Ruth Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved classic dish that is a staple on the menu of the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse chain. It’s a rich and decadent side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of this dish, its ingredients, and how to make it at home.
History of Ruth Chris’ Sweet Potato Casserole
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse was founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel in New Orleans. She bought a small restaurant called Chris Steak House and turned it into a thriving business. The restaurant became known for its sizzling steaks and Southern hospitality.
One of the signature dishes at Ruth’s Chris is the Sweet Potato Casserole. The recipe has been passed down through the years and remains a customer favorite. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the Sweet Potato Casserole is no exception.
Ingredients:
For the Pecan Crust:
- 1 cup brown sugar (reduce sugar to suit)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (can use canned to save time, just drain)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, well beaten
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and melted butter in the order listed. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the pecan crust mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is set.
- Allow the casserole to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crust is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. The mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, and then topped with a crunchy and nutty pecan crust. The combination of sweet and savory flavors and textures makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
To save time, you can use canned sweet potatoes instead of boiling and mashing fresh ones. Just make sure to drain them well before using. You can also adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving. It’s a great side dish to serve alongside your favorite main course, and it’s also perfect as a dessert. Whether you’re looking for a new holiday favorite or a comforting and satisfying dish to enjoy any time of year, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crust is sure to be a hit.