When the holiday season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a bustling sanctuary of comforting aromas and festive flavors. The first time I made this Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole, I was taken aback by how one dish could evoke such joy and warmth! Rich, creamy sweet potatoes meld seamlessly with a irresistible brown sugar pecan crust, creating a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

This recipe is a beautiful homage to the beloved dish from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, yet it’s simple enough for your weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Plus, the delightful blend of sweetness and crunch makes it the perfect crowd-pleaser. Whether you find yourself at the head of a Thanksgiving table or just looking to spice up your meal plan, this casserole aims to impress. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the comforting world of homemade goodness!

Why is the Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole a Must-Try?

Indulgent flavors: This casserole combines creamy, sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping for an unforgettable taste experience.
Effortless preparation: You can whip this up easily, making it your go-to side dish for holidays or weeknight meals.
Versatile variations: Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs, like using almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Crowd-pleasing appeal: With its rich flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends at any gathering!
Perfect for leftovers: Enjoy it again as a deliciously comforting dish that keeps well in the fridge—just like with my Cheesy Potato Broccoli recipe!
Dig into this delightful casserole and transform your dining experience!

Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

For the Casserole
• Sweet Potatoes – Provide the base and natural sweetness; you can replace fresh with canned sweet potatoes for convenience.
• Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; feel free to reduce for a less sweet version.
• Eggs – Act as a binder for structure; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and warmth to the filling; optional, but it brings out the sweet flavors beautifully.
• Melted Butter – Contributes richness and moisture; opt for plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative.
• Milk or Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess, adjustable based on preference; almond or oat milk can be used for a non-dairy option.
• Salt – Balances sweetness, essential for flavor; do not skip for optimal taste.

For the Topping
• Brown Sugar – Crucial for the sweet, caramelized topping; consider coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the topping and gives it a crumblier texture; substitute with almond or oat flour to make it gluten-free.
• Chopped Pecans – Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; omit for a nut-free version, or replace with rolled oats for similar consistency.
• Additional Melted Butter – Ensures a crunchy crust on top of the casserole; this step is important for achieving that tasty texture.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a warm, comforting plate of Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

How to Make Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. This step is vital for that easy cleanup later!
Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender, then let cool for a few minutes. Once they’ve cooled slightly, mash them until smooth in a large bowl, creating a creamy base for your casserole.
Add the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk to the mashed sweet potatoes; mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This blend creates that delightful, rich filling!
Combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and additional melted butter in another bowl; mix until crumbly, forming the perfect topping for your casserole. The textures will complement each other beautifully!
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. You want an even layer to bake uniformly.
Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer, ensuring it’s distributed evenly for that delicious crunch in every bite.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around!
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving; this makes slicing and dishing up much easier. You’ll appreciate the patience when you see how nice it looks!

Optional: Garnish with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for the Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole

Smooth Texture: Use an electric hand mixer for mashing sweet potatoes. Avoid food processors to prevent a gummy texture in your casserole.
Prep Ahead: Make the filling and topping separately in advance. Store them in the fridge, and then combine before baking for a seamless holiday prep.
Topping Perfection: Ensure the crumb topping is mixed well with no dry flour bits. Bake until the topping turns dark golden to prevent it from being too soft.
Flavor Boost: For a depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. This enhances the overall profile of the Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with rolled oats for a similar texture without the nuts, making the dish accessible to everyone at your table!

How to Store and Freeze Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole

Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. This will keep the casserole fresh and ready to enjoy again soon!

Freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole without the topping for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the topping before baking.

Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole once more!

What to Serve with Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole?

This rich, comforting casserole pairs beautifully with a range of delicious dishes, creating a memorable meal.

Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the casserole complements the salty, savory flavors of glazed ham, creating a perfect balance on your plate.
Roasted Turkey: This delightful side dish is an excellent match for the tender and juicy turkey, enhancing your festive holiday experience.
Grilled Chicken: The subtle smokiness of grilled chicken provides a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy casserole, making every bite enjoyable.
Cranberry Sauce: Bright, tart cranberry sauce cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate between bites of creamy sweet potato goodness.
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette brings a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the casserole while adding a delightful crunch.
Garlic Bread: This buttery, crunchy addition is perfect for scooping up casserole remnants, blending flavors and textures beautifully for a cozy meal.
Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider serves as a lovely beverage that echoes the sweetness of the casserole, rounding out your dining experience.
Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, classic pumpkin pie offers a familiar, warming finish to your holiday feast, continuing the flavor profile of comfort food.

Each pairing enhances the experience, promising a symphony of flavors that will delight everyone gathered at your table!

Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe to suit your taste!

Nut-Free: Substitute pecans with rolled oats for a wonderfully crunchy topping that everyone can enjoy.
Butternut Squash: Swap sweet potatoes with roasted butternut squash for a slightly different flavor that’s equally tasty.
Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter to create a fully vegan version of this comforting dish.
Marshmallow Topping: Add miniature marshmallows on the top layer during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet twist.
Spicy Kick: Increase flavor by adding a dash of cayenne pepper in the sweet potato mixture for a subtle heat.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top before serving for an added sweetness that perfectly complements the dish.
Coconut Sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option while maintaining that sweet topping.
Creamy Variants: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a tropical flair, adding a luscious texture to the sweet potato filling.

Make Ahead Options

These Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor. You can prep the sweet potato filling and pecan topping separately up to 24 hours in advance—just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the sweet potato mixture in your greased baking dish, top with the pecan crumble, and bake as directed. This method not only saves precious time but ensures the casserole is just as delicious on serving day, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free meal without the rush!

Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe FAQs

What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?
You can use fresh sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and flavor, but if you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes are a great alternative! Just ensure they are well-drained before mashing.

How should I store leftover casserole?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week, reheating portions as needed.

Can I freeze the sweet potato casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole, but be sure to leave off the topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and add the topping just before baking.

Why is my topping not crunchy?
To achieve that perfect, crunchy topping, ensure that the brown sugar and flour mixture is well combined before sprinkling it over the sweet potatoes. Bake until you see a dark golden color; this indicates that the topping is adequately cooked and will give you that satisfying crunch.

Are there any dietary adjustments I can make?
Yes! To make this casserole more inclusive, you can use flax eggs in place of regular eggs for a vegan option. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, reduce the granulated sugar or try using coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. If allergies are a concern, you can also substitute the chopped pecans with rolled oats to maintain texture without the nuts.

How do I ensure a smooth sweet potato filling?
For a creamy filling without lumps, I recommend using an electric hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes. Avoid food processors, as they can turn the potatoes gummy. Mix in the remaining ingredients until you get that velvety consistency!

Enjoy diving into this Ultimate Ruth Chris Copycat Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe FAQs as you prepare to create your next delicious dish!

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