Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes

Potato side dishes are an essential part of Thanksgiving, it doesn't even matter what part of the country you're from. They are super versatile and can be cooked and prepared in so many incredible ways.

For Thanksgiving, I'm sharing my tried-and-true potato recipes that I've enjoyed with my family for years. That means they've all got the seal of approval from kids and adults, so everyone's happy at the holiday dinner table.

Whether you're a pro at hosting Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Thanksgiving a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday turkey early, too!

1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, and the addition of roasted garlic makes these potatoes extra flavorful. They're rich, creamy, and just as easy as classic potatoes with an elevated flavor worthy of the holidays.

2. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

This irresistible potato side is loaded with bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. It's such a popular dish you might want to consider making two batches of it (especially if you have a large family).

3. Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise potatoes are like potatoes au gratin but with extra flavor, and they're just as easy to make. The fresh thyme really adds a wonderful touch of flavor.

4. Fondant Potatoes

These rich and creamy fondant potatoes are so sophisticated and buttery. They'll look beautiful on any serving platter and will be one of your most popular dishes. Plus, they aren't difficult to make.

5. Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

You can't go wrong with serving mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. Check out this tasty variation of your standard mashed potatoes using red potatoes for a more rustic side dish.

6. Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes

I love adding cheese to my mashed potatoes, and this roasted mashed potato recipe does it perfectly. This dish expertly combines potatoes, cheese, and a nice crunchy topping, baked until golden in a casserole dish.

7. Boiled Potatoes

This straightforward recipe brings out all of the best flavors of baby potatoes with none of the work. It is a fantastic option if you need a hassle-free, simple potato side dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu.

8. Roasted Red Potato Wedges

These roasted potato wedges have a light, fluffy interior with a nice, crispy outside. They are kid-approved, wonderfully simple, and extremely delicious.

As a bonus, they only use 4 ingredients, making them perfect for an easy Thanksgiving side.

9. Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions

Pan-fried potatoes and onions taste great with everything. This is a perfectly versatile potato side that will complement everything on your holiday menu from turkey to green bean casserole.

10. Crock Pot Green Beans and Potatoes

Add some green beans to your potatoes for a little bit of variety. Of course, using the crockpot makes this dish extra easy because you can set it and forget it.

11. Baked Potato Bar

If you're having a large family gathering, a 'build-your-own' baked potato bar is perfect. No matter what your family likes with their potatoes, they will all be happy. It is easily customizable to fit everyone's tastes.

12. Twice Baked Potatoes

These twice-baked potatoes are loaded with all of the best-baked potato toppings. Plus, you can make these in advance to save you some time on Thanksgiving Day.

13. Crispy Roasted Red Potatoes

No matter what you're serving for Thanksgiving, roasted potato wedges are sure to fit right in. Plus, they are practically effortless to make, so you won't have to spend much time throwing them together.

14. Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes are like a combination of baked potatoes and mashed potatoes. The buttery Yukon gold potatoes are boiled until soft, then smashed, and roasted until crispy with melted cheese.

15. Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Cream cheese makes these mashed potatoes extra rich and decadent while bacon adds pops of savory crunch. These two stir-ins add so much flavor, you may never make mashed potatoes any other way once you try it.

16. Make Ahead Mashed Potato Casserole

If you're looking for some stress-free sides to lessen the load on Thanksgiving day, then this easy mashed potato casserole is exactly what you need.

The creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the crunchy topping and the taste is divine. It's a great use of leftover mashed potatoes if you're having a Friendsgiving after the holidays.

17. Potato Croquettes

With a crispy, golden-fried exterior and soft and creamy mashed potato filling, potato croquettes are pure comfort food. They can be a side dish, or you can serve them as an appetizer before the main course.

18. Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes involve layering sliced russet potatoes with a mixture of heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and seasonings in a crockpot. This recipe is a convenient and flavorful way to prepare the classic potato dish in your slow cooker.

19. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

This recipe combines yellow potatoes, cream cheese, milk, butter, and seasonings for a creamy texture and taste. These easy-to-make potatoes are perfect for holidays or any special occasion, offering a luxurious twist on classic mashed potatoes.

20. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

Your air fryer is a straightforward and efficient way to prepare perfectly tender and fluffy baked potatoes. Using just russet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and kosher salt, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a classic and versatile side dish.

21. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes

This dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with melted cheese and seasoning, creating a mouthwatering side dish. It's cooked in an Instant Pot for convenience, then broiled to achieve a bubbly, golden top.

22. Irish Colcannon

Colcannon is similar to mashed potatoes in that it is buttery and fluffy and rich, but with one key difference - kale or cabbage is mixed in. Don't knock it until you try it. Especially if you think mashed potatoes couldn't get any better because the Irish certainly knew what they were doing with this delicious dish.

23. Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes

My onion soup mix roasted potatoes recipe uses russet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and dry onion soup mix for a unique taste. The potatoes are roasted until they're crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

💭 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Thanksgiving Potato Side Dish

1. Consider your time. If your oven will be packed, choose a stovetop or slow-cooker recipe, like crock pot scalloped potatoes or cream cheese mashed potatoes.
2. Are you hosting? Potato casseroles and crock pot recipes are perfectly suited for potluck-style Thanksgivings, while recipes like fondant potatoes are easier to prepare and serve at home.
3. Make Ahead Options. Choose dishes you can prepare in advance, like a potato casserole or scalloped potatoes, to save time on Thanksgiving Day.
4. Toppings. If you are opting for mashed, baked, or smashed potatoes, it's all about the toppings. Add fresh herbs, garlic, crispy bacon, or parmesan for a standout side that complements the flavors of Thanksgiving.

These Thanksgiving potato side dishes will be a hit with your entire family. Leave a comment below and let me know which one you're adding to your holiday menu this year.

📖 Recipe Card