla, or a dash of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Using the right pan and oven temperature ensures your casserole has restaurant-style perfection, combining rich, creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping every time.
Variations
This Ruth’s Chris copycat casserole can be customized to suit everyone:
- Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free topping.
- Dairy-free/vegan: Replace butter and cream with coconut oil and coconut milk.
- Keto-friendly: Swap sweet potatoes with mashed pumpkin or cauliflower.
For flavor twists, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest to the filling. You can also make mini casseroles or individual servings for easier portioning.
These variations let you enjoy a holiday sweet potato casserole tailored to dietary needs or personal preferences, all while keeping the creamy filling and crunchy pecan topping that makes this recipe Ruth’s Chris style.
Why This Recipe Works
This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole stands out because of the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy sweet potato filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy brown sugar pecan topping, creating a restaurant-style experience at home.
Skipping marshmallows allows the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine. Using fresh ingredients, proper mashing, and toasted pecans ensures every bite is rich and flavorful.
Following these steps guarantees a holiday favorite that’s easy to replicate. The recipe works for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion, making it the ultimate restaurant-style side dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and sure to impress family and guests.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Ruth’s Chris style sweet potato casserole alongside roast turkey, ham, or steak for a complete holiday meal. Garnish with extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for presentation.
For holiday dinners, pair with green beans, cranberry sauce, or dinner rolls to complete the table. Mini versions can be served individually for parties or potlucks.
The combination of creamy filling and crunchy topping makes it not just a side dish, but a highlight of any festive meal, impressing family and guests alike with its restaurant-quality taste.
Nutritional Info & Healthier Swaps
A standard serving contains about 250–300 calories, with rich carbs from sweet potatoes and healthy fats from pecans.
For healthier options:
- Reduce butter or use coconut oil
- Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar
- Use light cream or milk alternatives
These swaps maintain the creamy texture and crunchy topping while making the casserole suitable for diet-conscious eaters. It’s a holiday side dish you can enjoy guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and pecan topping a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. This ensures a fresh, creamy, restaurant-style casserole every time.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture, but you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain well and mash thoroughly for a creamy filling that mimics the original Ruth’s Chris version.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake for a holiday-ready sweet potato side dish.
What nuts can I substitute for pecans?
While pecans are classic, you can use walnuts or almonds if preferred. Toasting them lightly enhances crunch and flavor, keeping the topping rich and nutty.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the creamy filling and crunchy pecan topping.
Conclusion
This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy, rich, and topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan crust, perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.
By following this step-by-step recipe, you can make a restaurant-style casserole at home, impressing family and friends. Try variations, tips, and make-ahead options for a personalized twist.Don’t forget to share your photos, leave a comment, and subscribe for more copycat recipes that bring restaurant flavors to your kitchen.
