25 Potato Sides That Carry the Entire Thanksgiving Table

Kicking off Thanksgiving prep always gets me excited, especially when I start dreaming up new potato ideas. I swear the right sides can totally carry the whole vibe of the day, making the entire spread feel extra cozy. When a dish brings that perfect balance of comfort and flavor to the table, it instantly becomes tradition. And honestly, nothing beats finding fresh ways to let those classic Thanksgiving ingredients shine.

Ranch Bacon Potatoes That Steal Thanksgiving

Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions. — Ranch Bacon Potatoes That Steal Thanksgiving. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This creamy ranch potato side is loaded with bold flavors that shine on any Thanksgiving table. The smoky bacon and tangy dressing make it impossible to skip.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Crispy Roasted Potatoes That Guests Crave

A glass bowl of roasted potato salad — Crispy Roasted Potatoes That Guests Crave. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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This roasted potato dish brings smoky bacon and golden edges that make it irresistible at Thanksgiving. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for passing around the table.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Creamy Mashed Potatoes That Wow Everyone

Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes That Wow Everyone. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These rich mashed potatoes bring luxurious creaminess that instantly elevates any Thanksgiving feast. They reheat beautifully, making them a holiday essential.
Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

Charred Potato Wedges Made for Thanksgiving

Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce. — Charred Potato Wedges Made for Thanksgiving. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These quick-grilled wedges add smoky flavor and crispy edges that pair perfectly with the holiday spread. They’re light, golden, and dangerously snackable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

Holiday Scalloped Potatoes Worth the Hype

This creamy layered potato dish brings rich flavor and a festive touch to Thanksgiving. The tender slices soak up every bit of the decadent sauce.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Two Types Of Potatoes

Air Fryer Potatoes That Win Thanksgiving

A plate of four baked potatoes, each split open and filled with fluffy, seasoned white potato filling. They are garnished with chopped herbs and a sprinkling of ground seasoning. The plate is placed on a yellow cloth. — Air Fryer Potatoes That Win Thanksgiving. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These air-fried potatoes deliver fluffy centers and salty, crisp skins that guests can’t resist. They’re a no-fuss side that frees up your oven.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Elegant Fondant Potatoes for the Feast

These elegant potatoes offer a crisp top and butter-infused center that feel made for holiday dinners. Their fancy look hides how easy they are to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Fondant Potatoes

Crunchy Pretzel Sweet Potatoes for Turkey Day

A large spoon full of sweet potato casserole. — Crunchy Pretzel Sweet Potatoes for Turkey Day. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This sweet potato casserole brings a perfect mix of creamy filling and a salty pretzel crunch that guests love. It looks fancy but comes together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes That Impress

A spoon dipping out a portion of sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping. — Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes That Impress. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This casserole features a homemade marshmallow topping that turns a classic into a show-stopping Thanksgiving moment. The fluffy finish makes every bite irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Homemade Marshmallow Topping

Apple Sweet Potatoes Perfect for Thanksgiving

A close-up of a freshly baked apple crumble pie in a white dish, with a golden-brown crumb topping—perfect for Thanksgiving Apple Desserts. Whole apples and a towel are in the background. — Apple Sweet Potatoes Perfect for Thanksgiving. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This layered dish blends apples and sweet potatoes for a comforting balance of sweet and savory on the holiday table. Its warm flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Layered Apple And Sweet Potato Casserole

Golden Gratin Potatoes for Thanksgiving

A baked dish of au gratin potatoes. — Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These creamy, golden potatoes bake into a show-stopping Thanksgiving side that always steals attention. Crispy edges and rich gruyere make every bite irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

Cheesy Ham Potato Bake for the Feast

Baked Ham Cheese & Potato Casserole (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This hearty potato casserole brings creamy layers that fit right into the Thanksgiving table spread. A cheesy, comforting bake like this disappears fast every time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham Cheese & Potato Casserole (No Canned Soup)

Southern Candied Yams for the Holidays

Sweet potatoes cooking in a skillet. — Southern Candied Yams Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet, buttery yams like these are the kind of side that anchors any Thanksgiving menu. Their caramelized finish keeps guests coming back for extra scoops.
Get the Recipe: Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Crispy Crushed Potatoes for Crowds

Crispy smashed red potatoes topped with melted cheese and seasoning, arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet—perfect for anyone who loves flavorful potato side dishes. — New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These smashed and roasted potatoes bring buttery interiors with crisp, irresistible edges. They pair effortlessly with any Thanksgiving main on the table.
Get the Recipe: New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Everyone Wants

A serving spoon in a bowl of microwaved mashed potatoes. — Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These creamy, loaded mashed potatoes come together fast but taste holiday-worthy. With rich flavor and fluffy texture, they earn a spot on any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave

Sweet Potato Bacon Bake for Thanksgiving

Sweet potato casserole with a serving spoon. — Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This sweet potato casserole layers warm holiday spices with smoky bacon for a crowd-pleasing twist. Its bold flavors make it a standout on the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Bacon

Sweet Potato Peach Bake for the Table

A Spoon full of sweet potato casserole. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Tart Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

The sweetness of potatoes meets a bright peachy twist for a refreshing Thanksgiving side. This make-ahead dish adds color and flavor to any holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Tart Peaches

Creamy Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes

A close-up of a spoon lifting a cheesy, creamy serving of scalloped potatoes with cream from a dish, with melted cheese on top and a small pile of shredded cheese in the background. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This velvety potato bake brings rich creaminess and layers of buttery flavor. It’s the kind of indulgent side that completes the Thanksgiving table lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

Crispy Hash Brown Bake Guests Love

A spoon full of hashbrown casserole. — Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This cheesy potato casserole gets a satisfying crunch from its golden topping. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for rounding out a Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

Twice Baked Potatoes for the Feast

A spoon full of twice baked mashed potatoes. — Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This casserole gives you all the flavor of twice-baked potatoes in a creamy, spoonable dish. It’s rich, cheesy, and right at home on a holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

Crispy Roasted Potatoes for Thanksgiving

A serving bowl of crispy potatoes and onions. — Best Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These roasted potatoes bake up unbelievably crisp, making them a go-to holiday side. Their savory flavor pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potatoes

Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pudding

Sweet potato pudding in a casserole dish next to serving spoons. — Sweet Potato Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Southern classic brings warm spices and a custardy texture that fits right into Thanksgiving traditions. Its comforting sweetness makes it unforgettable each year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pudding

Skillet Potatoes with Holiday Flair

A spatula full of crispy skillet potatoes. — Crispy Breakfast Potatoes With Pimento Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crispy skillet potatoes like these add a fun, cheesy twist to the Thanksgiving table. Their bold flavor makes them a standout side you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Breakfast Potatoes With Pimento Cheese

Sweet Potato Soufflé for the Feast

A baked sweet potato souffle in a casserole dish next to serving spoons. — Easy Sweet Potato Souffle With Pear. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This light and airy sweet potato soufflé brings a delicate sweetness to the Thanksgiving spread. Pears add a fresh twist that keeps each scoop bright and delightful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Souffle With Pear

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears

Balsamic vinegar being poured over roasted sweet potatoes. — Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These roasted sweet potatoes bring a savory-sweet balance that’s perfect for a lighter Thanksgiving side. The pear adds a subtle brightness that elevates every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears

30 Potluck Dishes Grandma Swore By for Holiday Gatherings

A collage of four dishes: cheesy potato casserole with a crispy topping, green beans with bacon, a salad with pomegranate and parmesan, and a dessert reminiscent of cranberry dishes that deserve way more credit.

When it comes to holiday get-togethers, certain recipes have a way of stealing the spotlight—and some of the most memorable dishes are the ones grandma swore by. These potluck classics bring comfort and nostalgia to every table, making each holiday gathering feel extra special.
Grab it here: 30 Potluck Dishes Grandma Swore By for Holiday Gatherings

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