50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Easy Mashed Potatoes (and More)!

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a feast that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. And what better way to complement the star of the show, the turkey, than with a delicious array of side dishes? One classic side dish that never fails to impress is mashed potatoes. But who said they have to be complicated? In this article, we’ll explore 50 easy recipes that will elevate your Thanksgiving spread.

Here is our list – Thanksgiving Side Dishes:

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes, sometimes simple is best. This classic recipe calls for just a few ingredients – potatoes, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. The result? Creamy, velvety mashed potatoes that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven. Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They are creamy, fluffy, and pair well with just about anything on your Thanksgiving plate. Whether you prefer them plain and simple or loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, or chives, mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re a fan of garlic, this recipe is for you. By infusing the potatoes with garlic during the boiling process, you’ll achieve a robust and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats.

3. White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

White cheddar cheese is the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. The sharp, tangy flavor of the cheese adds a delightful twist to the traditional dish, making it rich and indulgent..

4. Velvety Mashed Potatoes

Is there anything more satisfying than a spoonful of creamy, velvety mashed potatoes? Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, mashed potatoes have always been a classic favorite. They are the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal.

5. Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes

Looking to add a twist to your Thanksgiving spread? Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of Thanksgiving. Top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth.

6. Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

If you’re a cheese lover, you’ll adore this recipe. By adding grated Parmesan cheese to your mashed potatoes, you’ll achieve a rich and decadent side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

7. Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

This delightful twist on a classic dish takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level of cheesy goodness. So, what exactly are cheesy smashed potatoes? Well, imagine taking fluffy mashed potatoes and adding a generous amount of melted cheese on top. The result is a heavenly combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey, melty cheese that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

8. Leek Mashed Potatoes

This creamy twist on a classic dish will have your taste buds dancing with delight. So, let’s dive into the world of leeks and discover how they can transform your mashed potatoes into something truly extraordinary.

9. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

With an Instant Pot, you can create creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to lumpy, undercooked spuds and hello to the most irresistible side dish that will have your family begging for seconds.

10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

This dish combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with the savory and smoky flavor of bacon to create a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please everyone at the table.

11. Sausage, Apple, & Cranberry Stuffing

This stuffing combines the richness of sausage with the sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. The sausage adds a savory depth, the apples bring a subtle sweetness, and the cranberries provide a tangy burst. Together, these ingredients create a stuffing that is both satisfying and memorable.

12. Apple Pecan Stuffing

What sets apple pecan stuffing apart is the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of apples complements the richness of the pecans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The apples also add a touch of moisture to the stuffing, keeping it moist and tender.

13. Sausage, Apple, & Walnut Stuffing

Imagine the rich and savory taste of sausage combined with the sweetness of juicy apples. Add a delightful crunch with walnuts, and you have a winning combination of flavors that will make your stuffing truly standout. This unique blend creates a symphony of tastes that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

14. Classic Herb Stuffing

This timeless dish is a must-have on every Thanksgiving or Christmas table. The combination of aromatic herbs, toasted bread, and savory flavors is simply irresistible.

15. Cornbread Stuffing with Apples & Sausage

Imagine the rich and buttery flavor of cornbread combined with the savory goodness of sausage, all complemented by the subtle sweetness of apples. It’s a marriage made in culinary heaven. The cornbread provides a sturdy base that absorbs the flavors of the sausage and apples, creating a harmonious blend that will leave your taste buds singing.

16. Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the traditional stuffing can pose a challenge. But fear not! With a few simple tweaks, you can create a mouthwatering gluten-free stuffing that everyone will enjoy.

17. Modern Green Bean Casserole

A contemporary twist on a classic favorite, this green bean casserole features fresh ingredients and a homemade creamy mushroom sauce, taking the traditional dish to a new level.

18. Thanksgiving Corn Casserole

A sweet and creamy corn casserole that’s a must-have on your Thanksgiving table, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that complement your holiday feast.

19. Squash Casserole

This comforting casserole features tender squash, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, making it a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

20. Sheet Pan Green Bean Casserole

An easy and efficient way to prepare green bean casserole, this sheet pan version ensures crispy beans and a flavorful sauce with minimal effort.

21. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

A plant-based twist on a classic, this vegan sweet potato casserole is topped with a pecan streusel, offering the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy.

22. Small-Batch Sweet Potato Casserole

Ideal for smaller gatherings, this sweet potato casserole is a scaled-down version of the classic, ensuring a cozy and delicious Thanksgiving meal.

23. Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy mashed potatoes are baked a second time with flavorful toppings, creating a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for Thanksgiving.

24. Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes

A simple yet essential Thanksgiving side, these roasted sweet potatoes are glazed with warm spices and maple syrup for a delightful burst of flavor.

25. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with savory herbs, this side dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

26. Sheet Pan Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash

This easy and healthy vegan side dish features roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash on a sheet pan, making Thanksgiving prep a breeze.

27. Maple-Roasted Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is transformed into a sweet and tender dish with a drizzle of maple syrup, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu.

28. Grilled Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

Elevate your squash game with this grilled version, featuring a delightful maple glaze that adds smoky sweetness to your Thanksgiving feast.

29. Roasted Squash and Asparagus

A colorful and nutritious side dish, this roasted medley of squash and asparagus is seasoned to perfection for a burst of flavor on your Thanksgiving plate.

30. Cranberry Sauce

A classic Thanksgiving condiment, cranberry sauce offers a sweet-tart flavor that complements turkey and other dishes, adding a pop of color to your plate.

31. Apple-Orange-Cranberry Relish

A fruity twist on traditional cranberry sauce, this relish combines apples and oranges for a refreshing and zesty accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal.

32. Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce variation features the warm spices of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples, adding a comforting touch to your holiday table.

33. The World’s Easiest Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A quick and fuss-free cranberry sauce that delivers a burst of cranberry flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy Thanksgiving preparations.

34. Perfect Citrus Turkey and Gravy

Elevate your Thanksgiving turkey with a citrus-infused flavor profile and a luscious gravy that’s sure to impress your guests.

35. Butter-Basted Turkey and Gravy

A classic and indulgent turkey preparation method, butter-basting creates a golden, crispy skin and rich pan drippings for the perfect gravy.

36. Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Simplify your Thanksgiving cooking with this make-ahead turkey gravy recipe, ensuring you have a delicious, stress-free gravy ready for the big day.

37. Easy Gravy for Turkey

A straightforward recipe that yields a flavorful and savory gravy to enhance your Thanksgiving turkey and side dishes.

38. Best Gravy Ever

With its bold and rich flavors, this gravy lives up to its name and is the ideal complement to your Thanksgiving meal.

39. Double Crust Apple Pie

A classic dessert, this double-crust apple pie features tender apples and a flaky pastry crust, making it a timeless Thanksgiving treat.

40. Sweet Potato Pie

A Southern-inspired dessert, sweet potato pie offers a delightful blend of sweet potatoes, spices, and a buttery crust, perfect for rounding out your Thanksgiving feast.

41. Gluten Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie

A gluten-free twist on traditional pumpkin pie, this crustless version retains all the pumpkin spice flavor without the need for a crust.

42. Tofu Pumpkin Pie

A vegan alternative to pumpkin pie, this tofu-based dessert is creamy, flavorful, and a great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

43. Pecan Pie

A rich and nutty classic, pecan pie features a luscious filling of pecans, sugar, and syrup, making it a beloved Thanksgiving dessert.

44. Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

A slightly healthier twist on traditional pecan pie, this recipe uses alternatives to corn syrup while maintaining the pie’s signature sweetness.

45. Bourbon Pecan Pie

Elevate your pecan pie with a hint of bourbon, adding depth and complexity to this beloved Thanksgiving dessert.

46. No Sugar Pecan Pie

A diabetic-friendly pecan pie that omits added sugars while preserving the delicious flavor and texture of this classic treat.

47. Perfect Pumpkin Pie

A timeless Thanksgiving dessert, this pumpkin pie recipe offers a perfectly spiced and creamy filling in a flaky pie crust.

48. Thanksgiving Stuffed Roast Pumpkins Recipe

A visually stunning centerpiece, this dish features roast pumpkins stuffed with a flavorful mixture, creating a memorable Thanksgiving entrée.

49. The Best Pumpkin Bread

A moist and spiced pumpkin bread that’s perfect for serving as a snack

or dessert throughout the Thanksgiving season.

50. Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Sauce

A show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert, this cheesecake combines the flavors of pumpkin, gingersnaps, and salted caramel for a decadent treat.

Conclusion

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple that never fails to please. From classic recipes to creative twists, there’s a mashed potato recipe for everyone’s taste. Whether you prefer them simple and creamy or loaded with toppings, mashed potatoes are an essential side dish that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast.

For desert, we provide a list of options here:

Frequently Asked Questions – Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Q: Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can make mashed potatoes a day in advance and reheat them when needed. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven.

Q: How do I make my mashed potatoes creamier?

A: To make your mashed potatoes extra creamy, try adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream. You can also whip them with an electric mixer for a lighter and fluffier texture.

Q: Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

A: Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.

Q: How long can I keep leftover mashed potatoes?

A: Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to my mashed potatoes?

A: Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even steamed cauliflower to your mashed potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Q: Are mashed potatoes gluten-free?

A: Mashed potatoes themselves are gluten-free. However, if you add any gluten-containing ingredients like breadcrumbs or flour, they may no longer be gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Q: Can I use a potato masher instead of a blender?

A: Yes, a potato masher works just as well as a blender for mashing potatoes. It may take a bit more effort, but you’ll achieve a rustic and chunky texture that many people prefer.

Q: Can I make mashed potatoes without peeling the potatoes?

A: Absolutely! Leaving the skin