Thanksgiving side dishes are kind of our thing here at TMP. Holly and I first ‘went viral’ long ago with a big round up of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, and it was fitting because we both passionately love Thanksgiving! I literally love all the food so much, and maybe potato dishes most of all. Holly is a mashed potato girl, and I’m all about the crispy potato dishes. Crispy edges and tender insides? GIMME!
Picking a Thanksgiving potato recipe can be more fun than just choosing a mashed potato recipe (though mashed potatoes are classic and delicious). You can also mix it up! I like hasselback potatoes because they’re so beautiful on the table. If you’re having a big gathering (my Thanksgiving crew is usually about 25 people) I think you can even serve two potato recipes! Offer mashed potatoes (which are easy to prepare ahead of time) and another, more out-of-the-box option, like scalloped potatoes or maybe a cheesy gratin. These 13 Thanksgiving potato recipes are the ones I truly love best. I have made them all time and time again, and they’re all stellar candidates for your 2026 turkey day menu!
Classic Mashed Potatoes
If you’re hosting for the first time, or hosting a traditional crew, you’ve got to have mashed potatoes on your table and this mashed potato recipe is classic and easy.
Potatoes Au Gratin
I LOVE this potato recipe because it’s cheesy, creamy and super easy, too. Plus, you can make it up to 3 days ahead of time, which is KEY on Thanksgiving when you’re juggling a lot of dishes.
Scalloped Potatoes
A bit like potatoes au gratin, scalloped potatoes feel to me like a slightly more humble version of a potato gratin. There is cream, and cheese, and everyone loves ‘em.
Hasselback Potatoes
OK, this Thanksgiving potato recipe has major WOW factor so if you’re looking to impress your guests, look no further. Sliced just so, the potatoes are roasty and beautiful.
Funeral Potatoes
You don’t have to call them funeral potatoes if you want to keep spirits up at your Thanksgiving feast, but this simple, yummy, down-home potato casserole is always an easy win.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
This is a favorite potato recipe of mine when I don’t have a massive crowd for Thanksgiving. They’re creamy and tender on the inside and so crispy-gorgeous on the outside, they have the wow-factor of hasselbacks but are less, well, hassle.
Easy Cheesy Potatoes
My mom always made these when I was growing up, and they’re absolutely a nostalgic favorite of mine. With cream of chicken soup and panko on top, they’re savory and rich with a crisp crust that’s heavenly.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A grown-up riff on classic mashed potatoes with a little more oomph! They’re not much more work, but they are incredibly delicious.
Crispy Shallot Mashed Potatoes
Another version of classic mashed potatoes, these benefit from the most crunchy delicious shallots.
Potato Leek Au Gratin
Leeks lighten up the classic potatoes au gratin in a way that’s so elegant and a bit Parisienne! Give it a try, s’il vous plait?
Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Gremolata
This is another nice once for a smaller crowd, where you can prep the gremolata earlier in the day and then roast the potatoes at the last minute.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Thanksgiving dinner does not have to be a time when you make a bunch of dishes you’ve never made before. In fact, I really suggest making mostly trusted, easy recipes that you know well.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
OK I know, not quite the regular, but these are so earthy and delicious and I really think you should consider serving them on Thanksgiving!
