Table of Contents
Sweet Potato Casserole: Restaurant-Quality Comfort at Home
Craving that luxurious, velvety sweet potato casserole that makes Ruth’s Chris steakhouse so memorable? This recipe captures that same restaurant-quality richness and sophistication while being completely achievable in your home kitchen. With its silky smooth base, hint of bourbon warmth, and perfectly golden marshmallow topping, it’s the ultimate holiday side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
What Makes This Sweet Potato Casserole Restaurant-Worthy
This Ruth’s Chris-style sweet potato casserole delivers the ultimate in upscale comfort—luxuriously creamy, rich, and elegantly refined. The secret lies in the careful balance of premium ingredients: real butter, fresh eggs, a touch of bourbon for depth, and Madagascar vanilla for that subtle luxury. The sweet potatoes are whipped to silky perfection, creating a base that’s more like a sophisticated soufflé than a typical casserole. Topped with golden marshmallows that caramelize beautifully, every spoonful delivers restaurant-quality indulgence.
Nutrition Meets Indulgence: A Balanced Approach to Comfort Food
While this casserole is definitely a special occasion treat, sweet potatoes bring impressive nutritional value to the table. They’re packed with beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber, potassium, and vitamin C—making this indulgent dish surprisingly nutrient-dense.
The key to restaurant-style richness without going overboard is using quality ingredients in the right proportions and focusing on technique for maximum flavor impact.
Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt and use mini marshmallows for portion control!
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes (roasted until tender)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and roast for 45-60 minutes until very tender. Cool, then peel and mash until completely smooth.
- Create the Luxurious Base In a large bowl, whip the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add cream, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and all spices. Mix until silky smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole Reduce oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13 baking dish. Spread sweet potato mixture evenly. Bake for 20 minutes until just set.
- Add the Golden Topping Remove from oven and top with mini marshmallows and pecans. Brush lightly with melted butter. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
- Serve with Style Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition Info Per Serving:
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: 180% DV
- Potassium: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
Calories: ~285
Serving Ideas: Perfect Pairings for Your Holiday Table
This elegant sweet potato casserole is the perfect complement to any upscale meal. Here’s how to serve it restaurant-style:
Pair with: Prime rib, herb-crusted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled salmon. Holiday menu: Alongside green bean almondine, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce. Steakhouse style: Serve with filet mignon, asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes for the full Ruth’s Chris experience.
Final Thoughts
This Ruth’s Chris-inspired sweet potato casserole elevates classic Southern comfort into a sophisticated, restaurant-quality side dish. The combination of silky sweet potatoes, warm spices, and that signature golden marshmallow topping creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or want to add some luxury to your weeknight meal, this casserole brings five-star flavor to your dining room table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 8
This Ruth’s Chris-style sweet potato casserole elevates the classic comfort dish with restaurant-quality technique and premium ingredients. Featuring silky roasted sweet potatoes, warm bourbon notes, and perfectly golden marshmallows, it’s an elegant side dish that brings steakhouse sophistication to your holiday table.