25 Potato Side Dish Recipes That Belong on Your Thanksgiving Table
Potatoes are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving dinner – reliable, comforting, and loved by everyone at the table. Whether you’re team sweet potato or regular potato (or both!), these versatile spuds can be transformed into incredible sides that complement your turkey perfectly.
From creamy classics to crispy innovations, these recipes will help you create a memorable feast that has your family talking until next year’s gathering.
Classic Mashed Potatoes
The gold standard of comfort food that never goes out of style. These fluffy, buttery clouds melt in your mouth and pair with absolutely everything on your plate. They’re surprisingly easy to make ahead and reheat, making your Thanksgiving prep a breeze. The key is using the right potatoes and not overmixing – you’ll get silky smooth results every time.
Get the recipe here.
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. These potatoes practically cook themselves in the oven while you focus on other dishes. The golden-brown exterior gives way to tender, seasoned goodness that’ll have people reaching for seconds. They’re fool-proof and incredibly forgiving, perfect for busy holiday cooking.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This crowd-pleaser walks the line between side dish and dessert beautifully. The creamy, spiced sweet potato base gets topped with golden, gooey marshmallows that create the perfect contrast in textures. Kids and adults alike can’t resist this nostalgic favorite. You can assemble it the day before and just pop it in the oven when ready.
Get the recipe here.
Scalloped Potatoes
Thin potato slices swimming in rich, creamy sauce create layers of pure indulgence. This elegant side dish looks impressive but requires minimal hands-on time once it’s in the oven. The cheese gets bubbly and golden while the potatoes become fork-tender. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your guests feel special.
Get the recipe here.
Hasselback Potatoes
These accordion-style potatoes are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. The multiple cuts create crispy edges and fluffy centers, with plenty of nooks for butter and seasonings to nestle into. They look fancy but are actually quite simple to make. Each potato becomes its own little masterpiece that’s fun to eat and even more fun to look at.
Get the recipe here.
Duchess Potatoes
Elegant piped mounds of seasoned mashed potatoes that get beautifully golden in the oven. These sophisticated spuds add a touch of fine dining to your family table without being fussy. The piped presentation makes them feel special, and they hold their shape perfectly. They’re make-ahead friendly and reheat wonderfully, which is a holiday hosting win.
Get the recipe here.
Potato Gratin Dauphinoise
This French classic elevates humble potatoes to restaurant-quality heights. Paper-thin slices get layered with cream and slowly baked until bubbly and golden. The result is incredibly rich and luxurious – a little goes a long way. It’s perfect for impressing guests who appreciate sophisticated flavors, and the presentation is absolutely stunning.
Get the recipe here.
Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Simple roasted sweet potatoes get transformed with a glossy honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the floral honey notes. They’re healthy enough to feel good about but indulgent enough to satisfy. Plus, they add gorgeous color to your holiday spread with minimal effort required.
Get the recipe here.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These rustic beauties combine the best of roasted and mashed potatoes. Small potatoes get boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted until the edges turn crispy and golden. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy interior is absolutely addictive. They’re casual and fun, perfect for relaxed family gatherings where everyone can dig in.
Get the recipe here.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
All the flavors of loaded baked potatoes in a shareable casserole format. Creamy mashed potatoes get topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s indulgent and satisfying, guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. The casserole format makes serving a crowd much easier than individual portions.
Get the recipe here.
Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Nutty brown butter takes regular mashed sweet potatoes to gourmet levels. The complex, toasted flavor of the butter complements the natural sweetness perfectly without being cloying. They’re sophisticated enough for formal dinners but comforting enough for family meals. The technique is simple but makes such a difference in the final flavor profile.
Get the recipe here.
Parmesan Roasted Baby Potatoes
These bite-sized beauties get crispy and golden with a savory Parmesan coating. The cheese creates an irresistible crust while the inside stays fluffy and tender. They’re perfect for picking up with your fingers and disappear faster than you’d expect. The cooking method is straightforward, but the results taste like you spent hours perfecting them.
Get the recipe here.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes get the full dessert treatment with a glossy, spiced syrup that caramelizes beautifully. They strike the perfect balance between side dish and dessert, satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth. The syrup penetrates the tender potatoes, creating bursts of concentrated flavor in every bite. They’re traditional comfort food at its finest, evoking memories of family gatherings past.
Get the recipe here.
Potato Stuffing
This unique twist combines the comfort of mashed potatoes with the flavors of traditional stuffing. Herbs, aromatics, and bread create a hearty, satisfying dish that’s different from the usual sides. It’s perfect for those who want something familiar yet unexpected. The texture is wonderfully varied, and it pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash
Smooth, creamy sweet potatoes get elevated with real maple syrup and toasted pecans. The combination tastes like fall in a bowl – warm, comforting, and naturally sweet. The pecans add delightful crunch and richness without overwhelming the delicate potato flavor. It’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for everyday family dinners.
Get the recipe here.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Tender potato chunks swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce that gets bubbly and golden on top. This crowd-pleasing casserole is pure comfort food that appeals to all ages. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly and has people asking for the recipe. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready, making holiday timing much easier.
Get the recipe here.
Herb Crusted Potato Wedges
Thick potato wedges get coated in fragrant herbs and roasted until crispy outside and fluffy inside. They’re like elevated French fries that feel appropriate for a holiday table. The herb coating adds sophistication while keeping the preparation simple and straightforward. Kids love the familiar shape, while adults appreciate the elevated flavors and crispy texture.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Soufflé
This airy, cloud-like creation is sweet potato in its most elegant form. The soufflé puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating a light texture that melts on your tongue. While it sounds intimidating, it’s actually quite manageable with proper timing. The impressive presentation makes it perfect for special occasions when you want to wow your guests.
Get the recipe here.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes get a flavor boost from roasted garlic that becomes sweet and mellow. The garlic infuses throughout, creating depth without being overpowering. They’re creamy, comforting, and have just enough personality to stand out on a crowded holiday table. The roasted garlic can be prepared ahead, making the final assembly quick and easy.
Get the recipe here.
Bourbon Sweet Potato Mash
A sophisticated take on sweet potato mash with a hint of bourbon that adds warmth and complexity. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind rich, caramelized notes that complement the natural sweetness beautifully. It’s grown-up comfort food that feels special enough for holiday entertaining. The bourbon adds intrigue without being overwhelming or inappropriate for family dinners.
Get the recipe here.
Creamy Potato Bake
Sliced potatoes layered in a rich, creamy sauce and baked until tender and golden. This comforting casserole is like a cross between scalloped potatoes and gratin, offering the best of both worlds. The creamy sauce penetrates every layer, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned. It’s reliable, satisfying, and feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.
Get the recipe here.
Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes
These small, elegant potatoes get roasted with fresh rosemary until crispy and fragrant. The herb’s piney aroma complements the earthy potatoes perfectly, creating a sophisticated yet simple side. Fingerlings hold their shape beautifully and look elegant on the plate. They’re easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for holiday celebrations.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with cream and herbs, then baked until bubbly and golden. This elegant dish showcases sweet potatoes in a more refined way than traditional casseroles. The layers create beautiful presentation while ensuring every bite has the perfect ratio of potato to creamy sauce. It’s sophisticated comfort food that impresses without being complicated.
Get the recipe here.
Bacon and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes get a flavor upgrade with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives. The smoky bacon adds richness while the chives provide a fresh, oniony bite that balances the heaviness. It’s familiar comfort food with just enough twist to make it interesting. The additions can be prepared ahead and folded in at the last minute for easy entertaining.
Get the recipe here.
Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes
Simple roasted sweet potatoes get finished with warm cinnamon butter that melts into every crevice. The spice enhances the natural sweetness without making them taste like dessert. They’re healthy, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly easy to prepare alongside other dishes. The combination is classic and comforting, appealing to both traditional and health-conscious diners.
Get the recipe here.
