Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole : A Comforting Classic You Can Make at Home

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever sat down at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and ordered their famous sweet potato casserole, you know it’s not just a side—it’s a centerpiece. That buttery, caramelized topping, the rich and fluffy sweet potato filling… it’s the dish that disappears first at any table. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving, a special Sunday dinner, or just craving a comforting bite of something sweet and savory, bringing this restaurant favorite to your home kitchen might be one of the most rewarding cooking decisions you’ll make.

There’s no need for complicated culinary tricks. This casserole is surprisingly easy to make, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, unforgettable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to recreate Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole from scratch, with tips to tweak it to your taste, make it ahead, and serve it like a pro.

Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Stands Out

You’ve probably had sweet potato casseroles before, but few compare to the one served at Ruth’s Chris. It’s rich without being too heavy, sweet without turning into dessert, and crunchy in all the right ways.

Here’s what makes it special:

A fluffy, creamy sweet potato base made with fresh ingredients and just enough sugar to enhance, not overpower, the natural sweetness.
A golden brown pecan crumble topping that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Balanced flavor profile that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes.
Effortless presentation, perfect for impressing guests without added stress.

You don’t need to be a chef to pull this off. All it takes is a few simple ingredients, a bit of mixing, and a short bake time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need to gather a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh items. This list stays true to the original but offers flexibility if you’re working with what’s already in your kitchen.

For the sweet potato base:

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (fresh is best, but canned works too)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup softened butter
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the pecan topping:

1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans (walnuts are a fine alternative)
⅓ cup melted butter

The ingredients here are easy to find and affordable. If you’re cooking on a budget, switching out pecans for another nut or reducing the sugar slightly still delivers a fantastic result.

How to Make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

You’ll be surprised at how quickly this dish comes together. From prep to bake, the entire process takes less than an hour.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish or 9-inch square pan with non-stick spray. Prepping the dish early ensures the mixture doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until the texture is smooth and creamy. The filling should be light and fluffy, not runny.

Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. You want a smooth, even surface before adding the topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed.

Step 5: Add the Topping
Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top of the sweet potato layer. Don’t press it down—let it sit lightly to crisp up in the oven.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for about 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the edges may start to bubble. That’s when you know it’s done.

Step 7: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.

Tips for Getting It Just Right

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few insider tricks can take it from good to great.

Use fresh sweet potatoes when possible. They provide more depth of flavor and a better texture than canned ones.
Soften your butter ahead of time so it blends more easily into the filling.
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, fall-inspired twist.
Don’t overbake—you want the inside soft and the top just crisp enough.
For a healthier version, cut the sugar by a third or use a sugar substitute.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Planning a big meal? You’ll be glad to know this casserole is perfect for prepping in advance.

Make-ahead instructions:

Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance.
When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Bake as directed, adding 5 to 10 minutes to account for the chill.

Storing leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the full dish in the oven.
It also freezes well. Let the casserole cool completely, wrap it securely, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

When you’re enjoying comfort food, balance matters. Here’s what you’re getting in each serving:

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 460
Sugar: 36g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg

This dish is indulgent, but when served alongside lean proteins and vegetables, it fits beautifully into a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can. If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes are a great alternative. Just make sure to drain them well before mashing, and adjust the sugar if they’ve been canned in syrup.

Is there a substitute for pecans in this sweet potato casserole?

Walnuts are the closest match in terms of flavor and texture, but you can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. The topping will still be delicious.

Can I make Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole vegan?

Absolutely. Swap the eggs for flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The taste will still be rich and satisfying.

Conclusion

Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole isn’t just a dish—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a conversation starter. With its velvety sweet potato base and crunchy, caramelized topping, it brings something special to every table. And the best part? You don’t need restaurant reservations or a culinary degree to enjoy it.

When you serve this casserole, you’re offering more than just food. You’re serving warmth, nostalgia, and the kind of flavor that brings people back for seconds. So go ahead—make it your own. Add your family’s favorite spice, prepare it a day ahead, or simply enjoy it on a quiet night in. However you choose to serve it, this is a recipe that sticks with you.

Try it once, and chances are it’ll become a permanent fixture in your kitchen’s comfort food lineup.

More Tasty Ideas

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: This rich and comforting dish stays true to its Southern roots with a creamy sweet potato base and a crispy, buttery topping. It’s a close cousin to the Ruth’s Chris version, offering a similar balance of sweetness and texture that makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping: Featuring a familiar pecan-streusel topping and velvety mashed sweet potatoes, this casserole is a delicious twist that captures all the comforting flavors you love. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any time you need a warm, nostalgic side dish.
Eggnog Bread with Glaze: While not a casserole, this festive quick bread shares the same cozy, holiday-inspired flavors. With warm spices and a sweet glaze, it makes a great pairing or dessert after a comforting meal like sweet potato casserole.