Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy and topped with a brown sugar pecan crust just like they are at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. One of our family favorites and the perfect side dish at Thanksgiving dinner almost as important as the turkey, these sweet potatoes will turn even non-sweet potato lovers into avid fans.
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BEST SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE
I used to despise sweet potatoes with all that marshmallow topping until last year when my sister-in-law Kim gave me a recipe that changed my mind.
The only other time I have enjoyed sweet potatoes is when we go to Ruth’s Chris steak house for special occasions and John orders them.
I always give him a little flack and say, “You ordered sweet potatoes (imagine a 13 year old girl’s voice with a lot of attitude)?!
It’s not Thanksgiving.” But guess who always ends up licking the plate…me. The flavor is insane.
RUTH CHRIS
So this year when I stumbled across THE Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potatoes, the original recipe, for the first time on the Ruth Chris website I was torn.
Why try something new when I knew how good Kim’s recipe was? A family favorite.
Then as I looked at the recipes closer I realized the ingredients were exactly the same.
The only difference was that Kim’s had a little milk in them which I left out last year anyway because my potatoes were already looking a little on the wet side.
PRO TIPS
- They’re creamy with a brown sugar pecan crust great for a special occasion and holiday meal. No mini marshmallows on top here.
- These could easily be dessert maybe even with a scoop of ice cream.
- You can make these up to a couple of days in advance and then bake the crust for 10 minutes before serving.
Reader Nadine said, “Sooo good! And I don’t usually like sweet potatoes…! Made this for our family Thanksgiving. I made it the day before per instructions and it came out Great! Everyone raved about this dish ! The topping put it over the top! And so easy…” – ★★★★★
PREPARING THE SWEET POTATOES
| Just boil, bake, or even microwave your sweet potatoes until fork tender. Mash them with a fork or a potato masher. There’s no need for peeling. Just scoop the flesh out. |

Using an electric mixer, make the sweet potato filling. Cream them together with some eggs, sugar, and melted butter. This has the best texture.

Top with a brown sugar pecan crust layer. The pecan topping is the best part in my opinion. Pour on top of the casserole.

HOW TO MAKE SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a medium-size casserole dish (I use a 7×11 baking dish) with nonstick spray.
- For the crust: Stir together the brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Chill in the fridge until ready to use. This helps the crumble topping maintain its form and not melt into the sweet potatoes.
- Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a large bowl in the order listed. Beat thoroughly with a hand mixer for about 3-4 minutes to increase the fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish (I use around a 2 quart dish). Bake for 25 minutes. At this point, dish can be covered and be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days if making ahead of time. *If you refrigerated ahead of time make sure to reheat the potatoes again before adding the crust – around 10-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the pecan crumble return to oven for 10-20 minutes or until crumble is browned. Allow to sit for a minutes before serving. Makes 10 servings. Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
MAKE AHEAD SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
Can these sweet potatoes be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling and bake then refrigerate until the day of baking. Bake for 10-20 minutes then sprinkle the streusel topping on top and bake according to the directions.
*Note- I’ve also made the entire recipe days ahead and it reheats great the next day! These award winning sweet potatoes will be a hit! Also good at room temperature.
CAN YOU FREEZE SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE?
Yes. This can be frozen after baked for up to three months. To reheat: Thaw in the fridge and bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
YAMS VS SWEET POTATOES
What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes? Actual yams are native to Africa and it is very rare that you will see an actual yam in the United States. Grocery stores label them both yams and sweet potatoes but they are most likely sweet potatoes.
CAN I USE CANNED SWEET POTATOES?
Yes. If you’re looking for the canned version at the grocery store sometimes they are called sweet potatoes and sometimes they are called yams.
Make sure you get the ones that are not stored in syrup (these are already sweet enough). You’ll need about 3 (15 ounce) cans to make 3 cups.
OTHER POTATO RECIPES:
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Potato Soup
- Jalapeno Popper Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Funeral Potatoes
SWEET POTATO RECIPES
- Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes
- Pretzel Cranberry Sweet Potatoes
- Black Bean and Sweet Potato Casserole
OTHER THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES:
- Classic Stuffing Recipe
- Thanksgiving Turkey
- Corn Souffle
- Lion House Rolls
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Cranberry Sauce
- Roasted Turkey Breast
- Green Bean Casserole

Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, (see Note)
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 1/2 cup butter, melted, (1 stick)
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a medium-size casserole dish (around 2 quarts - I use a 7x11 baking dish) with nonstick spray.
- For the crust: Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts and butter in mixing bowl. Chill in the fridge until ready to use. This helps the crumble maintain its form and not melt into the sweet potatoes.
- Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and butter in a large mixing bowl in the order listed. Beat thoroughly with a hand mixer for about 3-4 minutes to increase the fluffiness of the sweet potato mixture.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. At this point, dish can be covered and refrigerated for a couple of days if making ahead of time.
- *If you refrigerated ahead of time make sure to reheat the potatoes again before adding the crust - around 10-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the surface of the sweet potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture and return to oven for 10-20 minutes or until crumble is browned. Makes 10 servings. Allow to set for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
CAN YOU FREEZE SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE?
Yes. This can be frozen after baked for up to three months. To reheat: Thaw in the fridge and bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.



I made it just like it said, but the crust, it said melted butter my crumbs turned into soup. I made it again with softened butter and it was more like a quick bread batter so next time I make it, I’m going to make it with extra cold butter and cut it in. Melted is not the way to go for this recipe.
Wasn’t as devoured as other recipes in the past*, but had great bones to make it my own. Next time will add less sugar to the potatoes, and a bit more seasonings like maybe cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, etc. (NOT a lot, like 1/4-1/2 tsp) but feel that might make it over the top amazing.
Loved being able to make it through step 4 Tuesday for Thanksgiving Thursday and it traveled easily.
*Note, made a double batch for Thanksgiving with 8 older kids and 8 adults and had at least half left. I did add lines of marshmallows which I would personally do again, but aren’t strictly needed
This is my go to sweet potato casserole recipe. I usually reduce the sugar in the potato mix as the topping is plenty sweet and the dish turns out great. Anything to reduce a few calories from Thanksgiving dinner!
Glad you liked them!
As far as reducing calories, it’s once a year, SPLURGE!! YOLO
I made this but used 1-1/2c of sugar and it was still a little too sweet for me. Eeryone else said it was perfect. I love this recipe, but I made some other alterations that created the perfect blend. I’ll continue to use less sugar.
Glad you liked it!
Made ahead and followed instructions- was delicious!
I had eyeballed my topping measurements and had to play with it to get it crumbly but totally my fault and forgiving!
Can you use almonds instead of pecans?
Sure!
If I need to 4x
The recipe how long do I need to bake the filling if it’s in a large catering tin foil dish
Same time should be fine.
I cook this recipe every thanks giving for the last 5 years. Always a big hit with everyone. Thank you so much for providing
You’re welcome!
Can I prepare the whole dish, refrigerate for several hours and then bake it when I get to the party?? If so, would the cooking time change?
Nope cook time would be the same.
Make these every year for Thanksgiving! Then every year I send out the recipe to new fans! Thought I should comment since I love them!!
Thank you!
This is awesome!
Thank yoU!
I Made this last year andIm not even kidding when i tell you that everyone in my family volunteered me to make this and to make extra so they can all take some home. Great recipe!
That is awesome!
Can I make it in 8×8 dish(disposable to take it to party)??
Yes! That will be very thick though. A 9×9 would be better.
I’ve made this 4 years in a row for every holiday event I host and get invited to and everyone always says to make it again. 10/10 must have.
Question though- i’m hosting out of town for thanksgiving, how many days in advance can I make it?
You can make it up to 3 days in advance. Good luck!
In reply to another comment on how many sweet potatoes to use: Usually 3 large should be enough. If you are not sure of the size, add another to make sure you have enough.
Yes I agree with this!
This is almost like the recipe “Sweet Potato Supreme” from the cookbook When Dinner Bells Ring. My mother-in-law gave this cookbook to me years ago. This was the recipe that she used every holiday. This is always delicious. (It is so sweet, it could pass a dessert in my book.)
The difference in these recipes is that the Sweet Potato Supreme recipe topping also includes a pinch of salt, and the casserole mixture has 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
(I also add a pinch of nutmeg and reduce the sugar for our family preferences.)
I reduced the sugar too. Wish I had thought to add in nutmeg. I love nutmeg so the addition of a small amount sounds great! I will sprinkle it on before I add the steussel. Thanks for the tip!
How many sweet potatoes is needed for this recipe,I have six big sweet potatoes
You’ll need around 3-4 big ones!
Is there an egg replacement or is that required? I have people who don’t eat eggs and I would like to make this. Thanks.
I haven’t tried an egg substitute but you could. The egg gives it the custard texture.
Bobs Egg Replacer works great, I use it quite often for dishes like this but this time I used Just Egg liquid. If those are not available in your area, cornstarch is fine.
Anyone know how I could make this gluten free? Switch the flour for something else or leave it out?
Use oats instead of flour!
Is a 2 quart dish an 8×8? Just want to clarify so I don’t mess it up!
A 9×9 is a 2 quart dish. I use a 7×11 (2 quart) dish because I like it spread out a little.
Hi! I need to make a 9×13 of this recipe for Thanksgiving. I don’t want it to be too thick though. How should I change up the measurements?
A 9×13 is a 3 quart dish so you would have to 1.5 the recipe.
My son is allergic to nuts. What could I substitute for the nuts? I heard someone say rolled oats, but I’m not sure what those are and how much to use. Could you give me your suggestions? Thank you!
I have had people leave out the nuts completely. Rolled oats would be a great option and I would use 1 cup.
I made
The crust with melted butter as instructed. I didn’t get crumble, it’s liquid 😔
I’ve made this for at least three years now and everyone devours it!
The topping has never come out goopy…did you use the correct amount of flour?
did you chill it in the fridge as instructed? How did the final dish turn out?
Hello!
I had wanted to know for the butter do you use unsalted or salted butter? Planning on making this for Thanksgiving and want to do everything right hahaha.
Hey! I make this every year and use unsalted butter since salt is included as a separate ingredient. I don’t know if it’s right, but it’s delicious and there’s never any left from the double batch I make each year!
Ah okay. Thank you so much for your reply Savanna. I appreciate the help. 🙂
But I also agree with Cyndi and the comment above yours. I’ve tried melting the butter, and it just turned to goop, so I just leave the butter out on the counter while I do everything else so it softens and will form into a crumble but isn’t a liquid!
My mom made this recipe, and it was so good that I cried. Truth. I can’t wait to have it again this year!
Hi 🙂 do you know if your mom makes it with salted or unsalted butter? I want to make this and don’t see the specific type of butter.
You can use either. It’s plenty sweet so salted butter won’t be too much.
Glad you liked it!
Can you use canned sweet potatoes or yams?
Yes of course!
Hi Christy. My sweet potato casserole recipe is basically the same as your except we use cashews. Have you ever tried it that way?
Jill
Ooh I love that idea. I’ll have to try it.
I cook this for Thanksgiving & Christmas every year. It’s my daddy’s favorite dish & mine, but everyone loves it!
Aww I love that.
For sharing, I’m gonna try it this year because I had it at Ruth Chris and I really enjoyed it
Hope you do!
Best sweet potato casserole ever! Thank you for the recipe!
You’re welcome!
I made this yesterday and its The best sweet potato casserole I ever made. Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you!
So delicious, making it again just because I want more!
Thank you!
I have this recipe saved and we make it every year for Thanksgiving. Today’s Thanksgiving so I’m back to get the recipe so I can make it today! Family favorite!
AWw thank you!
Great recipe. I used canned sweet potatoes this year and was a little worried it wouldn’t be the same but it was great! 1 40oz can yields about 3c. I boiled them in the liquid just for a minute then drained them. Time saver! I like to add a little heavy cream to the mix after blending it for a bit. I also like to add cinnamon to the topping and throw in about a handful of small marshmallows. Thanks for this timeless recipe! It’s a family favorite and tradition.
Thanks!
I boiled the sweet potatoes too long. Will this affect the outcome?
Thank you
It shouldn’t!
Too much sugar, too much butter, no cinnamon?, 3 cups of sweet potato puree is way too little for a 10X13 pan. It comes out an inch thick before the topping.
I believe in the recipe she said she used a 2qt dish with the 3 cups puree. I made this in a 9×13 3qt dish and I just added what an extra quart of ingredients would be added to the 2 qt recipe and it turned out perfect. It’s a matter of taste for the butter and sugar. Adjust accordingly to your family’s taste. Same with the cinnamon or nutmeg or whatever spice you like. Everyone raved and loved it at my family Thanksgiving this past Saturday. Not a bite was left. Hope this helps. Happy Thanksgiving!
Yeah a 10×13 is way too big. The recipe says to use a 2 quart dish
Hi, sorry last minute question. I prepared the crust and baked sweet potato fillings for 24 minutes last night.
How long do I cook after putting crust on now?
Happy Thanksgiving
15-20 minutes!
Sorry it’s probably too late. The topping cooks for 10-15 minutes
How long do you bake for an 8×8 dish?
I just barely pulled it out of the oven in my 8×8! It took almost double the time, so about 45 minutes. Haven’t done the topping yet, but that shouldn’t take longer than the recipe!
Sorry Jessie an 8×8 is smaller than the suggested dish so it will take about 35-40 minutes.
Question. couldn’t you just prepare seeet potatoes and put them in frig without baking and then bake later… the day of? Instead of baking them twice?
Yes but baking them the first time cooks the layer so the crust doesn’t just sink down into the potatoes.
I love this! I have made it three years in a row for Thanksgiving. Thank you so much!!!
Awesome!!!
If I used a 1:1 Gluten Free flour do you think it’ll effect the taste much? I don’t want to have to make 2 separate dishes to accommodate those with allergies.
Nope it should work great!
I clicked on the link for your Riced Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Beef Burrito Bowls recipe and it brought me here. This looks yummy but I’m looking for the burrito bowl recipe ~ Thank you
Try it again. I don’t know why it was doing that
Hi! I want to make this recipe for 16 people for Easter. I really don’t want to mess it up, it looks amazing!!! Would you be so kind to help me out with the measurements of this recipe doubled and oven cooking time? Id greatly appreciate it.
Sorry it’s probably too late. If you go to print you can push the 2x and it will double the ingredients. For cook time it should be similar. Maybe 5 minutes more.
Love this recipe! Prior ones were too sweet or seemed more like a pie, and never understood the marshmallows. I now use this one only. Handy tip: my local grocery store & Walmart now sell the sweet potatoes in a 3 lb bag. This is the perfect size for this recipe. And I prefer to bake mine, too. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
thank you!