Thanksgiving may look different this year, but we’re still celebrating—and potatoes will certainly be on the menu. Below is a curated list of favorite Thanksgiving potato recipes, including timeless classics like mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole as well as creative options like maple pecan sweet potatoes and blue cheese potatoes au gratin.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
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Most of these recipes work well with Yukon Golds or your usual baking potatoes.
1. Classic Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes
This is the potato dish my family always serves at Thanksgiving: rich, creamy, and cheesy. One of the best features of this recipe is that it can be made a day ahead and reheated, making it a reliable, stress-free option for holiday cooking.
2. Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes combine the best of baked and mashed: crispy skins with a light, creamy interior. Fill them with brie, cheddar, or any favorite cheese for a decadent side dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
3. Roasted Garlic, Parmesan, Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Roasted garlic and brown butter add depth and warmth to mashed potatoes. Parmesan brings a savory finish. This version is perfect when you want a familiar dish with more complex, layered flavors.
4. Irish Mashed Potatoes with Kale and Onions
This deconstructed colcannon tops creamy mashed red bliss potatoes with sautéed kale and onions for a rustic, flavorful side that balances rich potatoes with bright, savory greens.
5. Blue Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin
For a truly indulgent side, potatoes au gratin with blue cheese, cream, and cream cheese deliver a rich, velvety dish with a tangy bite—ideal for special occasions.
6. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Mixing cauliflower into mashed potatoes reduces carbs and lightens the dish without sacrificing creaminess. It’s an easy way to offer a slightly healthier alternative on the holiday table.
Sweet Potato Recipes
We always serve both Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving. Below are several sweet potato variations to consider for your menu.
1. Sweet Potato Casserole topped with Bacon, Pecan, and Brown Sugar Crumble
One popular variation features sweet potato casserole split between two toppings: a classic marshmallow finish on one side and a sweet-and-salty crumble of bacon, pecans, and brown sugar on the other. Choose one or offer both for guests to enjoy different textures and flavors.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This is the familiar, cozy version topped with golden marshmallows—comforting and nostalgic, perfect for family gatherings.
3. Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Peeled and sliced sweet potatoes are roasted with butter and maple syrup, then finished with a crunchy pecan topping. The result is a sweet-and-salty side that’s both elegant and comforting.
4. Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked, scooped, mashed, and then topped with a brown sugar and nut crumble, twice baked sweet potatoes deliver a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures.
5. Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Simple roasted sweet potatoes tossed with maple and butter are easy to prepare and a lighter way to enjoy sweet potatoes while still delivering great flavor.
6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
For a straightforward option, mash your sweet potatoes with butter and a touch of seasoning—simple, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
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