Sweet potato casserole is a quintessential dish that graces many holiday tables, particularly during Thanksgiving in the United States. Known for its creamy, smooth texture and rich, sweet flavor, it pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. One particularly famous version of this dish comes from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a high-end steakhouse chain renowned for its delectable sides and desserts. This recipe replicates that beloved casserole, featuring a delightful balance of sweet and savory elements that make it a standout.
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred)
1/2 cup butter (melted)
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (you can use canned to save time, just be sure to drain them)
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs (well beaten)
1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped nuts, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In another mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the prepared crust mixture evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Once done, allow the casserole to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This casserole can be served warm or at room temperature and is a perfect side dish for holiday meals or any special occasion.
Variations and Substitutions
Sweet potato casserole is a versatile dish that lends itself well to a variety of modifications. Here are some ideas for how you can adapt the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
Variations:
Marshmallow Topping: For a classic twist, add mini marshmallows on top of the crust mixture before baking. The marshmallows will toast to a golden brown, adding a sweet, gooey contrast to the crunchy topping.
Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Incorporate warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the sweet potato mixture for an added depth of flavor. This variation is especially festive during the fall and winter months.
Maple Pecan Crust: Replace the brown sugar in the crust with pure maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. The pecans and maple syrup together create a rich, caramelized topping.
Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the sweet potato mixture to introduce a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness.
Substitutions:
Healthier Alternatives: Substitute some or all of the sugar in the sweet potato mixture with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the crust for a slightly healthier option.
Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as margarine or coconut oil. This change makes the dish suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
Nut-Free: For those with nut allergies, omit the nuts in the crust and substitute with oats or a nut-free granola. This maintains the crunchy texture without the allergens.
Lower Carb: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, such as erythritol or stevia, to lower the carbohydrate content. This version is ideal for those managing their sugar intake.
Cultural Significance and Pairings
Sweet potato casserole, particularly with a sugary pecan crust, is deeply rooted in Southern cooking traditions. It reflects the region’s love for comfort food that is both hearty and flavorful. This dish is often served during major holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it sits alongside other classics such as turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Pairings:
Main Courses: This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib. Its sweetness complements the savory, robust flavors of these meats.
Other Sides: Serve this dish with green bean casserole, cornbread, and mashed potatoes for a complete, traditional Southern meal.
Wines: Pair with a light to medium-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or a fruity red like Pinot Noir. These wines balance the sweetness of the casserole without overpowering the palate.
Desserts: Follow your meal with classic desserts like pecan pie or pumpkin pie to continue the Southern theme.
Conclusion
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of rich, comforting flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re adhering strictly to the original recipe or trying out one of the suggested variations, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows it to fit into a variety of dietary preferences and culinary traditions, making it a wonderful addition to any cook’s repertoire. As you experiment with different ingredients and techniques, you may find your own unique twist on this beloved classic, ensuring that it remains a family favorite for generations to come.
RUTH’S CHRIS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- Note: Pecans preferred
- 1/2 cup butter: Melted
- For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes: You can use canned sweet potatoes just be sure to drain them
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs: Well beaten
- 1/4 cup butter: Melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1 cup chopped nuts, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In another mixing bowl, combine 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 well-beaten eggs, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the prepared crust mixture evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Once done, allow the casserole to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Variations: Add mini marshmallows on top for a classic twist or incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the sweet potato mixture for added depth of flavor.
- Substitutions: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the crust or replace butter with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly dish.
