Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved side dish that combines creamy, flavorful sweet potatoes with a decadent pecan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side, this casserole is a balance of sweet and savory that will leave everyone wanting seconds.

Ingredients

For the sweet potato base:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, well-beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

For the pecan topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, milk, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, 1/3 cup melted butter, and chopped pecans.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

1. Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with rolled oats or crushed graham crackers for a crunchy topping without nuts.
2. Reduced Sugar: Use less sugar in the sweet potato mixture or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
3. Marshmallow Topping: Swap the pecan topping for a layer of mini marshmallows for a sweeter, kid-friendly version.
4. Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering tightly and refrigerating for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble just before baking.

2. Can I freeze Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?
Any variety works, but orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Beauregard or Garnet) offer the best flavor and texture.

4. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Drain and mash them before using.

5. Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely. Replace the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.

6. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, adjust the sugar to taste or replace it with less refined sweeteners like coconut sugar.

7. How can I prevent the topping from burning?
Cover the casserole with foil if the topping browns too quickly and remove it for the last 5 minutes of baking.

8. What’s the best dish size for this recipe?
A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this casserole.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

10. Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour in the topping with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Conclusion

Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to any meal. With its rich, creamy base and crunchy, buttery topping, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a holiday favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this casserole is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

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