13 Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes Recipes That Go With Everything

Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without a generous helping of mashed potatoes, creamy, comforting, and perfect for soaking up every bit of gravy on the plate. Some keep it classic and buttery, while others go big with cheese, garlic, or full casserole upgrades that can carry the meal on their own. Whether you’re making them ahead, keeping them warm in the slow cooker, or trying something bold and new, mashed potatoes are always a crowd favorite.

Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

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Inspired by the restaurant version, this recipe includes mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar, bacon, green onions, and sour cream. Each bite is savory and full of texture. The potatoes are creamy and hold all the toppings perfectly. It’s a bold, hearty side that doubles as a meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potato Casserole

A fork lifts a portion of mashed potatoes with herbs and bacon from a white baking dish, with another blue dish in the background. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This casserole is all about soft mashed potatoes baked with butter, cream, and a crunchy or cheesy topping. The dish comes out golden on top and fluffy underneath. It’s simple but hits all the right notes. An easy option when you want to make it ahead and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped herbs sits on a tray, with a spoon scooping some out and a small bowl of herbs in the background. — Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These potatoes cook low and slow until tender, then get mashed right in the pot with butter and cream. They’re soft, smooth, and packed with flavor from absorbing the steam. Perfect for freeing up stovetop space. Just set it and forget it until dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker 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.

Cottage cheese adds a slightly tangy twist and creaminess to the mash without overpowering the flavor. It blends in easily and makes the texture extra soft. A lighter option that still feels like a classic side. Great if you want something just a little different.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Boiled or sautéed garlic adds mellow, savory depth to these creamy mashed potatoes. The flavor spreads through every bite without being too sharp. Smooth and buttery, they work with almost anything. A reliable recipe for any Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, light brown gravy, and freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon on the side. — Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Miso paste and mayonnaise bring bold, savory flavor and rich texture to this creative twist. It’s salty, smooth, and deeply satisfying in a way that’s totally different from the traditional version. Each spoonful is silky and flavorful. A great side when you want something unique that still fits the meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter, chopped herbs, black sesame seeds, and thin strips of seaweed, with a wooden spoon on the side. — Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These mashed potatoes include ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, or miso to bring an umami-packed flavor. The result is creamy and full of depth without being too heavy. It pairs well with glazed meats and fusion dishes. A standout side that still feels like comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

This version gets straight to the point, boil, mash, add butter and milk, and serve. The texture is soft and classic, no fancy steps required. It’s a fast fix for when you want something simple and satisfying. A solid base for any topping or gravy.
Get the Recipe: Quick Weeknight Mashed Potatoes

Southern Mashed Potatoes

These potatoes are rich, fluffy, and usually include a mix of butter, cream, and sometimes cream cheese. They’re seasoned simply but come through with full flavor. The texture is extra smooth and the taste is warm and familiar. A staple side in Southern-style spreads.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mashed Potatoes

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Rectangular baking dish with baked mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, chives, and paprika, with a serving spoon and part of the dish scooped out. — Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This version includes sour cream, butter, and sometimes eggs, baked into a fluffy, golden-topped dish. It’s soft inside with just the right amount of crust on top. Comforting and a little old-fashioned, in the best way. A make-ahead favorite that holds up well.
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Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes

A plate of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley, with a fork on the side and a napkin partially visible. — Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

The potatoes are steamed in the microwave and mashed with butter and milk right in the bowl. They come out soft and smooth with very little cleanup. It’s fast, easy, and surprisingly rich. Perfect when you need a last-minute side.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes topped with chopped green onions and ground black pepper in a pot, with a wooden spoon. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Shredded cheese melts into the potatoes, giving each bite a creamy, savory edge. The texture is smooth and the flavor leans bold. Great on its own or under a spoonful of gravy. A guaranteed favorite with cheese lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with melted butter on top. — Red Skin Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Mashed with the skins left on, these potatoes have a rustic texture and slightly earthy taste. The red skins give color and a little chew. They’re heartier than traditional mash but just as satisfying. A good match for roasts and big dinners.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Mashed Potatoes