Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
There’s something truly magical about a creamy sweet potato casserole that transports you right back to comfort-filled family gatherings and holiday feasts. Perhaps you’ve had the pleasure of dining at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and enjoyed their irresistible sweet potato casserole. Known for its delicate texture and rich flavor, it’s a treat that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. This recipe aims to bring that same experience to your home, offering a warm, delightful dish that will leave your guests raving about your culinary prowess.
What makes this particular recipe special is its creamy, buttery texture that is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The blend of vanilla, brown sugar, and hints of spice create a comforting harmony that complements any meal. The ease of making this casserole is another bonus, making it an ideal dish for busy parents, novice cooks, or anyone looking to impress without the added stress. You’ll learn how to create this delightful casserole step-by-step, with tips, variations, and credit-worthy techniques that elevate this dish even further.
What Is Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – Best Ruth’s Chris Copycat?
The creamy sweet potato casserole, notably inspired by Ruth’s Chris, is not just another side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Originating from Southern cooking, sweet potato casseroles have been a staple during holidays such as Thanksgiving and family gatherings. They beautifully highlight the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while integrating other ingredients that enhance their flavor.
Imagine a smooth, velvety base that melts in your mouth, elegantly topped with a crumbly, buttery topping. The dish straddles the line between savory and sweet, making it an unlikely yet versatile side, perfect for savory main courses and sweet desserts alike. The flavors mingle and mesh so well that you may find yourself returning for seconds, even when you’re already full. It embodies the essence of comfort, an invitation to linger at the table, savoring every bite.
This dish combines the earthiness of the sweet potatoes with the creamy richness of butter and a hint of spices, resulting in a casserole that is deeply satisfying. Every forkful creates an experience that is not just about food, but about togetherness, warmth, and celebration. Whether retelling tales of Thanksgivings past or sharing laughter with loved ones, this dish is sure to leave an impression.
Why You’ll Love This
You will absolutely adore this creamy sweet potato casserole for several reasons. First and foremost, the taste is nothing short of spectacular. You get a unique blend of flavors: the earthiness of sweet potatoes, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the creaminess of butter and eggs, all working together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that hits all the marks—rich, comforting, and just sweet enough without feeling overwhelming.
Ease is another significant reason to fall in love with this recipe. Even novice cooks can whip this up with minimal effort, making it a fantastic option for holiday meals or Sunday family dinners. The step-by-step instructions ensure that you’ll navigate through the preparation effortlessly.
Cost-effectiveness is another attractive aspect. Sweet potatoes are usually quite affordable, and making your casserole at home is cheaper and healthier than any store-bought version. You can often find the main ingredients at a low price year-round.
The versatility of this recipe is striking as well. It pairs beautifully with holiday meats, roasted vegetables, or even a nice cozy soup. Furthermore, you can customize it according to your dietary needs or preferences, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.
Common misconceptions surround the idea that casseroles can become overly sweet or bland. With this recipe, you’ll find that the proper balance between savory and sweet ensures a delightful amalgamation of flavors that avoids any pitfalls associated with typical casseroles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this luscious creamy sweet potato casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: About 3-4 medium, peeled and cubed. The star ingredient! Sweet potatoes add depth and natural sweetness.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened. This adds richness and contributes to the creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar: ¾ cup, packed. Provides the sweet contrast that makes this dish irresistible.
- Milk: ¾ cup. Whole or evaporated milk enhances the casserole’s creaminess.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten. They help bind the ingredients and give the casserole structure.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the sweet potatoes.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon. Enhances flavors and brings everything together.
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon. For a warm, cozy aroma and flavor.
- Pecans: 1 cup, chopped (optional). For a crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy base.
- Marshmallows: 1 cup (optional). Use for a sweet toasted topping to kick the sweetness up a notch.
With this array of ingredients, each element plays a crucial role. The sweet potatoes are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, making this not only a delightful dish but also a nourishing one. The butter and milk work together to create that irresistible creamy consistency. Brown sugar and vanilla bring the sweetness, while spices such as cinnamon elevate the flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to make substitutions based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences, such as using almond milk or brown sugar alternatives, which can work beautifully.
How to Make
Creating your own creamy sweet potato casserole is a rewarding experience! Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking process, which is crucial for achieving the desired texture of your casserole.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: In a large pot, fill it with cold water and add the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender. You can test doneness by poking a cube with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.
- Drain and mash: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash them until smooth. You can also use an electric mixer for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Mix in the ingredients: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the softened butter, brown sugar, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and you achieve a creamy consistency. Be mindful to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients completely.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. This makes sure that the casserole bakes evenly.
- Add toppings: If you’re using pecans and/or marshmallows, sprinkle them evenly on top of the casserole. The pecans, when toasted, will provide a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.
- Bake! Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the top to be golden-brown and the casserole to be firm in the center. This is also a good time to enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
- Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your creamy sweet potato casserole warm, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Making this casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with a delightful aroma, making it a perfect centerpiece for any family gathering or holiday feast.
Variations & Substitutions
Marshmallow Topping Variation: One popular approach to enhance this already delicious casserole is with a marshmallow topping. When the casserole is nearly done baking, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top and return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. The marshmallows should puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. This variation is particularly beloved by children and adds a sweet, gooey texture to the dish.
Nut-Free Version: If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, simply skip the pecans. The casserole will still be incredibly creamy and delicious without it. You can squirt in a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor without compromising safety.
Vegan Adaptation: To make this casserole vegan-friendly, substitute sweet potatoes with almond milk or coconut milk for the regular milk. Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (one tablespoon of seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water equals one egg). Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This way, you get the same delightful results without any animal products.
Pumpkin Sweet Potato Mash: For a twist on the classic, consider blending in canned pumpkin puree (around 1 cup) along with the sweet potatoes. This adds a different flavor depth and makes the dish even creamier. Pumpkin has similar sweet notes that make this variation a hit during the fall months.
Spicy Adaptation: If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or jalapeño pepper into the mix. The added heat will create a delightful contrast to the sweet potatoes, offering a sophisticated twist that will appeal to those who enjoy bold flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you embark on the culinary journey of making this creamy sweet potato casserole, being aware of common pitfalls can save you from disappointing results. One of the most frequent mistakes is **not cooking the sweet potatoes thoroughly**. Under-cooked sweet potatoes can lead to a grainy texture, which is far from the creamy dream you’re aiming for. To avoid this, always test for doneness with a fork; they should be tender enough to mash easily.
Another common issue arises from **overmixing the sweet potatoes**. While you want to achieve a creamy consistency, overmixing can cause the potatoes to become gummy. Mix just until combined to maintain that luscious texture.
**Using cold ingredients** can also yield an undesirable outcome. Ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature, and your milk is also at a similar temperature to promote better incorporation of flavors. Cold ingredients can result in an uneven texture and taste, so take a moment to prepare beforehand.
Lastly, be cautious with **adding too much sugar**. While you’d want to enjoy the sweetness in this casserole, overdoing it can overwhelm the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and other ingredients. Have a taste along the way to ensure you reach your desired level of sweetness without compromising the dish’s integrity.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Storing leftover creamy sweet potato casserole is straightforward and a great way to save time week to week. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it can stay fresh for up to five days.
If you find yourself with a large quantity that you know won’t be finished in a few days, freezing is a viable option. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without a drastic loss in quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen casserole, transition it to the refrigerator for a night to thaw. Reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated throughout. You can also heat individual portions in the microwave, although the oven will provide a better texture overall.
**Food safety** is paramount. Always keep cooked food at a safe temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses. When reheating, ensure the entire dish reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On cooking day, simply transfer it to a baking dish and bake it until it’s heated through.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
While you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch, fresh sweet potatoes will yield a far superior flavor and texture. If using canned sweet potatoes, be sure to drain them well and mash them thoroughly for the best results.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This creamy sweet potato casserole is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance. Just ensure that any ingredients you use, like toppings or extras, are also gluten-free.
How can I make the casserole healthier?
To lighten this dish, consider reducing the amount of sugar used or opting for natural sweeteners like maple syrup. You can also substitute coconut milk for a lower-fat alternative when making the casserole creamy.
What is the best way to serve this casserole?
This sweet potato casserole is best served warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with holiday entrees like turkey or ham, but you can also enjoy it as a standalone dish any time of year.
Conclusion:
This creamy sweet potato casserole is not just a dish; it’s a heartfelt experience that brings people together around the table. With its rich texture and balanced sweetness, it captures the essence of comfort food perfectly. Feel free to make it your own by customizing it with your favorite flavors, whether through toppings or ingredient swaps.
I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and feature it at your gatherings. With its incredible taste and creamy goodness, your family and friends will be sure to ask for seconds and even thirds. Happy cooking!
