Thanksgiving is special for many reasons. It’s about family and friends coming together. And it’s about the delicious food on the table.
Potatoes are a big part of our Thanksgiving. They’re made into yummy dishes like mashed potatoes and casseroles. These dishes make everyone happy.
I love trying new potato recipes every year. There are so many to choose from. You might like cheesy scalloped potatoes or garlic parmesan roasted potatoes.
Our list of 10 best Thanksgiving potato recipes will amaze you. These dishes will be the best part of your meal. They’re sure to please everyone.
Each recipe brings something special to your table. You’ll find dishes with mascarpone cheese and Yukon Golds. They’ll make your Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: My Go-To Delight
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without creamy mashed potatoes. They’re smooth and perfect with the festive meal. It’s a delightful experience every time.
Ingredients for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
To make the best creamy mashed potatoes, choose the right potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russets are best for their creamy texture. Here’s what you need:
- 5 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream
- 1 1/2 to 2 sticks of unsalted butter
- 3-4 peeled garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons of crème fraîche or sour cream
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Tips for Achieving Creaminess
The secret to perfect mashed potatoes is in the process. Here are some tips I swear by:
- Boil the potatoes for about 18 to 20 minutes or until tender.
- Heat the heavy cream and butter together before adding them to the potatoes. This ensures better absorption.
- For extra smoothness, add crème fraîche or sour cream at the end of mashing.
- Salt and pepper should be adjusted to taste as you go along, starting with 1/2 teaspoon each and increasing if needed.
- If reheating, use a few tablespoons of heavy cream to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, milk can be used, though in slightly adjusted quantities.
- To avoid gumminess, always add warm butter and milk mixtures to the warm, cooked potatoes.
Serving Suggestions for Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are versatile and pair beautifully with various dishes. They’re perfect with traditional Thanksgiving turkey and gravy. For a simple yet elegant twist, sprinkle chopped chives and freshly ground black pepper over the top. Additionally, you can reheat them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes if you’re making them ahead of time. With these tips, your mashed potatoes will remain creamy and delightful, even after reheating.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: A Crowd-Pleaser
Thanksgiving is all about enjoying good food and making memories. The loaded baked potato casserole is a favorite. It’s full of cheese, bacon, and tasty potatoes.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This casserole is like a warm hug in a dish. It has melted cheese, crispy bacon, and soft potatoes. It’s loved by everyone, kids and adults.
Key Ingredients for Flavor
- 4 cups of cubed potatoes (about 3 large potatoes)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
How to Make it Ahead of Time
This dish is easy to prepare ahead. You can make it a day early and keep it cold. Then, bake it at 350F for 60 minutes covered.
After that, bake for 15 more minutes. This makes the potatoes soft and the top golden. Add fresh scallions before serving.
This casserole is not just tasty. It’s also great for big gatherings. It lets you relax and enjoy time with family.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Simple and Savory
If you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving potato dishes, try these Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. They are simple to make and taste amazing. They can make any holiday meal better.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Start with small, firm potatoes like baby reds or fingerlings. You’ll need 3 pounds of mini potatoes, cut in half or quartered. This ensures a crispy outside and a soft inside.
Roasting Tips for Perfect Texture
Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Mix 1/2 cup of melted butter, three minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes. Flip them 2-3 times for even browning. Soaking the potatoes in water before cooking helps them get crisper.
Variations to Enhance Flavor
The classic Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are great, but you can add your own twist. Try sprinkling rosemary or smoked paprika for extra flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, use only 1/4 tsp of salt. You can also top them with fresh parsley, thyme, or black pepper. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving turkey and everyday meals too.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: A Classic Favorite
Every family has special dishes for Thanksgiving. For me, it’s the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. It’s a mix of smooth sweet potatoes and fluffy marshmallows that get golden.
Sweet Potato Preparation: What You Need to Know
To make a great sweet potato casserole, start with good sweet potatoes. Roasting them is better than boiling. It makes them taste deeper.
Pierce each sweet potato with a fork. Then roast them at 400°F for 50 to 60 minutes. This makes them tender and sweet.
Let them cool a bit before mashing. You’ll need 3 pounds of sweet potatoes. That’s about 6 medium ones.
The Perfect Marshmallow Topping
The marshmallow topping is key. Mix ½ cup of brown sugar and ⅓ cup of butter with the sweet potatoes. Put it in a 9×13-inch dish.
Spread ¾ cup of chopped pecans on top. Then add ¾ cup of mini marshmallows. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Finish with a quick broil to get them golden.
Pairing this Dish with Thanksgiving Turkey
This casserole is a star with Thanksgiving turkey. Its sweetness goes well with the turkey’s savory taste. It’s a treat for your taste buds.
You can make the filling two days early. Refrigerate it and add toppings before baking. This lets you focus on the turkey and other dishes.
This sweet potato casserole is a must-have for Thanksgiving. Its marshmallow topping makes it a favorite. Enjoy every bite!
Potato Gratin: Indulgent Layers of Flavor
Potato gratin is a treat with its layers of potatoes, cream, and cheese. It’s a must-have side dish for Thanksgiving.
Essential Ingredients for a Great Gratin
For a great potato gratin, use starchy potatoes like russets. They soak up the creamy mix well.
Use 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk for creaminess. Add 4 ounces of Parmigiano-Reggiano and 2 ounces of Gruyère cheese for flavor.
Flavor the milk and cream with garlic, shallots, thyme, peppercorns, and nutmeg. This makes every slice special.
Baking Tips for a Creamy Finish
To bake potato gratin, pay attention to time and temperature. Bake covered at 350°F for about an hour.
After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 20 more minutes. This makes the top crispy and the inside creamy.
Follow these tips to make a dish that everyone will love at Thanksgiving.
Potato Salad: A Refreshing Side Dish
Potato salad is a classic side dish. It’s great for barbecues, potlucks, or Thanksgiving. It’s creamy, tangy, and crunchy, so everyone wants more.
Classic Ingredients You Can’t Forget
This potato salad has special ingredients. You need 2 pounds of small yellow, red, or white potatoes. The dressing is creamy, with sour cream and mayonnaise.
Don’t forget the yellow mustard. It adds flavor. Chop 1/2 medium red onion, 3 celery stalks, and a dill pickle for crunch and flavor. Hard-boiled eggs and fresh herbs like parsley or dill make it richer and fresher.
How to Elevate Your Potato Salad
There are ways to make this salad even better. Add bacon or rosemary for smokiness. Scallions, banana peppers, or cheese add new tastes and textures.
Letting it rest in the fridge overnight makes it taste better. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days.
This recipe gets 4.9 from 183 reviews. It serves six and is easy to make. It’s a hit at any meal.