Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole - Ruth's Chris Copycat Recipe (2024)

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Try this Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe copycat for an easy and delicious Thanksgiving side dish your family will devour! Creamy, fluffy, and delicious, this healthier sweet potato casserole is easy to make for Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion! Made with no refined sugar and dairy-free, you are going to love adding this to your favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole - Ruth's Chris Copycat Recipe (1)

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Jump to:
  • Why You Need to Make This Recipe
  • How to Make This Recipe
  • Storage, Reheating, Freezing, and Doubling Tips
  • Other Recipe Tips for Success
  • What Food Pairs Well With Sweet Potatoes?
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Other Perfect Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving!
  • Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You Need to Make This Recipe

Here are the top 5 reasons you need to make this Ruth Chris sweet potato casserole copycat recipe:

  1. This Ruth's Chris sweet potato casserole recipe is lightened up and healthier than the original recipe without sacrificing flavor!
  2. This family favorite recipe is made with simple ingredients, less sugar, no refined sugar, and less butter.
  3. Perfect light and fluffy souffle texture and crunchy pecan crust topping - not watery like some recipes!
  4. Easy to serve Thanksgiving side dish for your holiday crowd as individual portions in ramekins, or in a 9X13 dish for a double recipe.
  5. Quick and easy to make ahead for your holiday meal! Spend your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter spending time with family and not in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Variations For This Recipe

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

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Pecan Crust Ingredients

Chopped pecans create a nutty and warm crust that tops the sweet potato souffle. Substitute pecans for walnuts. To make with no nuts, use rolled oats for an oatmeal topping without nuts.

Coconut sugar sweetens the crust and gives it a delicious brown sugar flavor without refined sugar. Substitute coconut sugar for honey or maple syrup. Use monk fruit sweetener to make it with no sugar.

Make the brown sugar pecan crust with brown sugar for the classic recipe.

Melted butter brings the pecan crust together and enhances the flavor of the pecans.

All-purpose flour creates a crumbly, streusel-like crust.

Sweet Potato Filling Ingredients

Cooked canned sweet potatoes make this recipe easy to make. Canned yams are an excellent replacement. Fresh sweet potatoes can be pre-cooked and then used.

Eggs help the sweet potato layer to be fluffy and airy, like a souffle. To make without eggs, add 2 tablespoon of vanilla almond milk or aquafaba.

Salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the sweet potato filling. Vanilla extract provides a warm flavor in many sweet recipes - you'll swear this is a Thanksgiving dessert!

How to Make This Recipe

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

Step 1 - Combine the Pecan Crust Ingredients

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Mix together the topping ingredients in a small bowl. Place it in the refrigerator while you mix the potato layer.

Prepare an 8X8 baking dish or individual ramekins by spraying the dish with cooking spray or lightly buttering it.

Step 2 - Mix the Sweet Potatoes and Souffle Ingredients

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Use cooked sweet potatoes or canned yams to create the potato base. Combine potatoes in a large bowl along with salt, vanilla extract, and salt.

Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to mix for about 4 minutes or until light & fluffy.

Step 4 - Top with Pecan Crust

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Spread the pecan streusel crust mixture over the top of the sweet potato mixture and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Storage, Reheating, Freezing, and Doubling Tips

How do you store sweet potato casserole?

Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing is not recommended.

What is the best way to reheat sweet potato casserole?

Reheat in the oven until warmed through or individual portions in the microwave.

Can I double this recipe to make it for a crowd?

Double the recipe by using a 9X13 pan to make it for a larger group.

Other Recipe Tips for Success

  • If you want to make this Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with no nuts, try substituting oatmeal topping for pecans. Replace equal parts rolled oats for pecans.
  • Rinse sweet potatoes in a colander to remove any syrup that may still be on them from being in the can.
  • Use canned yams for ease.
  • Add a little indulgence by topping with marshmallows if you prefer that classic topping over the pecan topping.
  • Add in a teaspoon of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and/or ginger if you like those warm spicy flavors.

What Food Pairs Well With Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potato casserole pairs well with any savory meat like turkey meatloaf, ribeye steak, oven-baked chicken, or air fryer pork tenderloin.

You can pair it with another Ruth's Chris Steakhouse recipe - this Asian Chilean Sea Bass recipe.

Pair this recipe with ourair fryer turkey breast,garlic parmesan brussel sprouts,dairy-free mashed potatoes, andblistered green beansfor a simple and healthy Thanksgiving meal.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can! Keep the crumble topping mixture separate from the potato mixture since you cook them in 2 sections.

30 minutes prior to baking remove potato mixture from the fridge. Account for a few extra minutes in the oven if you take the dish straight from the fridge to the oven.

Is sweet potato casserole good for you?

Sweet potatoes are a healthy vegetable full of potassium and fiber. Pecans have nutritional benefits such as healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, E, calcium, potassium, and zinc.

Can I make it gluten-free or vegan?

Yes! To make it gluten-free swap out all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. To make it vegan omit eggs and use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Is it better to roast or boil sweet potatoes for casserole?

The easiest way to make sweet potatoes for casserole is to use canned sweet potatoes or canned yams.

Using canned potatoes cuts down on the prep time and makes this recipe quick and easy.

If you would like to use fresh sweet potatoes, consider air frying sweet potatoes to make the prep process easier.

Are canned yams and sweet potatoes the same?

Canned yams and canned sweet potatoes are not the same, however, they may be used interchangeably in this recipe with little variance in taste, texture, and appearance.

How long is it safe to eat sweet potato casserole?

Leftovers will be safe to eat when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Do you rinse canned yams or sweet potatoes?

Yes. Rinse canned potatoes or yams prior to making this recipe.

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Other Perfect Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving!

  • Easy Blistered Green Beans with Garlic Recipe
  • Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes (Instant Pot or Stove)
  • Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
  • Healthy Corn Casserole without Sour Cream

If you've made this recipe, would you please leave a star rating and comment below on the recipe card? If you wantmore simple + delicious eats, please subscribe to mynewsletterand follow along onFacebook,Pinterest,andInstagram for the latest updates.

Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole - Ruth's Chris Copycat Recipe (12)

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5 from 4 votes

Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a healthier version of the steakhouse classic. Creamy, light and delicious, this healthier sweet potato casserole is easy to make for Thanksgiving or whenever you are craving a delicious casserole bake! Made with no refined sugar and dairy free, you are going to love adding this to your favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 9 servings

Calories 188kcal

Author Lyndsey

Equipment

  • 1 8X8 Baking pan

  • coconut oil spray

Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

  • cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour use gluten-free if needed
  • cup pecans chopped
  • 2 tablespoon butter melted

Sweet Potato Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375F. Spray an 8X8 glass dish with coconut oil cooking spray.

  • Combine coconut sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Place it in the refrigerator while you make the sweet potato layer.

    ⅓ cup coconut sugar, 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup pecans, 2 tablespoon butter

  • Combine sweet potato ingredients and beat thoroughly for about 4 minutes. You can add a bit of almond milk if the mixture needs it.

    3 cups canned sweet potatoes or yams, ½ teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs

  • Pour sweet potato mixture into prepared glass dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

  • Carefully remove sweet potato mixture from the oven and evenly sprinkle the pecan mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes. Return to oven and bake for additional 15-20 minutes or until the crumble is browned.

  • Allow to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • If using fresh sweet potatoes try this air fryer sweet potato recipe to quickly cook them.
  • You can use canned yams in place of fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe. It works just as well and takes out the extra step of having to clean and pre-cook the potatoes.
  • Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended.
  • Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven until warmed through or individual portions in the microwave.
  • Make Ahead:Keep the crumble topping mixture separate from the sweet potato mixture since you cook them in 2 sections. 30 minutes prior to baking remove potato mixture from the fridge. Account for a few extra minutes in the oven if you take the dish straight from the fridge to the oven.
  • Vegan: To make it vegan omit eggs and use vegan butter or coconut oil.
  • Gluten Free: To make it gluten free just swap out all purpose flour for gluten free flour.
  • Nut Free:Substitute oatmeal topping for pecans. Replace equal parts rolled oats for pecans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.8g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 6.7g

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @cookathomemomma or tag #cookathomemomma!

Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole - Ruth's Chris Copycat Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole? ›

The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping.

How many calories does sweet potato casserole have? ›

Sweet potato, casserole or mashed contains 235 calories per 250 g serving. This serving contains 5.9 g of fat, 4.2 g of protein and 42 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 19 g sugar and 4.8 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.

Can I freeze sweet potato casserole? ›

If you end up with leftover sweet potato casserole, you can store it in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or freeze the remaining portions for up to 4 months.

Why do Americans put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? ›

Most people point to a 1917 pamphlet by the Angelus Marshmallow Company as the first time sweet potatoes and marshmallows came together. This company is believed to be the first to commercially-produce and sell the squishy white marshmallows we know, roast, and snack on today.

Is it healthier to boil a sweet potato or bake a sweet potato? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

Which is healthier sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie? ›

However, if you place the two in a side-by-side comparison, sweet potato generally outpaces pumpkin in its nutritional makeup from vitamin A to fiber to protein. While pumpkin is a light, low sugar option, sweet potatoes do more heavy lifting and will ultimately feed your body more essential nutrients.

How many carbs in a half cup of sweet potato casserole? ›

Publix Sweet Potato Casserole (0.5 cup) contains 37g total carbs, 35g net carbs, 5g fat, 3g protein, and 210 calories.

Is sweet potato high in calories? ›

Highly nutritious

Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup, or 200 grams (g), of baked sweet potato with skin provides ( 2 ): Calories: 180. Carbs: 41 g.

Does cooking sweet potato change the calories? ›

The nutrition facts for raw and baked sweet potatoes can be vastly different. One cup of raw sweet potato may contain 114 calories, 26.8 grams of carbs and 5.6 g sugar, whereas one cup of baked sweet potato may contain 180 calories, 41.4 g carbs and 16.9 g sugar. That's a big increase in carbs and sugars.

Should I bake sweet potato casserole before freezing? ›

Freezing Instructions: Prepare the sweet potato casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover with a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How many sweet potatoes for 3 cups? ›

Note: 3 cups sweet potatoes is about 3-4 large sweet potatoes.

Why do you put eggs in sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

What culture eats the most sweet potatoes? ›

China is the world's biggest producer and consumer of sweetpotato, where it is used for food, animal feed, and processing (as food, starch, and other products).

Why do African Americans eat sweet potato pie? ›

After emancipation, when African American cooks gained more access to their own equipment and refined ingredients, they continued the tradition of baking with yams and sweet potatoes — especially the pie. These deep roots became the foundation of a strong tradition in African American food culture.

What is the difference between a casserole and a pie? ›

A pot pie has at least a pastry crust on top (and often all around the contents), while a casserole has no crust (or maybe a top “crust” of something that's not pastry, like crushed potato chips).

What is sweet potato casserole made of? ›

This comforting dish combines mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter with a hint of cinnamon. It is all crowned with pillowy soft marshmallows and toasty pecans. A sweet potato casserole is the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›

Spoiler: They're not the same vegetable.

That's because sweet potatoes and yams are in fact very different vegetables that we've come to refer to interchangeably for a number of reasons over the years. While a dish may arrive at your table calling itself "candied yams," it may well have been made with sweet potatoes.

Is sweet potato casserole a dessert or a side dish? ›

Sweet Potato Casserole is a traditional and classic American side dish served on Thanksgiving. This casserole is a dessert-like side dish made of a mashed sweet potato filling with a crunchy pecan topping.

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