Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’ve ever savored the heavenly side dish that is the Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, you know it’s the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and crunchy pecan goodness. This dish transforms humble sweet potatoes into an unforgettable casserole that can steal the show at any gathering. With its velvety base and the irresistible pecan crumble topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes your holiday dinners or family meals feel extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s lending creaminess, sweetness, or that warm, cozy flavor we all crave. Together, they create a sweet potato casserole that’s both comforting and elegant.

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks: The foundation of the dish, these provide natural sweetness and creaminess when cooked and mashed.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds bright sweetness that balances the earthiness of the potatoes.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Introduces a deep molasses flavor that enriches the casserole’s taste.
• 2 large eggs: Help bind the sweet potato mixture, giving it a luscious and firm texture once baked.
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to keep the casserole silky smooth.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich buttery flavor and enhances creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle fragrant sweetness that heightens the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the dish with a hint of spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements cinnamon with a gentle nutty aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet ingredients perfectly.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (for topping): Sweetens the toasted pecans for an irresistible crunch.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the pecan topping, helping it hold together.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Binds the topping ingredients and adds buttery richness.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: The star crunch element that gives the casserole its classic texture and nuttiness.

How to Make Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks, about the size of your thumb. Boil them in a large pot of water until fork-tender, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. This gentle cooking softens the potatoes perfectly for mashing, creating the creamy foundation for your casserole.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Base

Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well to avoid excess moisture. Then in a large bowl, mash them until completely smooth—it’s key to getting that luscious texture. Stir in both sugars, eggs, milk or cream, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The mixture will transform into a decadent, creamy batter ready to fill your dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish and Transfer Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy serving and cleanup. Spoon your silky sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish and smooth the surface with a spatula; this sets the stage for the topping to shine beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Use your fingers or a fork to break up the butter and mix everything until you get a crumbly, sandy texture. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, making sure every bite gets some of that buttery, nutty goodness. Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is crisp and golden, and the filling is bubbling gently along the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes so it can set perfectly. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or some toasted marshmallows on top right before serving. This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and textural harmony.

How to Serve Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Freshly whipped cream, mini toasted marshmallows, or a light dusting of cinnamon can elevate this dish beautifully. These little touches add a festive flair and enhance the cozy, comforting vibe that makes this casserole so special.

Side Dishes

This sweet potato casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken. Its sweetness provides a perfect balance alongside hearty proteins and fresh vegetable sides, turning a meal into a memorable celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For individual servings, try baking the casserole in small ramekins or muffin tins. This makes for charming presentation at holiday dinners or potlucks, plus it’s easier to portion out. You could also layer the casserole in a trifle dish for a festive look, alternating the pecan topping and sweet potato base.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled dish in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. For best results, enjoy within 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. To crisp up the pecan topping again, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking. This trick brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic every time.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk or cream with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for both the base and topping. The texture might shift slightly but the flavors will remain delightful.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato base and the pecan topping separately, then assemble just before baking. This helps save time on the day of your meal while still serving a fresh, hot casserole.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use other nuts?

Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes and will still add a wonderful crunch. Just chop them roughly and follow the same topping instructions. Each nut will bring a slightly different but delicious flavor.

Is there a way to make this casserole less sweet?

You can reduce the granulated and brown sugars slightly if you prefer a more subdued sweetness. Just remember the sugars also affect texture, so don’t cut too much or the casserole might be less creamy or the topping less crisp.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes give you the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain and mash them well before mixing in the other ingredients. Keep an eye on the moisture so the consistency doesn’t become too runny.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, rich flavors of the Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole to bring warmth and joy to your table. It’s a dish that’s as inviting as it is delicious, perfect for making any meal feel like a special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the buttery pecan topping with creamy sweet potatoes for yourself—it’s truly a love letter to a classic favorite!

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