Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Crunchy Pecan Topping and Marshmallows

Benefits and Advantages of Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

The Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe is loved for its simplicity and flavorful balance, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. This dish is easy to prepare with accessible ingredients, ideal for cooks of all skill levels who want a rich, comforting side without complicated steps.

Sweet potatoes provide a rich source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making this casserole nourishing as well as delicious. With its crunchy pecan topping and sweet, creamy base, the casserole combines textures and flavors that appeal broadly. The recipe’s flexibility allows it to be adapted to various dietary preferences, such as vegan or gluten-free options, without sacrificing taste. This makes it a versatile choice for family gatherings, holidays, or simple dinners where wholesome comfort food is desired.

Combining nutrient-rich sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping, this casserole delivers both comfort and nutrition in one dish.

Essential Ingredients for Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe calls for the following key ingredients, selected for balanced flavor, texture, and nutrition:

• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (boiled, baked, roasted, or canned, drained, and not packed in syrup)
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup melted butter (some variations use ½ cup)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (can substitute oats for nut allergies)
• ⅓ to ½ cup melted butter (for topping)

Each ingredient plays a critical role: sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and nutrients, brown sugar adds caramel notes and crunch, and pecans offer texture and signature flavor. Butter enriches both layers, while eggs bind everything for a creamy consistency.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe easily adapts to meet various dietary needs without compromising quality:

• Vegan Alternatives: Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Gluten-Free Options: Use certified gluten-free flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping instead of all-purpose flour.
• Low-Calorie Modifications: Reduce brown sugar or replace it with natural sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol, and use coconut oil in place of butter to lower saturated fat.
• Nut Allergies: Swap pecans for rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds to maintain crunchiness without nuts.
• Lactose Intolerance: Use dairy-free margarine or oils in place of butter to avoid lactose.

These substitutions make the casserole inclusive and suitable for a broad audience while retaining delicious taste and satisfying texture.

How to Prepare the Perfect Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-size casserole dish (about 2 quarts) to prevent sticking.
2. Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes: Peel and boil, bake, or roast the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain if boiled, then mash in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Mix the Base: Add 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter or plant-based alternative, 2 well-beaten eggs (or flax eggs), ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well combined. Using an electric mixer and beating for 3-4 minutes enhances fluffiness.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour or gluten-free substitute, 1 cup chopped pecans (or oats/seeds), and ⅓ to ½ cup melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
5. Assemble: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the sweet potatoes to cover.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool and set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period improves texture and makes slicing easier.

Note: Adjust any butter, egg, or topping ingredients as needed to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, or calorie-conscious diets throughout these steps.

For more baking tips for sweet potato casseroles, visit this helpful guide.

Advanced Tips and Variations

Adding subtle changes and enhancements to the Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole recipe can bring delightful new flavors and textures while preserving its classic appeal.

Flavor Enhancers

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or freshly grated ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a gentle spice kick that balances the sweetness.
• Use freshly grated nutmeg instead of pre-ground for a richer, more aromatic spice.
• For creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or plant-based alternatives, which creates a silky texture in the casserole.

Creative Variations

• Add mini marshmallows on top during the last 5-minutes of baking for a traditional sweet finish.
• Include a layer of cooked, crumbled bacon or pancetta between the sweet potato base and pecan topping for a savory contrast.
• Fold chopped apples or dried cranberries into the sweet potato mixture to introduce fruity notes and natural sweetness.
• Toast the pecans or nut/seed substitutes lightly before topping the casserole to boost crunch and enhance nutty flavor.

These tips provide creative ways to customize the casserole to suit your taste while holding true to the original Ruth Chris recipe.

How to Store Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole: Best Practices

Proper storage ensures your casserole stays fresh and flavorful for multiple servings.

• Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes to preserve the crunchy topping and heat evenly.
• Microwave Reheating: Suitable for quick warming but may soften the topping. Use a lower power setting and cover loosely to keep moisture balanced.

These storage techniques help you enjoy the casserole’s fresh texture and signature flavors even after preparation.

Nutritional Value of Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

The typical nutritional profile for Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole provides a balanced and satisfying serving with the following approximate values:

For additional benefits of sweet potatoes and pecans, see Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes and How to Use Pecans in Cooking.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

ruth chris sweet potato casserole

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🍠 This Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole features a creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crust for delightful texture contrast.
🥧 Perfect as a comforting side or dessert, its rich flavors and ease of preparation make it a holiday favorite to try.

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Ingredients

– 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (boiled, baked, roasted, or canned, drained, and not packed in syrup)

– 1 cup sugar

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 large eggs, beaten

– ¼ cup melted butter (some variations use ½ cup)

– 1 cup brown sugar (for the topping)

– ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)

– 1 cup chopped pecans (can substitute oats for nut allergies)

– ⅓ to ½ cup melted butter (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-size casserole dish (about 2 quarts) to prevent sticking.

Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes: Peel and boil, bake, or roast the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain if boiled, then mash in a large bowl until smooth.

Mix the Base: Add 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter or plant-based alternative, 2 well-beaten eggs (or flax eggs), ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well combined. Using an electric mixer and beating for 3-4 minutes enhances fluffiness.

Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour or gluten-free substitute, 1 cup chopped pecans (or oats/seeds), and ⅓ to ½ cup melted butter. Stir until crumbly.

Assemble: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the sweet potatoes to cover.

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool and set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period improves texture and makes slicing easier.

Notes

🌰 Use pecans in the crust for authentic flavor and texture; substitute oats if nut allergies are a concern.
⏲️ Let the casserole rest for at least 30 minutes after baking to enhance texture and make slicing easier.
🔥 Roast sweet potatoes before mashing to add a deeper richness and natural sweetness to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish or Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
• Calories: 350 kcal (estimate)
• Sugar: 20 g (estimate)
• Sodium: 150 mg (estimate)
• Fat: 18 g (estimate)
• Saturated Fat: 7 g (estimate)
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g (estimate)
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g (estimate)
• Fiber: 4 g (estimate)
• Protein: 4 g (estimate)
• Cholesterol: 60 mg (estimate)

Keywords: Ruth Chris, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pecan Topping, Marshmallows