Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Creamy, Crunchy & Holiday-Perfect

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or just want a comforting side, this casserole will win over everyone at the table.

📌 Table of Contents

1. What Makes This Recipe Famous?
2. Ingredients for the Casserole Base
3. How to Make the Pecan Topping
4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
5. Tips for Creamy Sweet Potatoes
6. Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions
7. Serving Suggestions
8. Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
9. Frequently Asked Question

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Focus Keyword: Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe
• Famous steakhouse-style sweet potato side dish
• Buttery, smooth base with crunchy pecan topping
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks
• Easily made ahead or frozen
• Family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easy to double
• Adaptable with canned yams or fresh sweet potatoes

---

🥧 1. What Makes This Recipe Famous?

The Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole stands out for its perfect balance of textures and flavors:

• A silky, sweet mashed sweet potato filling
• A golden, buttery pecan streusel topping
• A dish that eats more like dessert than dinner

It’s been featured on holiday tables across the U.S. thanks to its blend of classic Southern comfort and restaurant-style sophistication.

Unlike many sweet potato casseroles topped with marshmallows, Ruth’s version uses a candied pecan crumble, making it more elegant and less sugary.

🥔 2. Ingredients for the Casserole Base

To recreate the iconic Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe, you’ll start with a rich and creamy sweet potato filling. You can use fresh sweet potatoes or a canned shortcut — both work beautifully!

🎯 Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Mashed sweet potatoes	3 cups (about 3–4 large)	Roasted, boiled, or canned yams work
Sugar	1 cup	Granulated; adjust to taste
Salt	½ tsp	Enhances flavor
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Adds warmth and depth
Beaten eggs	2	Helps bind the casserole
Butter (melted)	½ cup (1 stick)	Adds richness and creamy texture

🧁 Want it lighter? You can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or use coconut sugar as an alternative.

🥫 Using Canned Yams?

If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes or yams (like Bruce’s Yams) are a perfect substitute:

• Use one 40 oz can, drained
• Mash before mixing
• You may want to reduce the sugar slightly, as canned yams are often pre-sweetened

These ingredients form the base of the dish — sweet, creamy, and indulgent. Up next, we’ll build the iconic crunchy pecan topping that sets this casserole apart.

🥜 3. How to Make the Pecan Topping

The crunchy, buttery pecan topping is what makes this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe truly unforgettable. Unlike marshmallow-topped casseroles, this version uses a nutty streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven — giving every bite texture and contrast.

🧾 Ingredients for the Topping

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Brown sugar	1 cup	Light or dark; adds sweetness and depth
All-purpose flour	⅓ cup	Helps form the crumb structure
Chopped pecans	1 cup	Toasted for extra flavor (optional)
Butter (melted)	⅓ cup	Unsalted; binds the crumble

🥣 Mixing Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and pecans.
2. Pour in the melted butter.
3. Stir with a fork until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

🧁 Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

🥄 Make Ahead Tip

You can make the topping 1–2 days in advance:

• Store it in an airtight container
• Refrigerate until ready to bake
• Sprinkle over the casserole just before it goes into the oven

This topping becomes golden and crisp during baking, adding a candied crunch that perfectly balances the sweet, creamy base.

👨‍🍳 4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bring this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe to life? Follow these step-by-step directions for perfect results every time — whether you’re preparing for a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner.

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.

🥣 Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • ½ tsp salt
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • 2 beaten eggs
   • ½ cup melted butter
2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer for extra fluffiness.

🧁 Step 3: Spread Into Dish

• Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.

🥜 Step 4: Add the Pecan Topping

• Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base.

👌 Don’t press it down! You want the topping to stay light and crumbly so it crisps up in the oven.

⏲️ Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–35 minutes
• The top should be golden brown and bubbly around the edges

🌿 Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
• This allows the topping to set and the flavors to fully develop.

🍽️ Serve warm — it’s even better than dessert!

Up next, we’ll cover pro tips to ensure your sweet potatoes are always smooth and flavorful.

🥄 5. Tips for Creamy Sweet Potatoes

A smooth, velvety filling is what makes this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe so luxurious. Here are simple but essential tips to help you achieve that perfect, creamy texture every time.

🥔 1. Use Roasted or Boiled Sweet Potatoes

• Roasted sweet potatoes: Bring out a natural caramelized sweetness and reduce wateriness.
• Boiled sweet potatoes: Quicker, but make sure to drain well and let them steam dry before mashing.

🧠 Avoid overly watery sweet potatoes — they can make the casserole soggy.

🥣 2. Mash Thoroughly (or Blend)

For ultra-smooth filling, you can:

• Mash with a hand mixer
• Use a food processor
• Or a potato ricer for a fine, fluffy texture

🧈 3. Don’t Skip the Butter

Butter adds richness, moisture, and flavor. Melt it before adding to ensure it distributes evenly.

🧁 4. Taste Before Baking

The filling is safe to taste before baking (no raw meat or flour), so:

• Adjust sugar to your sweetness preference
• Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves if you like a warmer, spiced version

🥚 5. Use Room Temperature Eggs

Cold eggs can cause curdling in warm mashed sweet potatoes. Beat eggs in a separate bowl and let them sit out for 5–10 minutes before mixing in.

❄️ 6. Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

One reason this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe is a holiday hero? It’s incredibly make-ahead friendly. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving or saving leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat it the right way.

🕒 Make-Ahead Instructions

🧊 Option 1: Assemble, Then Chill

• Prepare the sweet potato base and pecan topping as directed.
• Assemble the casserole (without baking).
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

🧁 Add the topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

🔥 Reheating from the Fridge

• Let the chilled casserole sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
• Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.

❄️ Freezer Instructions

🧊 Option 2: Freeze Before Baking

• Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish.
• Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

📦 Label with baking instructions and the date.

🔥 Reheating from Frozen

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes, or until hot in the center and crisp on top.

🥣 Storing Leftovers

Method	How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator	Up to 4 days (in airtight container)
Freezer	Up to 2 months (well-wrapped)

✅ This casserole holds up well to freezing, even with the topping. Just re-crisp in the oven before serving.

🍽️ 7. Serving Suggestions

This Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe is rich, sweet, and a little indulgent — which means it pairs best with savory, balanced dishes that bring contrast and variety to your table.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, here’s what to serve it with:

🍗 Main Dishes

Main Course	Why It Works
Roast turkey	Classic Thanksgiving combo
Honey glazed ham	Sweet meets savory in perfect balance
Prime rib or roast beef	Elevates holiday feasts
Grilled or roasted chicken	Light but hearty pairing
Smoked pork tenderloin	Smoky flavor balances sweetness

🥦 Veggie Sides

Side Dish	Why It Works
Green bean casserole	A textural and savory complement
Roasted Brussels sprouts	Slight bitterness balances sweetness
Garlic sautéed spinach	Earthy and light
Steamed broccoli	Keeps the plate green and healthy

🍞 Breads & Extras

• Dinner rolls
• Cornbread
• Cranberry sauce
• Apple chutney

🍷 Drink Pairings

Beverage	Why It Works
Chardonnay	Buttery and crisp, enhances the filling
Pinot Noir	Light red that won’t overpower
Sparkling apple cider	Family-friendly and festive
Iced tea or lemonade	Refreshing balance for rich flavors

💡 Hosting tip: Serve this casserole in a white or cream ceramic dish — it highlights the golden topping and makes it feel restaurant-worthy.

🧾 8. Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe. This estimate assumes the casserole is divided into 12 portions and includes both the sweet potato filling and pecan topping.

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	380–420 kcal
Protein	3–4 g
Carbohydrates	42–46 g
Sugar	28–32 g
Fat	22–25 g
Saturated Fat	10–12 g
Fiber	3–4 g
Cholesterol	60–70 mg
Sodium	180–220 mg

⚠️ Note: Values vary depending on brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.

🥄 Want to Make It Lighter?

Try these tweaks:

• Reduce the sugar in the filling to ¾ cup
• Use light butter or plant-based alternatives
• Cut the topping recipe in half for fewer calories and fat
• Substitute almond flour for a lower-carb topping

This keeps all the flavor with a little less richness.

❓ 9. Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re making the Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are answers to the most common ones to help you get it just right.

🥫 Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes! Canned yams or sweet potatoes (like Bruce’s Yams) work well:

• Use about 40 ounces of canned sweet potatoes
• Drain them thoroughly before mashing
• Since they’re often pre-sweetened, you may want to reduce the added sugar slightly

🧁 Can I make this without nuts?

Absolutely. If you or your guests have nut allergies:

• Omit the pecans
• Replace them with rolled oats or crushed cornflakes in the topping
• You can also add mini marshmallows for a classic touch

❄️ Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?

Yes — this recipe freezes beautifully:

• Before baking: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months
• After baking: Cool completely, cover, and freeze
• Reheat at 350°F until warmed through (30–40 minutes)

🔁 Can I double the recipe?

Yes, and it’s perfect for crowds. Double all ingredients and bake in a large roasting pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

⏱️ Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it’s one of the best make-ahead holiday recipes.

• Assemble the entire dish 1–2 days before baking
• Store in the fridge covered
• Add the topping right before it goes in the oven for best texture

🥄 How do I mash the sweet potatoes?

You can mash using:

• A hand masher for a chunkier texture
• A hand mixer or food processor for a smooth, whipped base

Avoid overmixing with a blender — it can make the filling gluey.

Sharing is caring!