Experience the magic of a steakhouse classic right in your own kitchen with this incredible copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. This beloved dish features incredibly creamy, sweet mashed potatoes crowned with a delightful, crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. It’s no wonder this chris ruth sweet potato casserole is a holiday favorite, gracing tables with its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this perfect homemade version!
Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chris Ruth Sweet Potato Casserole
- Authentic Steakhouse Flavor: Recreate the beloved taste of the iconic Ruth’s Chris side dish at home.
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple step-by-step instructions make this sweet potato casserole accessible for all skill levels.
- Perfect Holiday Side: It’s a cherished addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion meal.
- Irresistible Topping: The crunchy brown sugar pecan crumble adds incredible texture and flavor.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Prepare parts of this dish in advance to save time on busy days.

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Equipment
- Oven
- Casserole dish
- Nonstick spray
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 1/3 cup butter melted
For the casserole
- 3 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs well beaten
- 1/2 cup butter melted (1 stick)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and spray a medium casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- For the crust, combine brown sugar, flour, pecans, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, then chill in the fridge until ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet potatoes, white sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs, and the second portion of melted butter; beat thoroughly with a hand mixer for 3-4 minutes to increase fluffiness.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes; the dish can be covered and refrigerated at this point.
- If the dish was refrigerated ahead of time, reheat the potatoes for 10-20 minutes before adding the crust.
- Sprinkle the chilled crust mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture and return to the oven for 10-20 minutes or until the crumble is browned, then allow to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious chris ruth sweet potato casserole:
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
For the Pecan Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
You have a few options for preparing your sweet potatoes. You can boil, bake, or even microwave them until tender. If you’re short on time, use drained canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Feel free to adjust the amount of white sugar to suit your taste preference; some prefer it less sweet. You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend if needed. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute in both the filling and the topping.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this recipe. Gather a medium-size casserole dish (a 2-quart dish works perfectly), a large mixing bowl, and a hand mixer to achieve that wonderfully fluffy sweet potato mixture. A rubber spatula for scraping and measuring cups and spoons complete your essential kitchen arsenal.
Instructions
Making this chris ruth sweet potato casserole is straightforward! Follow these steps for a perfect result:
- Prepare Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a medium-size casserole dish (around 2 quarts) with nonstick spray.
- Make Pecan Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and ⅓ cup melted butter for the crust. Stir until well combined. Place this mixture in the fridge to chill until you are ready to use it; chilling helps the crumble maintain its texture and prevents it from melting into the sweet potatoes too quickly.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are cooked until very tender. Peel them, then mash them thoroughly until smooth.
- Create Sweet Potato Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup white sugar, salt, vanilla extract, well-beaten eggs, and ½ cup melted butter. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture thoroughly for about 3-4 minutes. This extensive beating incorporates air, making the sweet potato mixture incredibly light and fluffy.
- Bake Initial Layer: Pour the fluffy sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Make Ahead Option: At this point, you can cover the partially baked sweet potato mixture and refrigerate it for up to two days. If you’re baking ahead, make sure to bring the dish to room temperature or reheat the potatoes in the oven for 10-20 minutes before adding the topping. This ensures the casserole heats evenly once the topping is added.
- Add Topping & Final Bake: Remove the dish from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the chilled pecan crumb mixture over the surface of the partially baked sweet potatoes. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until the pecan crumble is golden brown and fragrant.
- Rest & Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving to ensure it holds its shape. This recipe makes about 10 servings.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Chill the Pecan Topping:
Don’t skip chilling the pecan crumble! This crucial step helps the butter in the topping solidify, preventing it from melting too quickly in the oven and creating a crispier, more defined crumble on your chris ruth sweet potato casserole.
Ideal Sweet Potato Consistency:
For the best results, cook your sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender and mash them until completely smooth. Any lumps can detract from the creamy texture. For extra fluffiness, beat the sweet potato mixture for the full 3-4 minutes as instructed, incorporating plenty of air.
Reheating Baked Casserole:
If you’ve made the casserole ahead and refrigerated it, cover it with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Uncover for the last few minutes if the topping needs to crisp up.
Prevent Watery Casserole:
Watery casseroles often result from under-drained sweet potatoes. If boiling, ensure you drain them very well. If using canned, press out excess liquid. Properly beaten eggs also help bind the mixture without adding extra moisture.
Serving, Storing & Variations
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole is a true showstopper, ideal as a holiday side dish. Serve it warm directly from the oven alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. Its sweet and savory profile also pairs beautifully with hearty main courses like pot roast or grilled steaks.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this fully baked sweet potato casserole! Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake (covered with foil) at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
Customize your chris ruth sweet potato casserole! Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the sweet potato mixture. For an even sweeter, classic twist, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking instead of or in addition to the pecan crumble. You can also experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pecans in the topping.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation method. Nutritional values can vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1/8 of recipe |
| Calories | ~450 |
| Total Fat | ~25g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12g |
| Cholesterol | ~80mg |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | ~55g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~4g |
| Total Sugars | ~40g |
| Protein | ~5g |
FAQ
What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
Despite often being used interchangeably, true yams are starchy, less sweet root vegetables with rough, dark skin, while sweet potatoes are sweeter with smoother, typically orange skin. Healthline provides a helpful overview of the differences between sweet potatoes and yams. This chris ruth sweet potato casserole recipe uses sweet potatoes.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and mash them well before incorporating them into the recipe.
Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and bake it for 25 minutes. Then, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days before adding the topping and finishing the bake.
How do I prevent my sweet potato casserole from being watery?
Ensure your cooked sweet potatoes are very well drained and mashed properly. Beating the mixture for a few minutes also helps create a lighter texture that’s less prone to being watery.
Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?
Absolutely! For a classic variation, simply add a layer of mini marshmallows to the top of the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, until they are golden and toasted.
Conclusion
This copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a truly irresistible dish that brings gourmet flavor to your home kitchen. Its creamy sweet potato base, combined with that perfectly crunchy pecan topping, creates a delightful experience that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy a holiday classic or elevate any meal. Give this chris ruth sweet potato casserole a try, and watch it become a new favorite tradition. Share your creations and thoughts in the comments below!




