Imagine sitting at a table filled with the warmth and laughter of family. Among the many dishes, one stands out: the Copycat Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. This dish embodies pure comfort food. It brings back memories of holiday gatherings, where the sweet aroma of sweet potatoes and the golden, toasted marshmallows signal that something special is about to be served. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and tradition.
At the heart of this casserole are the star ingredients: 4 cups of sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped, mingling with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for sweetness and 1/2 cup of brown sugar for depth. A dash of 1/3 cup of milk adds creaminess, while 1/2 cup of melted butter brings richness to the mix. The flavor is further enhanced with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of 1/2 teaspoon salt. To crown it all, a layer of 1 cup of mini marshmallows melts into gooey, caramelized perfection during baking, creating a flavor profile that is a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth.
The method for making this casserole is refreshingly simple. You begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, boil the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until they are tender, drain and mash them. In a mixing bowl, you combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the sugars, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. After transferring this mixture to a greased baking dish, you top it with mini marshmallows. Finally, you bake it until the marshmallows turn golden brown. It’s straightforward and hassle-free, making it a perfect recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
This sweet potato casserole is perfect for chilly nights when you crave something warm and hearty. It also shines as a fantastic addition to potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring that your loved ones leave with a smile.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The welcoming flavors of sweet potatoes and marshmallows are perfect for creating cherished memories.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy items here. Just grab some kitchen staples and fresh sweet potatoes.
- Quick to Prepare: With only a few steps, you can get it ready in no time, making it an ideal dish for busy cooks.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or even as a dessert, this casserole can fit any meal occasion.
- Perfect for All Ages: Its sweetness and creamy texture appeal to both young children and seniors alike.
Sweet Potato Tips
Selecting the best sweet potatoes is essential for the success of this dish. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth with no blemishes or soft spots. Organic sweet potatoes can be a great choice, as they often have superior flavor and nutritional value. When washing, be sure to scrub the skins thoroughly, even if you plan to peel them, to remove any dirt or pesticides that may be present. If you have the option, try to choose sweet potatoes that are around the same size for even cooking.
Options for Substitutions
- Granulated Sugar: You can use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Brown Sugar: Swap with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
- Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Butter: Use coconut oil for a vegan variant.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste can intensify the flavor if you want something extra.
- Mini Marshmallows: Feel free to use crushed graham crackers or a mix of nuts as a topping for added texture.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When cooking sweet potatoes, avoid overcooking them. While making the casserole, you want them tender but not mushy, as this can affect the final texture. Additionally, be careful with the sugar; too much can make the dish excessively sweet and overpower the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. Mixing the ingredients too vigorously can also lead to a dense casserole. Make sure to blend them gently until everything is just combined. Finally, keep an eye on the marshmallows while baking. They can turn from perfectly golden to burnt rather quickly, so it’s wise to check them a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.
What to Serve With Copycat Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows?
This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like a herbed turkey or honey-glazed ham. You can also serve it alongside green beans almondine or a refreshing garden salad to balance the sweetness. For those who love a hearty meal, it goes well with cornbread, enhancing the southern comfort feel.
Storage Instructions
Store: In the fridge, this casserole will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freeze: If you decide to freeze it, it can last for up to 2 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheat: To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, heating it in short intervals until it’s hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 8 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2,200 to 2,400
- Protein: 12-14 grams
- Fat: 80-95 grams
- Carbohydrates: 350-400 grams
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Boil and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a pot of boiling water. Cook them until they are tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and mash them in a large bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every bite has the same delicious flavor.
Step 5: Top with Marshmallows
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the top of the sweet potato mixture. You want to ensure that every scoop has some marshmallow goodness.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly toasted.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
This Copycat Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a dish that should definitely be on your table. It’s easy, inviting, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Try making it for your next gathering and delight in the compliments you receive. Feel free to share your thoughts or explore similar recipes on my blog!
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Copycat Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and sweet casserole made with mashed sweet potatoes and topped with gooey mini marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly.
- Top with mini marshmallows evenly across the mixture.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Serve warm after cooling for a few minutes.
Notes
Great for chilly nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 175mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
