If you’ve ever eaten at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, you know their sweet potato casserole is unforgettable. Sweet, buttery, and topped with a crunchy pecan crumble — it’s a true star. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for a fancy night out to enjoy it. Today, I’ll show you how to make a mouthwatering Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole right at home. It’s surprisingly simple, and perfect for any holiday or cozy dinner. Curious about the original inspiration? Check out the official Ruth’s Chris Menu here.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to recreate this classic. Here’s what you’ll need for the sweet potato base:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the crunchy topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup melted butter
No pecans? No problem. You can swap in walnuts or make it nut-free. Want even more cozy side ideas? Try this Sweet Potato Cornbread recipe too!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy. A hand mixer (or just a strong whisk), a couple of mixing bowls, a spatula, and a 9×13-inch baking dish will do the trick. A food processor is optional but great for ultra-smooth sweet potatoes.
How to Make Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
First, roast or boil your sweet potatoes. Roasting gives deeper flavor. Just prick them with a fork and bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes. Let them cool, peel, and mash until smooth. Boiling is faster — peel, cube, simmer until tender, and mash.
- Make the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, and melted butter. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy. Tip: Adjust the sugar if your sweet potatoes are already really sweet!
- Create the Crunchy Topping
In another bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. It should look crumbly. This topping is the magic part — sweet, nutty, and caramelized after baking.
- Assemble and Bake
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in your baking dish. Top it with the pecan crumble. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool a few minutes before digging in.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Want to make it even better?
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- For super silky potatoes, whip them with a food processor.
- Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to keep it light.
- Make it ahead: prep the base and topping separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking.
Want a slightly different twist? Check out this Sweet Potato Casserole variation for inspiration!
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut-free: Skip the pecans and use oats or crushed graham crackers in the topping.
- Dairy-free: Swap in plant-based butter and almond milk.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Individual servings: Bake in ramekins for a cute dinner party idea!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat at 300°F in the oven or microwave for about a minute.
- Freeze (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pretty darn close! This copycat captures the same rich, sweet, nutty vibe that Ruth’s Chris is famous for.
Absolutely. Make the base and topping separately, refrigerate, and bake when needed. Perfect for busy holidays.
Walnuts, almonds, oats, or even gingersnaps. Get creative!
Yes! Assemble, freeze, thaw overnight, and bake. Add 5–10 extra minutes if needed. For more freezing tips, check out Serious Eats’ guide.
Conclusion
Making a copycat Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole at home is easier than you think — and it’s insanely delicious. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and that unforgettable sweet crunch make this dish a holiday hero. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just craving something special, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and taste the magic! Don’t forget to save and share this recipe — it’ll be your new go-to favorite.