23 mashed potato recipes perfect for the holidays

Want the secret to a successful, comforting holiday meal? Unlock a new world of taste with these delicious mashed potato recipes. Simple spuds transform into rich, must-try centerpieces!

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

A white baking dish filled with a casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions sits on a cooling rack. — Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxobella.

When you want a side that feels like a full-on treat, go for a loaded version. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole starts with garlic mash and layers in classic toppings that make it party-friendly. It is rich, filling, and usually the first dish to empty out.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley. — Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Holidays move fast, so dependable sides help everything run smoother. Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes keep the creamy garlic vibe while cutting down hands-on time. They are fluffy, even-textured, and ready to serve alongside whatever is roasting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot 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 .

Adding a little protein to mash can make the side feel lighter but still comforting. Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes blend into a garlic mash base for extra creaminess and a subtle tang. They are smooth, filling, and a nice change from heavy cream versions.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheese and garlic are a natural pairing for cold-weather meals. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes keep the familiar mash feel while giving each bite more depth and richness. They are creamy, crowd-pleasing, and easy to match with holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes with spinach and goat cheese in a white bowl. — Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potatoes are already a holiday favorite, and garlic helps them balance well. Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes combine creamy tang, mild greens, and a gentle garlicky backbone. They feel fresh on the plate while still fitting right into comfort food territory.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Potato Cookies

Leftover mash deserves better than another reheated bowl. Mashed Potato Cookies take garlicky mashed potatoes into a fun, unexpected direction that still feels cozy. They are soft, lightly salty, and a clever holiday-night snack.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cookies

Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Silky mashed potatoes with an Asian-inspired creamy twist. — Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

A global spin can make a familiar side feel new without straying too far. Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist) keep mashed potato comfort but thread in garlic with gentle soy and sesame notes. They pair surprisingly well with roast chicken, pork, or even holiday noodles.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asian Mashed Potatoes (With Asian Twist)

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Some sides do not need much explaining because everyone already wants them. Creamy Mashed Potatoes get even better when you add a steady garlic flavor to support the richness. They are smooth, comforting, and perfect for soaking up sauces.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Sausage Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ready-to-serve oven-roasted sausage on a white plate with a fork resting on it. — Roasted Sausage Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

One-pan mains are handy for smaller holiday get-togethers. Roasted Sausage Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes uses garlicky mash as the soft landing spot for juicy, browned sausage. It is hearty, simple to serve, and feels like a full meal without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sausage Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter and herbs on a wooden surface, surrounded by garlic bulbs and fresh parsley. — Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Holiday tables feel more complete when there is a soft, warm side everyone can pass around. Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring that familiar comfort with a gentle kick that works with ham, turkey, or roast beef. Expect a creamy bite that keeps things simple while still feeling special for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of vibrant purple mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of pepper, accompanied by a wooden spoon. — Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bringing a pop of color to your spread is an easy way to make dinner feel festive. Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes lean into a mellow sweetness while still pairing nicely with garlicky mains and rich gravies. They are smooth, slightly earthy, and a fun switch from the usual white mash.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes

An image of microwave mashed potatoes in a bowl with fresh herbs on top and a fork resting on the right side of the bowl. — Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Busy holiday schedules call for sides that do not demand extra stove space. Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes keep the garlic-forward comfort you want, without slowing down the rest of dinner. They turn out fluffy and rich enough to stand beside any centerpiece dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Some dishes just make people hover near the serving bowl for seconds. Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes add a toasted, nutty depth that plays beautifully with the garlic base. The result tastes cozy and a bit more grown-up without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with two butter slices, pepper, and gravy, with a wooden spoon on the side. — Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

If you like classic mash but want a small twist, this one fits right in. Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes blend garlic comfort with a subtle umami edge that keeps bites interesting. They are smooth, lightly tangy, and great with roasted meats or glazed vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Miso Mayo Mashed Potatoes

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with visible potato skins and a pat of melting butter on top. — Red Skin Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Sometimes the best holiday sides look a little rustic and homey. Red Skin Mashed Potatoes keep their skins for texture while still leaning into a garlic-friendly flavor. They feel hearty, simple, and perfect for casual family-style serving.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon. — Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

When oven timers and stovetop burners are already full, shortcuts matter. Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes let you keep a rich garlic taste while freeing you up to focus on the main dish. They come out creamy and consistent every time, even in a crowded kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

The image shows a bowl of mashed potatoes topped with pepper and chopped chives, resting on a plaid cloth. — Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

A small flavor change can make a familiar side feel new for the holidays. Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes bring a warm, toasted note that pairs naturally with garlic-heavy gravies and roasts. They are silky, comforting, and a little more layered than standard mash.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens

A bowl of mashed potatoes with garlic and thyme. — Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Holiday meals do not have to be all beige to be comforting. Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens fold in garlicky greens for a bright, savory balance to richer plates. It is a smart way to add vegetables without giving up the mash everyone wants.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes With Greek Garlic Beet Greens

Mashed Potato Casserole

Big gatherings are easier when a side can be baked and served from one dish. Mashed Potato Casserole keeps garlic mashed potato flavor at the center, then holds well on a buffet line. It is creamy, sliceable, and built for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Every holiday spread needs a reliable base that works with anything on the plate. Mashed Potatoes stay timeless, especially when you lean into a gentle garlic note for extra warmth. They are smooth, mild, and always a safe bet for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Mashed potatoes and melted cheese, being lifted from a glass baking dish with a spatula. — Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget .

Potluck-style holidays call for a side that travels and reheats well. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole adds melty richness on top of a garlic mash foundation, so it feels both familiar and extra. It is easy to portion, easy to love, and great with hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smashed Greek yogurt potatoes in a white bowl. — Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Letting garlic mellow and sweeten changes the whole vibe of mash. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes offer a deeper garlic flavor that feels holiday-ready without being sharp. They turn out creamy, aromatic, and especially good with gravy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

People who like a bit of texture in their mash will appreciate this option. Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes keep that red-skin heartiness while highlighting a clear garlic taste. They are chunky enough to feel substantial, yet still creamy where it counts.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes