As the crisp autumn air settles in and the scent of spices fills the kitchen, there’s one dish that stands out as the quintessential Thanksgiving showstopper: the famous Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. This beloved recipe, with its creamy sweet potato base and irresistible brown sugar pecan topping, has become a modern classic, earning a loyal following among home cooks and restaurant-goers alike.
Whether you’ve savored this dish at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse or have been longing to recreate its magic in your own kitchen, this guide will walk you through the steps to make the perfect sweet potato casserole right at home. With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-master techniques, you’ll be able to serve up a dish that will have your guests raving and coming back for seconds.
The Legacy Behind Ruth’s Chris Casserole Famous Sweet Potato Dish
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is renowned for its exceptional side dishes, and the iconic sweet potato casserole is no exception. This beloved dish has gained a devoted following, with millions seeking the recipe to recreate its signature flavors. For many, the Ruth’s Chris sweet potato gratin has become a must-have side dish, particularly during the holiday season.
What makes this sweet potato casserole so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a creamy sweet potato base and a decadent pecan crumble topping that adds a delightful crunch. The dish has been a staple on the Ruth’s Chris menu for decades, and has even converted many non-sweet potato enthusiasts into loyal fans.
“The Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole is a holiday classic that has become a tradition for so many families. It’s the perfect side dish to complement the rich flavors of a holiday meal.”
The legacy of this iconic dish can be traced back to the founding of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in 1965. Ruth Fertel, the founder, was known for her commitment to high-quality dishes showcasing the best of Louisiana cuisine. The sweet potato casserole, rooted in Southern cooking, was a perfect fit for the menu and became a fan favorite.
Ruth’s Chris sweet potato gratin remains a beloved dish, enjoyed as a holiday side or with steak dinners.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Ruth’s Chris Side Dish
Creating the ultimate sweet potato casserole requires carefully selected ingredients, with the base and pecan topping defining Ruth’s Chris flavor.
Sweet Potato Base Components
This casserole starts with 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, and melted butter. These ingredients work together to create a silky-smooth and subtly sweet potato filling.
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Ingredients
The crowning glory of the Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole is the irresistible pecan topping. This layer combines brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
Kitchen Tools Required for your Ruth’s Chris Casserole Recipe
- A large casserole dish to assemble and bake the casserole
- An electric mixer or hand mixer to ensure a smooth, creamy sweet potato base
- Measuring cups and spoons for precisely portioning out the ingredients
- A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping the pecans
- A spatula or spoon for easy serving and portioning
With these essential ingredients and tools, you’ll be well on your way to recreating the iconic Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole in your own kitchen.
Why This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Bake Stands Out
The Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a family favorite and a must-have side dish at Thanksgiving. This rich, creamy dish stands out for its perfect balance of sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping. This recipe swaps marshmallow fluff for a brown sugar and pecan crumble, elevating the flavor and texture.
What makes this Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole so special is the chef-inspired blend of ingredients and cooking techniques. The recipe uses Beauregard sweet potatoes, known for their vibrant color and natural sweetness, which complement the brown sugar and vanilla. The fluffy sweet potato base is topped with chilled pecans, creating a delightful texture contrast.
| Key Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 3 cups (cooked and mashed) |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup |
| Chopped Pecans | 1 cup |
| Butter (melted) | 1/3 cup |
| Flour | 1/3 cup |
The versatility of this thanksgiving casserole is another standout feature. Serve it as a side dish or dessert, complementing main courses like steak or roast turkey. You can make it ahead and freeze it, making it a stress-free addition to any holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a new twist on a classic recipe, the Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole will impress.
Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes: Three Foolproof Methods
When it comes to crafting the perfect Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, the foundation lies in properly preparing the star ingredient – the sweet potatoes. Fortunately, you have three foolproof methods to cook your sweet potatoes to perfection, each offering its own unique advantages.
Baking Method
For a classic baked sweet potato, preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork. Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife can easily pierce through the flesh. This method results in a delightfully caramelized exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Boiling Technique
If you prefer a quicker cooking method, boiling the sweet potatoes is a great option. Simply peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Quick Microwave Option
For those in a hurry, the microwave offers a convenient and fast way to prepare your sweet potatoes. Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are soft and easily pierced with a knife. This method is a time-saver, making it the preferred choice for many home cooks.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, aim to use 3-4 large sweet potatoes to yield approximately 3 cups of mashed sweet potato. We highly recommend the Beauregard variety for its rich, orange flesh and exceptional sweetness.
With these three foolproof methods for preparing your sweet potatoes, you’re well on your way to creating the perfect foundation for the renowned Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.
Creating the Creamy Sweet Potato Base
The foundation of the renowned Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is the creamy, smooth sweet potato mixture. To achieve this signature texture, you’ll need to combine the mashed sweet potatoes with a few key ingredients and blend them thoroughly.
Start by cooking and mashing 4 cups of sweet potatoes. Use freshly cooked potatoes for the best flavor, as their freshness is crucial. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer for 3-4 minutes to incorporate air and increase the fluffiness of the creamy sweet potatoes.
Next, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ½ cup of whole milk in a separate bowl. Gradually add this liquid mixture to the sweet potato mixture, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. This step ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed without over-whipping the sweet potato mixture.
The key to a truly creamy and lump-free consistency is to add the sugar to the hot sweet potatoes, which prevents any graininess from developing. Additionally, mixing the wet ingredients separately before incorporating them into the sweet potatoes helps maintain the fluffy texture.
With the creamy sweet potato base now ready, you can move on to building the signature pecan crumble topping that makes this dish so irresistible.
Mastering the Pecan Crumble Topping
Elevate your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with a decadent pecan crumble topping. This crunchy, sweet, and nutty layer is the perfect complement to the creamy sweet potato base. To achieve the perfect texture, follow these essential steps.
Achieving the Perfect Crumb Texture
The key to a delightful pecan crumble topping lies in the balance of the ingredients. Start by combining brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Gently fold in melted butter until the mixture forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense, heavy topping.
Once the pecan topping is ready, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. Chilling the mixture helps maintain its crumbly texture and prevents it from melting into the sweet potatoes during baking.
Proper Storage of Topping
- If you have any leftover pecan topping, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- When ready to use, simply sprinkle the chilled topping over the sweet potato base and bake according to the recipe instructions.
- Bake the topping until it turns slightly browned and crunchy for perfection.
Remember, the pecan crumble topping is the crowning glory of this beloved Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. By mastering the technique, you’ll elevate your homemade version to new heights of flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/3 cup |
| Chopped Pecans | 1 cup |
| Melted Butter | 1/3 cup |
“The pecan topping is the crowning glory of this beloved Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. By mastering the technique, you’ll elevate your homemade version to new heights of flavor and texture.”
Step-by-Step Ruth’s Chris Potato Casserole Assembly Instructions
Preparing the perfect sweet potato casserole recipe at home is easier than you might think. Once you’ve mastered the creamy sweet potato base and the irresistible pecan crumble topping, the final step is assembling your casserole to achieve that signature Ruth’s Chris Steak House flavor. Follow these simple steps to bring this beloved dish to your own table.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Gently pour the smooth, velvety sweet potato mixture into a well-greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the dish, ensuring a level surface.
- Retrieve the chilled pecan topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle it liberally and evenly over the top of the sweet potato base.
- Carefully place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-20 minutes, or until the pecan crumble is lightly browned and toasted.
- Remove the sweet potato casserole from the oven and let it set for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping sweet potato casserole recipe that captures the essence of the renowned Ruth’s Chris version. Savor the rich, creamy sweet potato base and the irresistible crunch of the pecan topping in every bite.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Yields | 4 – 6 servings |
| Prep Time | 10 mins |
| Total Time | 2 hrs 45 mins |
| Calories per Serving | 955 |
Remember, with a little care and attention, you can recreate the magic of Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s famous sweet potato casserole recipe right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
Ruth’s Chris Baked Casserole Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Get a head start on your Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole by preparing it in advance. You can refrigerate the casserole for 3 to 5 days before baking, allowing you to tackle the prep work ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the casserole for 10 to 20 minutes in the oven before adding the delicious pecan topping.
Refrigeration Guidelines
If you prefer, you can also freeze the prepared casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. The make-ahead convenience of this recipe means you can enjoy the comforting flavors of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole even on your busiest days.
Freezing Ruth’s Chris Famous Casserole Instructions
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making this dish a great option for meal planning. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze the casserole, it reheats beautifully and maintains its delectable taste and texture, even at room temperature. Savor the rich, creamy sweet potatoes and indulgent pecan topping whenever the craving strikes.