Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole (The ONLY Copycat Recipe You Need)

There are certain restaurant dishes that become legendary, the kind you think about long after the meal is over. The famous Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is undeniably one of them. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, velvety sweet potatoes and a crunchy, buttery pecan crust. It’s less of a side dish and more of a dessert that you’re given permission to eat with your main course. If you’ve been searching for a way to bring that steakhouse magic to your own holiday table, you’ve found it. This is the only copycat recipe you’ll ever need.

We’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to ensure it perfectly captures the decadent flavor and texture of the original. It’s destined to become the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

What sets this recipe apart from the countless other sweet potato dishes out there? It’s all about the texture and the perfectly balanced sweetness. Here’s why it’s a guaranteed hit:

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes exactly like the iconic steakhouse version.
• Incredibly Decadent: The creamy sweet potato base melts in your mouth, while the crunchy pecan streusel provides the perfect textural contrast.
• The Ultimate Holiday Side: While perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a welcome addition to any special meal. It pairs beautifully with everything from turkey to ham. Consider serving it alongside a perfectly roasted spatchcock turkey.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet reputation, this recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

The Secret Ingredients for an Authentic Taste

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. There are two main components: the sweet potato filling and the irresistible pecan topping.

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show. Baking them is key to a dense, flavorful filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the natural flavor of the potatoes.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the casserole structure and a rich, custardy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream: Creates that signature creamy, luxurious consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.

For the Pecan Streusel Topping:

• Light Brown Sugar: Offers a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness than granulated sugar.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the streusel, it helps create those delightful crunchy clusters.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings the topping together and ensures it bakes into a golden, crispy crust.
• Pecans: Coarsely chopped pecans are essential for that signature nutty crunch.

Essential Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this casserole. Here are the basics:

• Baking Sheet (for baking the potatoes)
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand)
• 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch Baking Dish
• Small Bowl (for the topping)

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect sweet potato casserole. We’ll walk you through preparing the potatoes, mixing the filling, creating the topping, and baking it to golden-brown perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry your sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until they are very tender and easily pierced with a knife. Let them cool just enough to handle, then peel the potatoes and discard the skins. This baking method concentrates the sugars and results in a much more flavorful base than boiling.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potato flesh, sugar, melted butter, egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Pour this beautiful filling into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans. Don’t overmix; you want to maintain that streusel-like texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato filling, covering the entire surface. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Bake, Don’t Boil: Boiling sweet potatoes adds water, which can lead to a soggy casserole. Baking concentrates their natural sweetness and flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the filling, allow the egg and heavy cream to come to room temperature for a smoother, more homogenous mixture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the topping. You want it to be a beautiful golden brown, not burnt. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent it with foil.
• Fresh is Best: While you can use canned sweet potato purée in a pinch, fresh-baked sweet potatoes will always yield the best flavor and texture for this Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.

Delicious Variations to Try

While the classic recipe is perfection, you can certainly make it your own. For a warm, spiced version, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the sweet potato filling. For a different nutty flavor, try substituting walnuts or almonds in the topping. If you’re looking for more holiday baking inspiration, these decadent pumpkin cinnamon rolls are a fantastic choice.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This is a great recipe for getting ahead on holiday prep. Its versatility makes it a must-have for any busy cook.

Making it Ahead:

You can prepare the entire casserole up to two days in advance. Assemble the filling and the topping, but store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, spread the filling in the dish, add the topping, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Storing Leftovers:

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

The best way to reheat this casserole is in the oven. Place it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps the topping re-crisp. You can also microwave individual portions.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate sidekick to any holiday main course. It complements roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a beautiful beef roast perfectly. For a truly complete meal, serve it alongside some savory sides. Looking for an amazing main dish? Try this hearty chicken and broccoli casserole. And don’t forget the bread! These quick 30-minute dinner rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

The Best Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole (The ONLY Copycat Recipe You Need)

This copycat Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe delivers the authentic steakhouse experience with its ultra-creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping. The perfect decadent side dish for any holiday meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Sweet Potato Filling

• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes from about 3 large sweet potatoes, baked
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping

• 1 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped

Equipment

• 1 Baking Dish (8x8 or 9x9 inch)
• 1 Electric Mixer
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 60-75 minutes until very tender. Allow to cool slightly, then peel and mash the flesh. You will need 3 cups for the recipe.
2. In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until completely smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar and flour. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Fold in the chopped pecans.
4. Pour the sweet potato filling into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 5gFat: 35gFiber: 4g

Notes

Baking vs. Boiling: For the most authentic flavor, always bake your sweet potatoes. This caramelizes their natural sugars and prevents a watery casserole.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole without the topping and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Prepare the topping and store it separately. Add the topping just before baking, adding about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Keyword ruth's chris copycat,sweet potato casserole,thanksgiving side dish

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We know this recipe will become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to save it for your next holiday gathering! Pin this recipe on Pinterest to keep it handy and share the steakhouse magic with your friends and family. We love seeing your creations, so feel free to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!