21 thanksgiving potatoes beyond the usual mash

Tired of the same old side every year? Shake things up with bold, creative ideas that steal the spotlight. These 21 Thanksgiving potatoes bring new textures, flavors, and fun twists to the table. No one will be asking for plain mash again.

Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

A bowl of crispy sweet potato fries surrounds a wooden cup of red dipping sauce. — Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Some sides land better when there’s a little crunch involved. That’s exactly what you get with Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries, along with a hit of smoky flavor that pairs well with anything roasted. Everyone reaches for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Sliced sweet potatoes roasted on a baking sheet, showing a golden-brown texture with visible seasoning. — Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These deliver on both taste and texture with barely any effort. Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices hold their shape and bring a little sweetness without needing sugar. They disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A baked sweet potato topped with ground beef, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped red bell peppers, and sliced jalapeños on a metal tray. — Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

You don’t have to stick to traditional sides to round out a big meal. Packed and filling, Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bring something a little different to the table without feeling out of place. Nothing gets left behind.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

A bowl of cheesy baked potatoes with red skins, topped with herbs, sits on a wooden surface with a fork on the side. — Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

When you want bold and hearty without overthinking it, this one's a reliable pick. Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes bring in big flavor that still works alongside classics. Every bite holds up.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These check a lot of boxes without compromising on flavor. Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes make a strong case for going meatless, even on a holiday table. They always hold their own.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Breakfast Potato Latkes Topped With Egg, Kale, Tomatoes And Tamari Almonds

A plate topped with a fried egg and greens. — Breakfast Potato Latkes Topped With Egg, Kale, Tomatoes And Tamari Almonds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

A little unexpected, but fully worth it when you want something with layers. Breakfast Potato Latkes Topped With Egg, Kale, Tomatoes And Tamari Almonds work as a base or side and hold up well next to richer dishes. Plenty to talk about.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potato Latkes Topped With Egg, Kale, Tomatoes And Tamari Almonds

Potatoes au Gratin

Layers of comfort show up here without needing an introduction. Potatoes au Gratin hit all the marks for cozy, warm, and rich while still balancing the plate. You’ll want them again.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce

There’s some range here that makes this side feel just right. Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce bring a sweet and spiced contrast that works well with roasted mains. The combo stands out.
Get the Recipe: Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

A rectangular white platter holds seven stacked eggplant rounds topped with golden breadcrumbs and herbs, garnished with fresh basil leaves. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Crisp on the edges and soft in the middle, these make a strong impression. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks manage to feel special without stealing the spotlight. Folks always ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A green skillet filled with cooked gnocchi topped with grated cheese and herbs, sitting on a wooden surface. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Lighter than you’d expect but still hearty enough to count. Sweet Potato Gnocchi brings a chewy texture that plays well with everything from greens to gravy. One of the first sides to go.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes

Sliced roasted potatoes with seasoning in aluminum foil, with a fork placed alongside the potatoes. — Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These bring heat and depth with barely any fuss. Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes land somewhere between bold and balanced, which makes them easy to serve with anything. Always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Foil Packet Adobo Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

An overhead image of air fried hassel back potatoes on a plate with parsley on top and a fork and knife on the right side. — Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

When texture counts, this one delivers every time. The layers and crisp edges in Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes give you plenty to like without extra work. They fit in naturally.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Creamy Dill Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with chopped red onions, dill, and a wooden spoon. — Creamy Dill Potato Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You don’t have to wait for summer to put this one out. Creamy Dill Potato Salad brings a cool contrast that helps balance heavier dishes. Worth keeping around.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Potato Salad

Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes

Bowl of cooked, golden-brown potatoes mixed with chopped greens, viewed from above. — Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Flavor builds up fast in this one without getting too rich. Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes work well when you want something with a little kick. Pairs with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Spiced Potatoes

Green Beans and Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it. — Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Simple but filling, this one rounds things out without adding fuss. Green Beans and Potatoes offer texture and structure when the rest of the meal leans heavy. Always dependable.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

A baked potato topped with melted cheese, crispy fried onions, chopped green onions, and herbs on a wooden surface. — Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

When you want something cozy but with a little twist, this hits the mark. Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes pack in flavor without feeling overdone. Everyone wants more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Sweet Potato Fries

Crunchy, familiar, and easy to serve alongside almost anything. Sweet Potato Fries offer a simple shift away from mash without going too far. They work every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée

Two baked sweet potato halves on a white plate. The potatoes have a caramelized, slightly burnt surface, and one half is being scooped with a spoon. — Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

This one walks the line between side and dessert. The smooth texture of Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée adds something special without clashing with the rest of the meal. It leaves an impression.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée

Baked Italian Chicken with Potatoes

Hearty enough to stand in as the main if needed. Baked Italian Chicken with Potatoes brings protein and starch together in a no-fuss way. Works just fine with traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Baked Italian Chicken with Potatoes

Potato Gnocchi

You’ll want something that can stretch and fill in where needed. Potato Gnocchi brings soft texture and mild flavor that works with just about everything else. It fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)

A bowl of ajiaco colombiano soup with chicken, corn on the cob, and avocado. — Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

There’s something grounding about a Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe) that brings together simple ingredients in such a layered way. You’ll want a big bowl and a quiet seat.
Get the Recipe: Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup Recipe)