Sweet potato casserole is a celebrated dish, perfect for holiday dinners and gatherings. One of the best ways to ensure it shines on your table is by pairing it with complementary dishes. The creamy richness of this casserole blends beautifully with savory proteins.
Think about a succulent roasted turkey or a juicy steak. If you’re leaning towards vegetarian options, a hearty salad loaded with greens and tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness.
Other excellent pairings include:
Green Beans Almondine: The crunchy almonds and fresh green beans provide a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
Cornbread: The slightly sweet and dense texture complements the richness of the sweet potato dish.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully, adding a refreshing note that enhances all the flavors on the plate.
Let’s dive deeper into the delightful world of Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole.
Ah, the holiday season. The time for family, friends, and unforgettable meals. Among the many dishes that grace our tables, one emerges as a classic: Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.
I first tasted this iconic dish at the restaurant, and I was instantly smitten. It’s not just a side; it’s an experience. The sweet, creamy texture coupled with a crunchy topping of pecans had me going back for seconds—and maybe thirds!
When I decided to recreate this dish at home, I realized it wasn’t just about the ingredients but the memories attached to it. Each bite takes me back to warm family gatherings, laughter ringing through the air, and the delightful comfort that comes with sharing a meal. This blog post will take you through everything you need to know about Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, including the ingredients, steps to make it, and practical tips for perfecting it.
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What is Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole?
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is a blend of baked sweet potatoes whipped into a smooth, creamy mixture topped with a crunchy pecan crust.
The dish strikes a chord with many because it encapsulates the rich flavors of sweet potatoes while bringing a delightful texture contrast to the table. Often served during the holidays, this casserole bridges the gap between a sweet dessert and a savory side dish.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Sweet Potato Casseroles?
What sets Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole apart from your average version? It starts with the quality of ingredients. The use of fresh sweet potatoes provides an authentic taste, unlike some frozen or canned alternatives. However, the real kicker lies in its sugar content and buttery richness. The mixture has a creamy base, blending butter, sugar, and eggs to create a decadent experience.
The crust is something special as well. Most sweet potato casseroles may opt for a simple sprinkle of marshmallows or a bland topping. Ruth’s Chris elevates this by incorporating chopped pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar, offering that satisfying crunch that contrasts the creamy filling.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine slicing into a soft, buttery bed of sweet potatoes that melt in your mouth like first loves. Each spoonful carries a perfect mixture of sweetness balanced with a hint of nuttiness from the pecan topping.
The subtle warmth of cinnamon dances around, making you feel all cozy inside. The experience is akin to wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. That’s how the flavors come together in this casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To prepare this delightful dish, you will need:
Sweet Potato Mixture:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup granulated white sugar
Crust:
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup roughly chopped pecans
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup packed light brown sugar
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Boil them in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and mash until smooth. This is where you want to bring in that comfort factor—make them as creamy as you can!
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, pure vanilla extract, beaten eggs, heavy cream, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar. Blend all the ingredients well. You want this mixture to be smooth, so grab that whisk or electric mixer!
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Crust
Now, in another bowl, combine melted butter, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and packed brown sugar. Mix until crumbly. This topping should resemble wet sand, but with that pleasing crunch factor.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Then evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer, making sure to cover it well.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. The smell in your kitchen will be enough to draw people in—trust me!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle and make for easier serving. Grab your serving spoon, dish it out, and prepare for compliments.
Tips & Tricks On Making Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Choose Your Sweet Potatoes Wisely: Go for firm, vibrant sweet potatoes. The color often indicates freshness and flavor.
Mash Thoroughly: Ensure your sweet potatoes are smooth. A hand mixer or ricer works wonders for a creamy texture.
Don’t Skip the Toppings: It’s the crunchy pecan topping that brings the whole dish together. Don’t skimp on the ingredients.
Organize Your Cooking: Prepare the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store them in the fridge so you can whip up the casserole quickly when needed.
Add A Twist: For variation, consider mixing in a touch of bourbon for depth or a hint of cayenne for a little heat.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is rich in flavor and provides nutrition. Here’s a rough breakdown:
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g
How Do I Store This Dish?
If you have leftovers (which is a big if during family gatherings), store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3-5 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. If you’re looking to freeze the casserole, that can be done as well. Just wrap it tightly in foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yams: While they are often confused with sweet potatoes, yams can bring a different flavor profile. Use them if you prefer a more earthy taste.
Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique taste. This also adds a natural sweetness without refinements.
Nut Allergies: Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you’re avoiding nuts.
Dairy-free Options: For a dairy-free casserole, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Egg Alternatives: If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, a chia seed gel or flaxseed meal can substitute the eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of chia or ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it thicken.
Conclusion
Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a dish; it is a blend of warm, familiar flavors that breathe life into any gathering. The journey of making this casserole isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through food.
Whether you pair it with traditional holiday ham or a fresh salad, this sweet potato casserole will undoubtedly steal the show. The next time you gather friends and family, consider this delightful recipe. With a bit of preparation and love, you’ll create something magical, guaranteed to have everyone coming back for more.
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Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes
Description
Ah, the holiday season. The time for family, friends, and unforgettable meals. Among the many dishes that grace our tables, one emerges as a classic: Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.
I first tasted this iconic dish at the restaurant, and I was instantly smitten. It’s not just a side; it’s an experience. The sweet, creamy texture coupled with a crunchy topping of pecans had me going back for seconds—and maybe thirds!
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture:
Crust:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
-
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Boil them in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and mash until smooth. This is where you want to bring in that comfort factor—make them as creamy as you can!
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, pure vanilla extract, beaten eggs, heavy cream, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar. Blend all the ingredients well. You want this mixture to be smooth, so grab that whisk or electric mixer!
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Crust
-
Now, in another bowl, combine melted butter, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and packed brown sugar. Mix until crumbly. This topping should resemble wet sand, but with that pleasing crunch factor.
Step 4: Assemble
-
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Then evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer, making sure to cover it well.
Step 5: Bake
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. The smell in your kitchen will be enough to draw people in—trust me!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
-
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle and make for easier serving. Grab your serving spoon, dish it out, and prepare for compliments.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 280mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 46g16%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Choose Your Sweet Potatoes Wisely: Go for firm, vibrant sweet potatoes. The color often indicates freshness and flavor.
Mash Thoroughly: Ensure your sweet potatoes are smooth. A hand mixer or ricer works wonders for a creamy texture.
Don’t Skip the Toppings: It’s the crunchy pecan topping that brings the whole dish together. Don’t skimp on the ingredients.
Organize Your Cooking: Prepare the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store them in the fridge so you can whip up the casserole quickly when needed.
Add A Twist: For variation, consider mixing in a touch of bourbon for depth or a hint of cayenne for a little heat.
