Our 20 Best Thanksgiving Potato Recipes

Holiday-Only Mashed Potatoes

The secret to truly amazing Thanksgiving Day mashed potatoes is not really much of a secret. It's butter — and lots of it. Tremendous loads of butter. A shocking amount. But this is Thanksgiving dinner, the single most special meal of the year, so maybe we can suspend our health concerns for 24 hours. (We'll be extra good on Black Friday!) For best results, use the best butter — and bring it down to room temperature.

• Check out our collection of Mashed Potato Recipes.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This recipe takes twice-baked potatoes to the next level. Scooped-out baked potatoes, crumbled bacon, sour cream, butter, and Cheddar cheese are mashed together, spread into a dish, and topped with additional cheese and bacon. "A slight twist to an old favorite, this cheesy recipe will surely set their mouths to watering," says recipe creator Tay. "For a creamier casserole, use a potato masher and mash [the] potatoes thoroughly."

• Our Best Potato Casserole Recipes

Fancy Crusted Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes

"Thin slices of potato are layered around a baking dish to create a beautiful crust for these creamy rosemary potatoes," says recipe creator Mackenzie Schieck.

• Our Best Scalloped Potato Recipes

Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Here's a make-ahead mashed potato recipe featuring creamy mascarpone cheese. Make them in advance, then simply bake until the tops are a beautiful golden brown. "Not only is this a delicious alternative to regular mashed potato recipes, but it's a very user-friendly way to serve your potato side dish," says Chef John. "They're really decadent: not too rich, but just rich enough, and perfect for any special occasion."

Chef John's Potato Roses

You can make these impressive potato roses in advance too. "They're great for entertaining since you can make them ahead and keep them warm in the pan, or you can let them cool and reheat in the oven when you are ready to serve," says Chef John.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

"It is the sweetness of the roasted garlic that makes these mashed potatoes so delicious," says reviewer Angel.

Pommes Anna with Gruyère

"Layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, stacked with Gruyère cheese and golden sautéed onions make this French side dish," says recipe creator Ann.

Amazing Oven-Roasted Potatoes

"With these potatoes, you won't miss the loads of oil in regular fried potatoes," says reviewer Shan~Jam. "Golden on the outside, tender on the inside."

Basic Mashed Potatoes

Because sometimes basic is best. "If you love good, old-fashioned mashed potatoes this is the perfect recipe," says recipe creator Esmee Williams. "Simple and delicious."

• 9 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Sides That Hold Up in the Freezer

Fondant Potatoes

"The texture this old-school method provides for russet potatoes is unlike anything you get by just roasting: so dense, moist, and rich," says Chef John. "The way the crusty, crunchy edges outside contrast with the uniquely rich and creamy inside is truly a magical thing."

Fabienne's Hasselback Potatoes

"These potatoes present really well and are healthier than fries," says recipe creator Fabienne Riesen. "They have crispy edges with centers as creamy as mashed potatoes. A must try!"

Garlic Potatoes Gratin

Slices of red potatoes are layered with rich Gouda cheese and baked with butter and garlic. "An unbelievably rich twist on au gratin potatoes," says recipe creator Lisa Ramos. "This casserole develops a caramelized, cheesy, roasted garlic crust as it bakes."

• Our 15 Best Veggie Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin

If cheesy potatoes are the kind of dish your family fights over, these single-serve muffin tin potatoes gratin might just save your Thanksgiving.

Smashed Potatoes

Garlic and a handful of dried herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, and savory) crisp up in the oven alongside these twice-baked potatoes.

Chef John's Twice-Baked Potatoes

"On special occasions, don't forget that you're putting on a show with the food. And when it comes to starchy side dishes, these potatoes are a great way to express flair for the dramatic," Chef John says.

Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Use your Instant Pot to make these simple mashed potatoes. "The two biggest tips I've learned in making these is to heat the milk and butter before mashing in, and to use a hand masher as opposed to an electric mixer," says recipe creator wayl0n.

Roasted New Red Potatoes

This top-rated recipe is made with just three cheap and easy-to-find ingredients: halved red new potatoes, olive oil, and salt.

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

This cozy recipe takes traditional mashed potatoes up a notch with two seasonal ingredients: pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin.

Creamy and Crispy Scalloped Potatoes

Reviewer Leesy Bosezcu-Phillips suggests adding a "layer of tasty goodness" to this scalloped potato recipe with caramelized onions.

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

These creamy mashed potatoes are made with olive oil instead of butter or cream, so they're entirely vegan friendly.

More Inspiration

Try one of our Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes. Plus, explore our entire collection of Thanksgiving Potato Recipes.

• Sesame Green Beans
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Homesteader Cornbread