Ruth’s Chris Steak House is renowned for its luxurious dining experience, highlighted by classic dishes like the Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish stands out for its creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy, nutty crust, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a popular choice during the holidays, but its simplicity and richness make it a delightful addition to any meal throughout the year.
Ingredients Overview and Selection Tips
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
Sweet Potatoes: You can use fresh sweet potatoes, which should be boiled until tender and then mashed. For convenience, canned sweet potatoes are an acceptable substitute; just be sure to drain them well.
Sugar: This enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes. You can adjust the quantity according to your taste or substitute it with a healthier option like honey or maple syrup.
Eggs: These help bind the mixture together and add richness.
Butter: It adds creaminess and flavor. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the sweet profile of the casserole.
For the Crust:
Brown Sugar: This gives the crust a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Flour: Acts as the thickening agent.
Nuts: Chopped pecans are traditionally used for their buttery and crunchy texture, but walnuts or almonds are also good alternatives.
Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust ingredients together, creating a crumbly topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions Summary
Prepare the Crust: Mix the brown sugar, flour, and chopped nuts with melted butter until combined. This mixture should have a crumbly texture.
Combine the Casserole Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, vanilla, beaten eggs, and melted butter.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, smoothing the top. Evenly sprinkle the crust mixture over the sweet potato layer.
Bake: Cook in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
Serve: Allow the casserole to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to help solidify the texture and enhance the flavors.
Tips for Perfecting Your Dish
- Consistency: For a smoother filling, ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly mashed or even pureed.
- Flavorings: Experiment with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to add warmth and depth to the dish.
- Topping Variations: For an extra touch of luxury, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the crust 10 minutes before the baking time ends for a gooey finish.
Variations and Substitutions
Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer less refined sugars, consider replacing the sugar in the filling with alternatives like coconut sugar or a liquid sweetener such as agave syrup.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and a milk substitute in the filling.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts in the topping for those with allergies, or use a crumble of oats and flour instead.
This Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a showstopper that brings a touch of indulgence to any dining table. Whether you stick to the classic preparation or opt for a twist with substitutions, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.