Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, gratitude, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. While the turkey may take center stage, the supporting cast of side dishes is equally important. Potatoes, in their various forms, have long been a beloved addition to the Thanksgiving table. In this extensive guide, we present our 10 best Thanksgiving potato recipes that are sure to delight your guests and elevate your holiday feast to a new level of culinary excellence. From traditional mashed potatoes to inventive potato gratins and casseroles, there’s something here for every potato enthusiast.
10 Best Thanksgiving Potato Recipes
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a generous serving of classic mashed potatoes. This timeless side dish is beloved for its simplicity and comforting creaminess. Here’s how to make the perfect mashed potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, usually around 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Heat them over low heat to remove excess moisture, stirring occasionally.
In a separate saucepan, warm the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth texture.
Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
2. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potatoes with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese. This recipe adds a delectable depth of taste to your traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot of salted water until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. Heat them over low heat to remove excess moisture, stirring occasionally.
In a separate saucepan, warm the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted.
Mash the potatoes and garlic with a potato masher or ricer.
Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture, along with the grated Parmesan cheese, to the mashed potatoes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a buttery, pecan-studded topping. It’s a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Topping:
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them in a large bowl.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Add the wet mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes and stir until well combined.
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
4. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a rich and indulgent Thanksgiving side dish. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat the layering process until all the potatoes and sauce are used.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes take the classic baked potato to new heights by adding a cheesy, creamy filling with bacon and chives. They make for an indulgent and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the potatoes and prick them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise.
Carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skins.
Mash the potato flesh in the bowl and add sour cream, butter, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper and mix until well combined.
Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins. Top each potato with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon.
Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with the remaining green onions and fresh chives if desired. Serve hot.
6. Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Herb-roasted fingerling potatoes are an elegant and visually appealing addition to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of fresh herbs and roasted potatoes creates a harmonious and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, combine the halved fingerling potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
7. Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are a Swedish creation that combines the best elements of baked and roasted potatoes. Thinly sliced and fanned out, these potatoes are a stunning addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium Russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes. Place each potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons to act as a guide, preventing you from slicing all the way through.
Make thin, even cuts along the length of each potato, spacing them about 1/8-inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through; the potato should rema
in intact at the bottom.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves.
Brush the potatoes with the garlic and thyme-infused butter, making sure to get the mixture in between the slices.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Baste the potatoes with the remaining butter mixture halfway through the cooking time.
If desired, sprinkle the Hasselback potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot.
8. Potato Gratin
Potato gratin is a luxurious side dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that embodies comfort and indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is warmed through. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour half of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes.
Sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the potatoes and cream.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired. Allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded potato skins are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that can also make a fantastic side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. Crispy potato skins are filled with cheese, bacon, and sour cream for a flavor-packed treat.
Ingredients:
- 6 large Russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Sour cream, for serving
- Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
Rub the potatoes with vegetable oil and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and the skins are crispy.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin.
Sprinkle each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the loaded potato skins with sour cream and garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.
10. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic and Parmesan smashed potatoes combine the nutty richness of roasted garlic with the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. These smashed potatoes are both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of baby potatoes (red or Yukon Gold)
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, leaving the skin on. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle it with a little olive oil, and wrap it in the foil.
Place the wrapped garlic head on a baking sheet and roast it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and golden brown.
While the garlic is roasting, wash and scrub the baby potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves into a bowl. Mash the garlic with a fork.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the boiled baby potatoes to the skillet.
Use a potato masher or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each potato, leaving the skin intact.
Drizzle the mashed roasted garlic over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese.
Continue to cook the potatoes in the skillet until they are golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Conclusion
Potatoes have earned their place as a beloved and versatile side dish on Thanksgiving tables across the United States. Whether you prefer the creamy simplicity of classic mashed potatoes, the sweet and savory notes of sweet potato casserole, or the indulgent richness of potato gratin, there’s a potato dish to suit every palate.
So, as you prepare for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration, consider incorporating one or more of these delectable potato recipes into your menu. Whether served alongside the Thanksgiving turkey or as the star of the show, these potato dishes are guaranteed to impress and create lasting culinary memories for years to come. Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, and may it be filled with gratitude, warmth, and the irresistible flavors of these sensational potato creations.