Who can say no to a heaping scoopful of crowd-pleasing mashed potatoes?
While you really can't go wrong with a big dish full of luscious, creamy mash, it can still be a lot of fun to switch things up with an unexpected twist that will really wow your dinner guests.
Want to make something a bit more classic? Here's everything you need to know to find the perfect creamy mashed potato recipe to suit your preferences.
Let's have a little fun with our potatoes this Thanksgiving!
1. Sausage, Kale and Mashed Potato Pie
This savory pie is swell! It has sneaky veggies hidden in there for picky eaters, while the sausage and cheese keep things really decadent. This is a particularly great option if you're not making a turkey this year or if you have some vegetarian guests who would appreciate a hearty version of this made with veggie sausage.
2. Maple Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
This sweet and savory mash is the perfect way to combine two dishes if you're not in the mood to make those candied yams with the marshmallows on top. While those are unquestionably delicious, this hybrid edition is so good that it's hard to imagine anyone will complain about a couple of streamlined sides.
3. Mashed Potatoes with Bacon And Caramelized Onions
This is a fun one if your family members are potato purists, but you want to switch things up a little for some added excitement. You still get those traditional creamy, buttery potatoes, but the smoky crumbled bacon, soft, sweet onions caramelized in the bacon fat, and bright burst of sage are welcome additions.
4. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin with Bacon
This lower-carb dish still gets a boost of richness from milk, flour, butter and cheddar cheese -- plus a delightful crunch from panko bread crumbs, though it's pretty easy to make substitutions if you're following a specific diet. For example, high-fat low-carb dieters can use heavy cream and a dollop of cream cheese instead of milk and flour along with a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs, while vegans might enjoy thick coconut milk or almond milk with margarine or olive oil, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and Daiya.
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Kale and Boursin Cheese
With sweet and gold potatoes, you get the best of both worlds, while the soft, garlicky Boursin cheese perfectly rounds out the mash, especially with the textural variety you get from tender chopped kale.
6. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
With bacon, cheese, sour cream, chives and plenty of butter, this fluffy, gooey dish with a crunchy top combines the power of loaded baked potatoes with the smooth goodness of the mashed variety.