Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

If you love the famous steak house Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, this recipe is for you! This delightful sweet potato casserole, topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan crumble, is a versatile side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, it stands out on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet taste that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this casserole can be made by cooks of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family meal, this dish fits right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The unique pecan topping adds a delightful crunch that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without spills.
• Potato masher: Helps achieve the desired smooth texture for the sweet potatoes.
• Baking dish: A sturdy vessel ensures even cooking and easy serving.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 3 lbs. sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1 pieces)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Topping

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pecan halves (for garnish, if desired)

How to Make Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a medium baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Boil them over medium-high heat for about 14-18 minutes until tender. Check doneness by piercing with a fork; they should break apart easily.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add in:
1. Brown sugar
2. Half and half
3. Melted butter
4. Egg
5. Vanilla
6. Salt

Using a potato masher, mix these ingredients until mostly smooth (a few small lumps are fine). Then transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Create the Pecan Topping

In another bowl, combine:
1. Brown sugar
2. Chopped pecans
3. Flour
4. Cinnamon
5. Nutmeg

Stir these together well. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, covering it completely. Garnish with pecan halves if desired, then cover loosely with foil.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 minutes covered with foil. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the pecans toast lightly—total baking time is around 45 minutes.

Step 6: Serve Your Casserole

Allow your casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping warm as a standout side dish!

How to Serve Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a delightful addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve the casserole warm alongside your favorite roasted chicken or turkey. The sweet and savory flavors complement the meat beautifully.

Holiday Gatherings

• Present the casserole at festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its rich taste and appealing presentation will impress your guests.

Potluck Parties

• Bring this dish to potlucks for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It pairs well with various other dishes and can be easily transported.

Brunch Buffet

• Include it in a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. The sweetness of the casserole balances nicely with savory breakfast items.

Picnic Delight

• Pack it for a picnic, served cold or warmed up. Its unique flavor makes it stand out among typical picnic fare.

How to Perfect Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Achieving perfection in your sweet potato casserole is easier than you think. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned ones for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness – Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference; you can use less if desired.
• Experiment with Spices – Consider adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make Ahead – Prepare the casserole a day in advance, then bake it just before serving for convenience.
• Ensure Even Baking – Cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring thorough cooking.
• Let it Rest – Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps set its texture and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Pairing side dishes can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options that go well with this sweet potato casserole:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a savory contrast to the sweetness.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
3. Green Bean Almondine – Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds deliver freshness and a nutty crunch.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey complement the flavors in the casserole beautifully.
5. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and vegetables adds a refreshing touch to your plate.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Soft cornbread muffins offer a comforting side that pairs well with both savory and sweet elements of your meal.
7. Citrus Spinach Salad – A salad featuring spinach, citrus segments, and nuts provides brightness and balance to your spread.
8. Stuffed Acorn Squash – Roasted acorn squash stuffed with grains and veggies makes an attractive and hearty side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the peeling: Leaving the skin on sweet potatoes can affect texture and flavor. Make sure to peel them thoroughly before cutting.
• Not testing for doneness: Overcooking or undercooking sweet potatoes leads to texture issues. Always test them with a fork; they should be easily pierced.
• Using cold ingredients: Mixing cold half and half or butter can create lumps in your casserole. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
• Neglecting to cover while baking: Covering the dish helps retain moisture during baking. Don’t skip this step until the last few minutes when you want the pecans to toast.
• Forgetting to let it cool: Serving immediately after baking can lead to a runny casserole. Allow it to cool slightly for better consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container.
• item Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Freezing Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

• item Use a freezer-safe container or aluminum foil for wrapping.
• item Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

• item Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover with foil until heated through.
• item Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed throughout.
• item Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole so special?

This casserole is beloved for its creamy texture combined with the crunch of the pecan topping, making it a delightful side dish.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer different flavors or textures.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make your Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole vegan, replace butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This delicious casserole pairs well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as part of a festive holiday spread.

Final Thoughts

The Copycat Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different toppings or spices, ensuring it fits perfectly into your dining experience. Give it a try—you won’t regret creating this delightful dish!