Introduction
Sweet potato casserole has become a beloved staple on holiday tables across the United States. Its creamy texture, combined with the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a comfort food experience that recalls family gatherings and cozy moments. Inspired by the celebrated dish from Ruth's Chris Steak House, this recipe offers a chance to recreate that decadent experience at home.
What sets this casserole apart is its rich blend of flavors and velvety consistency, made possible by combining sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla. The toasted pecan topping provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness below. You won’t just be serving a side dish; you’ll present a true celebration of autumnal flavors.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering, this copycat recipe not only elevates your table but also allows family and friends to indulge in a rich, nostalgic dish. Here’s your chance to bring that same restaurant quality into your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. They are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this casserole a nutritious choice. - 1/2 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor that enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and contributes to the overall depth of the dish. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and moisture, creating a creamy consistency that balances the dish. Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness, allowing for better flavor adjustment. - 2 large eggs
Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the casserole together while adding a velvety texture. They also provide structure, ensuring the dish isn't too loose. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract brings an aromatic sweetness that complements the flavor profile of the sweet potatoes, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole. - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon imparts warm and cozy spice notes, embodying the essence of holiday flavors that many associate with sweet potato dishes. - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a subtle, distinctive flavor that deepens the creaminess of the sweet potatoes while enhancing their natural sweetness. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt is essential for balancing sweetness and elevating flavors in the dish; it enhances the natural taste of the sweet potatoes. - 1 cup chopped pecans
Pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layer of sweet potatoes, making each bite delightful. - 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Mini marshmallows provide a fun, gooey topping that adds an extra layer of sweetness and a festive touch, especially appealing for special occasions.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven is crucial for ensuring consistent baking temperatures. This step allows the sweet potato casserole to cook evenly, promoting the perfect texture and browning of the top.
Step 2: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks.
Chopping the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces helps them cook evenly and ensures a smooth mashing process later. This allows for a consistent texture throughout the dish.
Step 3: Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender.
Boiling softens the sweet potatoes and facilitates mashing, which is key for achieving a creamy casserole. Tender potatoes mash easily and help create a uniform mixture without lumps.
Step 4: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
Draining excess water prevents the casserole from getting soggy. Returning the sweet potatoes to the pot allows for easier mixing with the other ingredients and keeps them warm.
Step 5: Add brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sweet potatoes.
Combining these ingredients at this stage provides the flavor foundation of your casserole. The warmth of the sweet potatoes helps melt the butter, creating a cohesive mixture.
Step 6: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well blended.
Mixing these spices now ensures they distribute evenly throughout the sweet potatoes. This step is important in building flavor and infusing the casserole with warmth and sweetness.
Step 7: Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased baking dish.
Choosing a greased dish is essential to prevent sticking and allows for easy serving. The transfer should be careful to keep the mixture as smooth and leveled as possible.
Step 8: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans with melted butter and mix well.
This step creates a delightful topping that contributes texture and flavor. The melted butter helps the pecans adhere while roasting, making them golden and fragrant.
Step 9: Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Distributing the pecan topping evenly ensures that each serving presents the perfect bite of sweetness and crunch. It also provides that signature look reminiscent of restaurant served versions.
Step 10: (Optional) Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top.
If you decide to add marshmallows, this step gives an extra layer of sweetness and a nostalgic flavor. They caramelize slightly during baking, adding to the overall appeal.
Step 11: Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and top is golden.
Baking is the finishing touch that melds all the flavors together and creates a beautiful golden crust on the topping. This ensures that your casserole is not only delicious but visually appealing.
The Importance of Quality Sweet Potatoes
Using high-quality sweet potatoes is instrumental for achieving the best flavor and texture in your casserole. Look for firm, smooth-skinned potatoes, as these will yield a creamy consistency when baked. Varieties such as Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes are preferred due to their sweetness and vibrant color, which adds visual appeal to your dish.
Balancing Sweetness with Spice
Achieving the perfect balance between sweetness and spice is crucial in this casserole. While the sweet potatoes and added sugars provide sweetness, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance flavors without overwhelming the dish. Consider adjusting these spices to suit personal tastes, as they can elevate the entire experience by introducing a depth that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Customizing Your Casserole
Personalizing your sweet potato casserole can be a fun way to make this dish uniquely yours. Consider adding ingredients like crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor or experimenting with different nut toppings, such as walnuts or almonds, for a change. You can even incorporate varying spices to highlight seasonal flavors, making it an adaptable recipe for any occasion.
FAQs
What can I do if my sweet potatoes are too watery?
If your cottage is too watery, you can drain any excess liquid or mix the casserole for a few additional minutes until it reaches a thicker consistency. Baking longer can also help absorb moisture.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Each will bring a different flavor, but will still add a nutty crunch to the casserole.
What if my casserole doesn't turn golden brown on top?
Ensure you bake it for the recommended time and consider placing it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Can I add more spices to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to give your casserole layers of flavor that complement the sweet potatoes beautifully.
What if the mixture seems too thick after mixing?
If the sweet potato mixture appears too thick, try adding a small amount of milk or cream to adjust the consistency, ensuring it still holds together during baking.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter. Be sure to choose a vegan milk alternative for mashing the sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Copycat Recipe is more than just a side dish; it's a rich, comforting addition to your dining table that brings warmth and joy to every bite. This recipe captures the essence of holiday gatherings and nostalgic memories, making it a must-try for any home cook looking to impress.
With every layer of sweet mashed potatoes topped with crunchy pecans, this casserole aims to please a crowd and delight family members of all ages. Embrace this chance to create cherished memories with each occasion, sharing a dish that's sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
