Ruth Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole

If you’ve ever dined at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know that their Sweet Potato Casserole is a standout side dish that’s both indulgent and comforting. This recipe brings the same delicious, rich flavors to your table, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress. With a sweet, buttery base and a crunchy, nutty topping, this casserole is a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort foods or just looking for a new recipe to try, this Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup brown sugar (reduce sugar to suit)
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred)
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)

For the Sweet Potato Mixture:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (canned or freshly cooked, just drain if using canned)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs (well beaten)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped nuts, and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
3. Mix the Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add the Crust: Sprinkle the prepared crust mixture evenly over the surface of the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips

• Let It Set: Allow the casserole to sit for at least 30 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to serve and ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Garnish: For a touch of extra flavor and presentation, garnish the casserole with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. Fresh herbs like parsley can also add a pop of color if desired.
• Portioning: Use a spatula to serve the casserole in neat squares or scoops. If you’ve baked it in a large dish, consider using a serrated knife to cut it into portions before serving.
• Accompaniments: This sweet potato casserole pairs wonderfully with savory main dishes such as roasted turkey, ham, or beef. It also complements other side dishes like green beans or a crisp salad.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole has cooled to room temperature before covering and refrigerating to prevent condensation.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, slice the casserole into portions before freezing.
• Reheating: To reheat from the refrigerator, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
• Microwave Reheating: For individual portions, you can reheat in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on high in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring as needed, until hot.

Following these serving and storage tips will help ensure your Ruth’s Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole remains delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying it immediately or saving it for later.

Variations :

1. Marshmallow Topping
For a classic twist, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will melt and caramelize, adding a sweet and gooey layer.

2. Pecan Streusel Topping
Instead of the nut crust, make a pecan streusel topping by combining 1 cup chopped pecans with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole before baking for a crunchy, sweet finish.

3. Maple Glaze
Add a touch of maple syrup to the sweet potato mixture for a hint of maple flavor. Replace 1/4 cup of the sugar with pure maple syrup and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

4. Spiced Sweet Potato
Incorporate spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice into the sweet potato mixture. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of each spice and adjust to taste for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

5. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
For a savory version, reduce the sugar in the sweet potato mixture and add savory ingredients like grated cheddar cheese, chopped cooked bacon, or sautéed onions. This variation makes the casserole a more versatile side dish.

6. Nut-Free Version
If you need to make the casserole nut-free, simply omit the nuts from the crust and replace with an additional 1/3 cup of flour and a tablespoon of brown sugar. The casserole will still have a delicious, slightly sweet topping.

7. Coconut Topping
Add a tropical twist by mixing shredded coconut into the crust. Combine 1 cup of shredded coconut with the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter for a unique flavor and texture.

8. Cranberry Sweet Potato Casserole
Add a layer of fresh or dried cranberries between the sweet potato mixture and the crust. The tartness of the cranberries adds a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the casserole.

9. Pumpkin Sweet Potato Casserole
Mix canned pumpkin with the mashed sweet potatoes for a pumpkin-flavored twist. Use 1 cup of canned pumpkin and reduce the sugar slightly for a seasonal variation.

10. Apple-Cinnamon Sweet Potato Casserole
Incorporate diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon into the sweet potato mixture. The apples add a hint of tartness and texture that pairs well with the creamy sweet potatoes.

These variations offer different ways to enhance or modify the classic Ruth’s Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!

FAQs :

1. Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes. Boil, bake, or microwave them until tender, then peel and mash them before using them in the recipe. Be sure to drain any excess moisture.

2. How do I adjust the sweetness of the casserole?
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar used in both the sweet potato mixture and the crust. Taste the sweet potato mixture before adding it to the baking dish to ensure it meets your desired level of sweetness.

3. Can I use a different type of nut for the crust?
Certainly! While pecans are preferred, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them finely and mix them with the brown sugar and flour for the crust.

4. How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
To make the casserole dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free alternative for the melted butter in the sweet potato mixture and for the crust.

5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

6. How do I reheat leftover casserole?
To reheat leftover casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Ruth’s Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole is a decadent and flavorful dish that brings the rich taste of a beloved restaurant favorite into your own kitchen. With its creamy sweet potato base and crunchy, nutty topping, this casserole is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting side dish any time of year. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a family meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the compliments that come with serving this irresistible sweet potato casserole!