Description

If you’ve ever been to a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know that their Sweet Potato Casserole is famous for good reason—it’s a star dish that has earned its place on tables across the country. Bursting with the natural sweetness of perfectly baked sweet potatoes and topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan crust, this dish is nothing short of culinary heaven. The moment you take your first bite, it wraps you in a warm embrace, reminding you of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and that cherished home-cooked comfort.

Preparing this delightful casserole is incredibly straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both those who are seasoned in the kitchen and for beginners eager to impress. Whether you're preparing it for a festive feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire. The exquisite blend of flavors and textures creates an irresistible dish that effortlessly combines elegance and comfort.

Ready to dive into a culinary adventure? Gather your ingredients, slip on your apron, and let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients

• The beauty of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive delight:
• *For the Sweet Potato Base:*
• Four large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled (approximately four cups when mashed)
• One cup granulated sugar
• Half a cup melted butter
• Two large eggs, beaten
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• Half a cup milk
• *For the Pecan Topping:*
• One cup chopped pecans
• One cup brown sugar
• One third cup all-purpose flour
• One third cup melted butter
• *Optional variations and substitutions:*
• - For a healthier option, you can reduce the sugar quantity or substitute with brown sugar or maple syrup for added depth.
• - If you want to add a hint of spice, consider incorporating ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the sweet potato mixture.
• - You can use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
• - For added flavor, try using vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
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Preparation Method

Creating Ruth’s Chris-inspired Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful journey. Follow these steps to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

To begin, cook the sweet potatoes until tender. You can either boil them in a large pot of water or bake them in the oven. If you choose the oven method, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, and bake for about 45-60 minutes or until fork-tender. Allow them to cool slightly after cooking, then peel away the skin. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

While the sweet potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking your casserole, ensuring it heats through evenly while creating a crispy topping.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar. The sugar will enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Next, drizzle in the melted butter, which creates a rich and buttery flavor profile. Whisk in the beaten eggs, making sure to integrate them thoroughly into the mixture; this will give the casserole structure as it bakes. Add the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and the milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Mix everything until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Once you have your sweet potato base ready, it’s time to transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Ensure the dish is evenly coated with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. The vibrant orange hue of the sweet potatoes will begin to dazzle your eyes, promising a delicious dish ahead.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the crown jewel of the casserole—the pecan topping. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans—these will provide a wonderful crunch with every bite—with brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients until they create a crumbly texture; this topping will caramelize beautifully in the oven, forming a sweet and crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sweet potato base.

Sprinkle this pecan mixture generously over the sweet potato layer. Don’t be shy; the more topping, the better! Ensuring a comprehensive layer on top can create an irresistible crunchiness, heightening each enjoyable bite.

Now your casserole is assembled and ready to bake. Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Watch the surface closely; you’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the sweet potatoes are heated through. The intoxicating aroma wafting from the oven will have your mouth watering in anticipation!

Once baked, carefully take the casserole out of the oven, allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes for easier serving.

Enjoy this heavenly Sweet Potato Casserole warm, as is, or alongside your favorite main dishes, such as roasted turkey or glazed ham. The combination of textures and flavors will delight your palate and bring warmth to any table.

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Tips and Conclusion

For a perfect pairing, consider serving this delightful casserole alongside herb-roasted turkey or glazed ham during the holidays. It has the versatility to work as both a side dish or even a dessert, thanks to its sweet flavor profile.

If you’re thinking about preparing this in advance, the casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just ensure you cover it tightly with aluminum foil to preserve moisture. When you’re ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and bake as directed. It’s a wonderful way to save time while still treating your guests or family to a delectable homemade dish.

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In the end, making Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just preparing a dish; it’s about creating a moment filled with joy and comforting memories. The blend of rich, creamy sweet potatoes with the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping makes this casserole truly unforgettable—perfect for any celebration, or just because!

As you savor each mouthful of this casserole, you can take pride in the loving effort that went into making it. Serve it at your next family gathering, and watch as loved ones gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories enhanced by the flavors of your delicious creation.

Looking to expand your culinary repertoire? Don’t stop here! Explore our collection of holiday recipes, delicious desserts, and enticing appetizers that will elevate any meal. If you enjoyed making this casserole, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, so they can create their own sweet potato masterpiece. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and love!