Famous Potato Bake Dish

Category: Our Most-Loved Recipes

This cozy side pairs creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy, sugary pecan topping. It's our spin on Ruth's Chris's beloved dish.

Hannah Author
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 19:05:09 GMT
Close shot of baked sweet potato casserole with pecan topping. Save
Close shot of baked sweet potato casserole with pecan topping. | recipesbyhannah.com

Bring the wow factor to your table with this take on Ruth's Chris's sweet potato side. Whipped up sweet potatoes under a layer of buttery chopped pecans. It’s something special for any gathering—seriously good any time.

Hearty Classic

This one takes the best of that famous eatery—lush mashed sweet potatoes and a crisp, sweet pecan cap. Looks great with whatever you’re serving.

What’s Inside

  • Pecans: 1 cup, chopped
  • Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Salt: Season how you like
  • Butter: Need 1/3 cup for topping, 3 tbsp for base
  • Sweet Potatoes: 3 to 4 cups, already mashed
  • Flour: 1/4 cup
  • Half-and-Half: 2 tbsp

Time to Make It

Top and Bake
Sprinkle topping over potatoes then bake about 20 minutes till bubbly and brown up top
Mix Topping
Throw together the flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter till crumbly
Layer Base
Spoon potatoes in your dish and spread the surface flat
Start Potatoes
Heat oven to 350°F bake potatoes an hour, mash ‘em up with butter, splash of cream, and a pinch of salt
Close up shot of sweet potato bake with a messy layer of pecans and brown sugar in a white pan. Save
Close up shot of sweet potato bake with a messy layer of pecans and brown sugar in a white pan. | recipesbyhannah.com

Incredibly Tasty

This dish makes every meal feel fancy. The mix of creamy sweet potatoes and a candy-like topping is just plain comfort food at its best.

Recipe FAQs

→ Is this okay to prepare early?

Definitely. Put together the potato base and topping separately and store in the fridge for up to two days. Just combine right before baking.

→ Can this be frozen?

The potato layer freezes great. Keep the topping off and store for three months. Let it thaw, then add a fresh topping and bake.

→ How do I know the potatoes are cooked?

They should be soft enough to easily push a fork through. If in doubt, overcook them a little—they'll mash smoother that way.

→ Are canned sweet potatoes fine to use?

Fresh potatoes are better, but canned ones work if you're in a pinch. Just drain them well and adjust any cream since canned ones are softer.

→ Why isn't the topping crunchy?

Make sure your oven is properly preheated and your topping is crumbly before adding it. Pack it loosely for the best texture.

Ruth's Chris Potato Bake

Soft sweet potatoes smothered in a sweet, nutty pecan topping. Tastes like the classic steakhouse favorite, made fresh at home.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
80 min
Total Time
95 min

Category: Family Treasures

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 A generous 3 to 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes (from 2 big ones).
02 3 tbsp softened butter.
03 2 tbsp of half-and-half cream or milk.
04 Pinch of salt, as much as you'd like.
05 1/2 cup packed brown sugar.
06 1/4 cup plain flour.
07 1 cup finely chopped pecans.
08 1/3 cup melted butter.

Directions

Step 01

Pop sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F for an hour. They should be super soft.

Step 02

Peel those potatoes and mash 'em up with butter, cream, and a bit of salt.

Step 03

Scoop the mashed potatoes into a greased baking pan and spread smoothly.

Step 04

Combine sugar, flour, and butter till crumbly. Toss in those pecans.

Step 05

Sprinkle that crumbly mix evenly over the mashed layer.

Step 06

Bake at 350°F for about 20 min till it's golden and bubbling at the edges.

Notes

  1. You can make parts of this in advance.
  2. Go for fresh sweet potatoes—they're way better.
  3. Don't press the topping down too much.
  4. Freeze the potato part without the topping if needed.
  5. Sprinkle on some cinnamon for a twist!

Required Equipment

  • Oven-safe dish.
  • A sturdy masher for potatoes.
  • Couple of mixing bowls.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Dairy (includes butter and cream).
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans).
  • Has wheat (flour).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 4 g