11 Best Ever Thanksgiving Potato Recipes!

Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without a generously heaped side dish of potatoes. Whether they’re mashed, roasted, cheesy, or crispy, these starchy beauties are the unsung heroes of the holiday feast. If you’re like me (a seasoned and passionate spud enthusiast), you know that there’s no such thing as too many potato options on the table. That’s why I’ve rounded up the 11 Best Ever Thanksgiving Potato Recipes that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

From rich, creamy mashed potatoes to golden, crispy roasties, these recipes will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds, and maybe even more). Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just keeping it cozy, these potato dishes bring cozy comfort to your table.

They’re also super easy to prepare (even if you’re secretly still Googling “how to boil potatoes”), so it’s one less thing to worry about on the big day. Let’s jump straight in… 

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

What’s Thanksgiving without creamy mashed potatoes? These silky, buttery potatoes are whipped to perfection and make the perfect side for everything from turkey to gravy. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
3. Add butter, milk, and cream, and mash until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

These rosemary garlic smashed potatoes bring texture and flavor to the table, with crispy edges and soft, buttery insides. Perfect for adding some crunch to your meal.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Smash each potato with a fork or the bottom of a glass, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.

3. Crispy Roast Potatoes

Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—these roast potatoes are everything you want in a Thanksgiving potato dish. The key is to use a bit of magic (aka hot oil and high heat). Crispy on the outside, fluffy and tender inside with a slight saltiness that makes them irresistible.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

A Thanksgiving classic, this Sweet Potato Casserole combines smooth, sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s basically dessert disguised as a side dish! It’s rich, sweet, and buttery with a hint of cinnamon and a crunchy, nutty topping.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
4. In a bowl, mix the pecans, flour, and additional butter. Sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden.

5. Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

These crispy potato pancakes, or latkes, are a fun twist on traditional mashed or roasted potatoes. They’re perfect for adding a little crisp and bite to your Thanksgiving spread. Crispy, golden, and slightly salty with a soft inside.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, grated
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes and onion.
2. In a bowl, mix the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Scoop the mixture into patties and fry until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

6. Potatoes au Gratin

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce—Potatoes au Gratin is the ultimate indulgence for your Thanksgiving spread.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat cream, garlic, and salt. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
3. Layer the potatoes in a greased baking dish, pouring the cheese sauce over each layer.
4. Top with Parmesan and bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Spicy Roast Potatoes

For those who like a little heat with their spuds, these Spicy Roast Potatoes pack a punch with chili flakes and paprika. They’re crispy, flavorful, and add some excitement to the Thanksgiving table.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, chili flakes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through.

8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

These Mashed Sweet Potatoes are smooth and buttery, with a sweet and crunchy pecan topping that adds a perfect contrast in textures.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Top with chopped pecans and serve.

9. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce—these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish perfect for any Thanksgiving spread.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
3. Layer the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish, pouring cheese sauce over each layer.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.

10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Glaze

Roasted sweet potatoes with a maple glaze are simple yet delicious. The sweet and savory balance makes them a standout side dish.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender and caramelized.

11. Duchess Potatoes

These elegant, piped potatoes are fluffy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior. Duchess Potatoes are fancy, but don’t worry—they’re easier to make than they look. They bring retro vibes to the table, and they’re a great choice if you fancy something a little out of the ordinary. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 egg yolks
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Stir in egg yolks and pipe the mashed potatoes onto a baking sheet in swirls.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

These 11 best Thanksgiving potato recipes are sure to impress your guests and add plenty of variety to your Thanksgiving spread. Whether you’re looking for something creamy, cheesy, crispy, or spicy, there’s a potato recipe here for everyone. Which one will you be trying this holiday season?