18 Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Recipes That Everyone Fights Over

If there’s one side dish that always gets scraped clean, it’s mashed potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, or with a twist. There’s no wrong way to make them, and everyone has their favorite. This list covers everything from classic comfort to bold flavors, and even a few cauliflower swaps for when you want something a little lighter. These recipes are the kind of sides that go with everything and come back out all year long.

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with melted butter, chopped chives, and a spoon. — Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

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This version adds nutty depth by browning butter before mixing it in. The butter flavor gets richer and more complex. It’s a small step that makes a big difference. Serve it when you want something just a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Shredded cheese melts right into the potatoes, making every bite gooey and smooth. The texture is thick and comforting. You can use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

This one packs in bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives—loaded and then some. It’s inspired by the classic steakhouse version. Each scoop is rich, salty, and satisfying. Great for pairing with grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with a pat of butter on top, garnished with parsley. A spoon and a sprig of parsley are next to the bowl. — Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Blending cottage cheese into mashed potatoes gives them a creamy texture with a little tang. It’s a different kind of richness. You won’t notice the curds once it’s mixed in. A good trick for changing things up.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped green onions, seaweed strips, and black sesame seeds. — Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions add a punch of flavor here. It’s smooth and buttery with a savory twist. Great with grilled meats or stir fry. A mash you’ve likely never tried.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This classic style keeps it simple: butter, milk, and smooth potatoes. Fluffy, rich, and timeless. It goes with just about anything. Add a little cream cheese if you want it even silkier.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Miso paste and Japanese mayo bring umami and richness. It’s smooth with a little tang and saltiness. Not your average side dish. Works well with roasted or grilled fish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These get a flavor boost from roasted or sautéed garlic. It mixes in smoothly and adds warmth without being overpowering. The kind of mash you make again and again. Serve with anything saucy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower gets blended until smooth and mixed with cheese. It’s creamy, low-carb, and fast. The Instant Pot makes it simple. A lighter take that still feels rich.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon. — Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pressure cooking softens the potatoes in minutes. Garlic goes in with the butter and milk. The flavor blends perfectly through the whole bowl. Great when you need dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with a spoon, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper. — Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This version skips the potatoes entirely for a low-carb alternative. The texture is light but still creamy. Add herbs or garlic to customize it. A good fit for specific diets.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Half cauliflower, half potato, all mashed together. The texture is creamy with a little extra body. It’s a great way to balance flavor and feel. You’d barely notice the swap.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Bright in color and naturally sweet, these are mashed with butter and salt for contrast. The texture is soft and smooth. They stand out on any plate. A fun change from the usual white or yellow mash.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Rutabaga adds a slightly earthy, nutty taste to the mix. Garlic herb butter ties it all together. The texture is light and smooth. A smart side for fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

This recipe skips the fuss and gets straight to the point. Boil, mash, and mix with just a few ingredients. They’re fast but still fluffy. Ideal for when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Keeping the red skins adds texture and color. These mash up creamy with a little bite. They’re buttery and satisfying. Great with roasts or grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with herbs, a pat of butter, and olive oil drizzle, next to a wooden spoon, salt and pepper shakers, and a red potato. — Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow-roasted garlic melts into the potatoes and makes them extra flavorful. The garlic is soft and mellow, not sharp. They’re rich and smooth with a little depth. Great for holidays or cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley. — Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Let the slow cooker do all the work. Potatoes simmer gently and mash up creamy with no draining needed. You can even keep them warm right in the pot. A smart choice for big meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes