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31 Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Recipes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving dinner would not be complete without a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes on the table. Whether you love classic buttery mashed potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, cheesy mashed potatoes, loaded mashed potatoes, or rich cream cheese versions, there are so many delicious ways to turn simple potatoes into an unforgettable holiday side dish.

The secret to truly creamy mashed potatoes is choosing the right potatoes, cooking them until tender, draining them well, and adding warm butter and dairy rather than cold ingredients. You also want to avoid overworking the potatoes, which can make them gummy instead of fluffy.

This collection brings together 31 Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Recipes ranging from traditional family favorites to creative holiday variations.

These recipes are perfect alongside turkey, gravy, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, roast beef, ham, and all your other Thanksgiving favorites.


1. Classic Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes 🥔

Nothing beats a bowl of classic mashed potatoes made with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

8

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
  2. Place potatoes in a large pot.
  3. Cover with cold water.
  4. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  5. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender.
  7. Drain thoroughly.
  8. Return potatoes to the warm pot.
  9. Gently mash until mostly smooth.
  10. Warm the milk and butter together.
  11. Gradually add the warm mixture.
  12. Continue mashing until creamy.
  13. Season with salt and pepper.
  14. Garnish with parsley.
  15. Serve immediately.

Pro Tip

Warm dairy blends into potatoes more smoothly than cold milk.

Variation

Add roasted garlic or cream cheese.


2. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes 🧀

Cream cheese makes mashed potatoes incredibly rich, smooth, and creamy.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube potatoes.
  2. Boil in salted water until tender.
  3. Drain thoroughly.
  4. Return potatoes to the pot.
  5. Add softened cream cheese.
  6. Add butter.
  7. Mash gently.
  8. Gradually add warm milk.
  9. Add garlic powder.
  10. Season with salt and pepper.
  11. Whip gently until smooth.

Tip

Allow cream cheese to soften before adding it.


3. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes 🧄

Roasted garlic adds sweet, mellow garlic flavor without the sharpness of raw garlic.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1 whole garlic bulb
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Roast the garlic until soft and golden.
  2. Peel and cube potatoes.
  3. Boil until tender.
  4. Drain.
  5. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes.
  6. Add butter.
  7. Mash gently.
  8. Gradually add warm milk.
  9. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve hot.

Variation

Add Parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary.


4. Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes 🍶

Sour cream gives mashed potatoes a creamy texture with a delicious tangy flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chives

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain well.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add sour cream.
  5. Gradually add warm milk.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Fold in chopped chives.
  8. Serve warm.

5. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes 🧄🧀

Garlic and Parmesan make this mashed potato recipe extra savory.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parsley

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Sauté garlic gently in butter.
  3. Drain potatoes.
  4. Add garlic butter.
  5. Mash.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Fold in Parmesan.
  8. Season.
  9. Garnish with parsley.

Tip

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly.


6. Loaded Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes 🥓

Turn mashed potatoes into a loaded holiday side with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 6 slices cooked bacon
  • 3 green onions
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain well.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm milk.
  5. Fold in sour cream.
  6. Add cheddar cheese.
  7. Crumble bacon.
  8. Add green onions.
  9. Season.
  10. Serve immediately.

Variation

Bake the finished potatoes in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top.


7. Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes 🌿

Fresh herbs make this recipe especially beautiful for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain.
  3. Melt butter with herbs.
  4. Mash potatoes.
  5. Add herb butter.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Season.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs.

8. Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes 🧈

Brown butter gives mashed potatoes a wonderful nutty flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh sage

Instructions

  1. Cook potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain.
  3. Brown butter in a skillet.
  4. Add sage.
  5. Mash potatoes.
  6. Pour in brown butter.
  7. Add warm milk.
  8. Season.
  9. Serve hot.

Pro Tip

Watch brown butter carefully because it can go from golden to burnt quickly.


9. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes 🥛

Buttermilk gives mashed potatoes a light tanginess that pairs beautifully with rich Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chives

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain thoroughly.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Slowly add warm buttermilk.
  5. Season.
  6. Add chives.
  7. Serve immediately.

10. Boursin Mashed Potatoes 🧀🌿

Herb-filled soft cheese creates incredibly creamy mashed potatoes with almost no extra seasoning needed.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 5 ounces Boursin-style garlic herb cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain.
  3. Add butter.
  4. Mash.
  5. Add soft cheese.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Mash until creamy.
  8. Taste and season.
  9. Garnish with herbs.

11. Parmesan Herb Mashed Potatoes 🧀🌿

This recipe combines Parmesan with fresh herbs for a flavorful Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm cream.
  5. Stir in Parmesan.
  6. Add herbs.
  7. Season.
  8. Serve warm.

12. Creamy Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes 🥓🧀

If your family loves loaded potatoes, this recipe belongs on the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup cheddar
  • 6 bacon slices
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Cook bacon until crisp.
  3. Drain potatoes.
  4. Mash with butter.
  5. Add warm milk.
  6. Stir in sour cream.
  7. Add cheddar.
  8. Fold in bacon.
  9. Add green onions.
  10. Season and serve.

13. Creamy Garlic Chive Mashed Potatoes 🌿

Garlic and fresh chives create a simple but flavorful combination.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup chopped chives
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Cook garlic gently in butter.
  3. Drain potatoes.
  4. Add garlic butter.
  5. Mash.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Fold in chives.
  8. Season.

14. Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions 🧅

Sweet caramelized onions add incredible flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 2 large onions
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Thyme

Instructions

  1. Slowly caramelize sliced onions in butter.
  2. Boil potatoes until tender.
  3. Drain.
  4. Mash potatoes.
  5. Add warm milk.
  6. Fold in caramelized onions.
  7. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Variation

Add shredded Gruyère or Parmesan.


15. Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes 🌿

Horseradish adds a subtle kick that works beautifully with turkey, roast beef, and gravy.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm milk.
  5. Stir in sour cream.
  6. Add horseradish.
  7. Season.
  8. Serve warm.

16. Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Yukon Golds 🍠

Combining sweet potatoes and Yukon Golds creates a creamy mash with both savory and naturally sweet flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube both types of potatoes.
  2. Boil until tender.
  3. Drain well.
  4. Mash together.
  5. Add butter.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

17. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Shallots 🧅

Roasted shallots add a sweeter, more delicate flavor than traditional onions.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 4 shallots
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Thyme

Instructions

  1. Roast shallots until soft and golden.
  2. Boil potatoes until tender.
  3. Drain.
  4. Mash potatoes.
  5. Add butter and warm cream.
  6. Fold in roasted shallots.
  7. Add thyme.
  8. Season.

18. Cream Cheese Garlic Mashed Potatoes 🧄🧀

Cream cheese creates a silky texture while garlic adds savory flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain.
  3. Sauté garlic in butter.
  4. Add cream cheese.
  5. Mash potatoes.
  6. Add garlic butter.
  7. Add warm milk.
  8. Mix gently.
  9. Season.

19. Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes 🌿🧄

Rosemary and garlic make these potatoes especially aromatic.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Sauté garlic and rosemary in butter.
  3. Drain potatoes.
  4. Mash.
  5. Add herb butter.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Season.
  8. Serve hot.

20. Creamy Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes 🧀

Goat cheese adds a slightly tangy, sophisticated flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 5 ounces goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain.
  3. Add butter.
  4. Mash.
  5. Add goat cheese.
  6. Pour in warm milk.
  7. Add thyme.
  8. Season.

Variation

Add roasted garlic or caramelized onions.


21. Creamy Gruyère Mashed Potatoes 🧀

Gruyère melts beautifully into potatoes and creates a rich, cheesy side dish.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm cream.
  5. Fold in Gruyère.
  6. Season.
  7. Serve immediately.

22. Truffle Mashed Potatoes 🍄

A little truffle oil transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into an elegant holiday side.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm cream
  • 1–2 teaspoons truffle oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain thoroughly.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm cream.
  5. Stir in Parmesan.
  6. Add truffle oil gradually.
  7. Season.
  8. Serve immediately.

Pro Tip

Start with a small amount of truffle oil because its flavor can be intense.


23. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan and Garlic 🧄🧀

This combination is rich, comforting, and perfect with Thanksgiving gravy.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Sauté garlic in butter.
  3. Drain potatoes.
  4. Mash.
  5. Add garlic butter.
  6. Add warm milk.
  7. Fold in Parmesan.
  8. Season.

24. Creamy Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes 🥓🌿

Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon give classic mashed potatoes a fun twist.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning
  • 6 slices bacon
  • Green onions
  • 1/2 cup cheddar

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Cook bacon until crisp.
  3. Drain potatoes.
  4. Mash with butter.
  5. Add warm milk.
  6. Stir in sour cream and ranch seasoning.
  7. Fold in cheddar.
  8. Add bacon.
  9. Garnish with green onions.

25. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sage Butter 🍃

Sage butter is one of the most classic Thanksgiving flavor combinations.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet.
  3. Add sage leaves.
  4. Cook until fragrant.
  5. Drain potatoes.
  6. Mash.
  7. Pour in sage butter.
  8. Add warm milk.
  9. Season.

26. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Garlic 🧄

Slowly cooked garlic becomes sweet and mellow, making it perfect for creamy potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1 whole garlic bulb
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chives

Instructions

  1. Roast the garlic until soft.
  2. Boil potatoes.
  3. Drain.
  4. Squeeze garlic into the potatoes.
  5. Add butter.
  6. Mash.
  7. Add warm cream.
  8. Season.
  9. Garnish with chives.

27. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan and Rosemary 🌿

Parmesan adds savory richness while rosemary gives the potatoes a wonderful holiday aroma.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain well.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm cream.
  5. Stir in Parmesan.
  6. Add rosemary.
  7. Season.
  8. Serve immediately.

28. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Blue Cheese 🧀

Blue cheese gives mashed potatoes a bold, savory flavor that’s especially good with roast beef.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 4 ounces blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chives

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes.
  2. Drain.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add warm milk.
  5. Fold in blue cheese.
  6. Season.
  7. Garnish with chives.

Variation

Add crispy bacon.


29. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Bacon 🥓🧅

Bacon and caramelized onions make these potatoes rich, savory, and irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 onions
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon until crisp.
  2. Remove bacon.
  3. Caramelize onions in the bacon fat.
  4. Boil potatoes until tender.
  5. Drain.
  6. Mash with butter.
  7. Add warm milk.
  8. Fold in onions.
  9. Crumble bacon over the top.
  10. Season.

30. Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potato Casserole 🥔🧀

This make-ahead-friendly mashed potato casserole is ideal when you want to prepare the potatoes before Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup Parmesan
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until tender.
  2. Drain well.
  3. Mash with butter.
  4. Add sour cream.
  5. Add warm milk.
  6. Fold in Parmesan.
  7. Season.
  8. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
  9. Cover and refrigerate if preparing ahead.
  10. Bake until hot.
  11. Broil briefly if you want a golden cheese topping.

31. Ultimate Thanksgiving Creamy Mashed Potatoes 🦃🥔

When you want an extra-special Thanksgiving mashed potato recipe, this ultimate version combines butter, cream cheese, sour cream, roasted garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup warm heavy cream
  • 4 roasted garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes.
  2. Cut them into evenly sized pieces.
  3. Place potatoes in a large pot.
  4. Cover with cold salted water.
  5. Bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer until completely tender.
  7. Drain thoroughly.
  8. Return potatoes to the warm pot.
  9. Add butter.
  10. Add roasted garlic.
  11. Mash gently.
  12. Add softened cream cheese.
  13. Stir in sour cream.
  14. Gradually add warm cream.
  15. Fold in Parmesan.
  16. Add thyme.
  17. Season with salt and pepper.
  18. Continue mixing only until creamy.
  19. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  20. Garnish with parsley.
  21. Add a small pat of butter on top before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

These potatoes are incredibly creamy, buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and rich without needing complicated preparation.

They are the perfect centerpiece side dish for a Thanksgiving dinner.


🥔 Best Potatoes for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Choosing the right potato makes a huge difference.

Yukon Gold

Naturally buttery and creamy. Excellent for Thanksgiving mashed potatoes.

Russet Potatoes

Light and fluffy with a high starch content.

Red Potatoes

Creamier and slightly waxier, especially when mashed with the skins left on.

Yukon Gold + Russet Combination

Combining both creates a balance between creamy and fluffy textures.


🧈 How to Make Mashed Potatoes Extra Creamy

Use Warm Dairy

Cold milk can cool down the potatoes and may make the mixture less smooth.

Don’t Overwork the Potatoes

Overmixing can release too much starch and make potatoes gummy.

Drain Well

Excess water can make mashed potatoes thin and watery.

Add Butter First

Butter coats the potato starch and contributes to a richer texture.

Mash While Hot

Warm potatoes absorb butter and dairy more easily.


⏰ Can You Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Thanksgiving?

Absolutely.

Mashed potatoes are one of the easiest Thanksgiving sides to prepare ahead.

Prepare the potatoes according to the recipe, transfer them to a buttered casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently and add a splash of warm milk or cream if they have thickened.

For especially creamy potatoes, you can also keep them warm in a slow cooker for part of the meal preparation period, stirring occasionally and adding a little warm dairy if necessary.


🦃 What to Serve With Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are perfect with:

  • Roast turkey
  • Turkey breast
  • Turkey gravy
  • Roast beef
  • Honey-glazed ham
  • Roast chicken
  • Green bean casserole
  • Thanksgiving stuffing
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Sweet potato casserole
  • Roasted carrots
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Dinner rolls

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are both excellent. Yukon Gold creates a naturally creamy texture, while Russets produce lighter, fluffier potatoes.

How do I make mashed potatoes creamy?

Use warm butter and dairy, drain the potatoes thoroughly, and avoid overmixing.

Why are my mashed potatoes gummy?

Overworking the potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in a gluey texture.

Can mashed potatoes be made ahead?

Yes. Prepare them ahead and refrigerate them in a covered casserole dish. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use cream cheese?

Absolutely. Cream cheese adds richness and makes mashed potatoes especially creamy.

Can I use sour cream?

Yes. Sour cream adds creaminess and a pleasant tang.

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes. Heavy cream creates an especially rich mashed potato.

Can I leave potato skins on?

Yes, particularly with thin-skinned red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes. Leaving the skins on can create a rustic texture.

How do I fix watery mashed potatoes?

Return them to a warm pot over low heat and gently stir to allow some moisture to evaporate. Avoid aggressive mixing.

How do I fix thick mashed potatoes?

Add warm milk, cream, or broth a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

Some mashed potato recipes freeze better than others, especially those containing butter and cream. Texture may change slightly after thawing.

Can I keep mashed potatoes warm?

Yes. A slow cooker can be useful for keeping prepared mashed potatoes warm before serving. Stir occasionally and add warm dairy if they become too thick.


🍽️ Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Topping Ideas

Make your mashed potato bowl look extra special with toppings.

Classic

  • Butter
  • Parsley
  • Black pepper

Loaded

  • Bacon
  • Cheddar
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions

Gourmet

  • Brown butter
  • Crispy sage
  • Parmesan
  • Fresh thyme

Rustic

  • Caramelized onions
  • Roasted garlic
  • Chives

Holiday

  • Cranberries
  • Toasted pecans
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Brown butter

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🛒 Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Shopping List

Potatoes

  • Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Russet potatoes
  • Red potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes

Dairy

  • Butter
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Goat cheese
  • Parmesan
  • Gruyère
  • Cheddar
  • Blue cheese

Flavor Ingredients

  • Garlic
  • Shallots
  • Yellow onions
  • Green onions
  • Fresh sage
  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh parsley
  • Chives

Extras

  • Bacon
  • Truffle oil
  • Horseradish
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Black pepper

🥔 31 Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Recipes at a Glance

#RecipeFlavor
1Classic Creamy Mashed PotatoesTraditional
2Cream Cheese Mashed PotatoesRich & creamy
3Roasted Garlic Mashed PotatoesGarlicky
4Sour Cream Mashed PotatoesTangy & creamy
5Garlic Parmesan Mashed PotatoesCheesy & savory
6Loaded Thanksgiving Mashed PotatoesBacon & cheese
7Herb Butter Mashed PotatoesFresh & herby
8Brown Butter Mashed PotatoesNutty & rich
9Buttermilk Mashed PotatoesTangy & light
10Boursin Mashed PotatoesCreamy & herbed
11Parmesan Herb Mashed PotatoesCheesy & aromatic
12Bacon Cheddar Mashed PotatoesSmoky & cheesy
13Garlic Chive Mashed PotatoesFresh & savory
14Caramelized Onion Mashed PotatoesSweet & savory
15Horseradish Mashed PotatoesCreamy & zesty
16Sweet Potato Yukon MashSweet & savory
17Roasted Shallot Mashed PotatoesSweet & aromatic
18Cream Cheese Garlic PotatoesRich & garlicky
19Rosemary Garlic PotatoesHerby & savory
20Goat Cheese Mashed PotatoesTangy & creamy
21Gruyère Mashed PotatoesRich & cheesy
22Truffle Mashed PotatoesGourmet & earthy
23Parmesan Garlic PotatoesSavory & cheesy
24Bacon Ranch PotatoesLoaded & flavorful
25Sage Butter PotatoesClassic Thanksgiving
26Caramelized Garlic PotatoesSweet & savory
27Parmesan Rosemary PotatoesHerby & cheesy
28Blue Cheese Mashed PotatoesBold & creamy
29Caramelized Bacon PotatoesSmoky & savory
30Parmesan Potato CasseroleCreamy & baked
31Ultimate Thanksgiving Mashed PotatoesRich & festive

❤️ Final Thoughts

These 31 Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potato Recipes prove that mashed potatoes can be much more than a basic side dish.

For a traditional Thanksgiving table, classic creamy mashed potatoes with butter and warm milk are always a wonderful choice. If you’re looking for something richer, try cream cheese mashed potatoes, sour cream mashed potatoes, or the ultimate Thanksgiving version.

For garlic lovers, roasted garlic, garlic Parmesan, and rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are packed with flavor. If you love cheese, try Gruyère, goat cheese, Parmesan, blue cheese, or loaded cheddar mashed potatoes.

And if you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd, the make-ahead Parmesan mashed potato casserole is an especially convenient option.

Serve your favorite mashed potatoes with turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables for a Thanksgiving dinner everyone will remember. 🦃🥔🍂

Save these 31 creamy Thanksgiving mashed potato recipes for your holiday menu and share your favorite with your family!

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