Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Casserole:
4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk (whole or heavy cream for extra richness)
1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for a citrusy note)
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted, optional for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher or use a hand mixer until smooth. You can also use a food processor for a super smooth texture.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Base
Add the Ingredients: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, eggs, and milk. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. If you like, you can add a little orange zest for a hint of citrus flavor.

Transfer to a Baking Dish: Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping
Combine the Streusel Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans. For extra flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant before adding them to the streusel mixture.

Top the Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Step 4: Bake
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can set. This dish is best served warm, and it pairs perfectly with savory meats like turkey, ham, or roast chicken.