Table of Contents: Thanksgiving Potatoes
Thanksgiving Potatoes
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, comfort, and indulgence—and no holiday table is complete without a show-stopping potato dish. This Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness, guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your holiday feast. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing a side to a potluck, this dish is a foolproof way to impress your loved ones. Packed with flavor from garlic herb cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, it’s a modern twist on classic mashed potatoes Thanksgiving dishes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this comforting holiday potato side that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Introduction: Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe
There’s something magical about serving potatoes on Thanksgiving. They’re versatile, comforting, and universally loved, making them the ultimate holiday side dish. This Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe takes the humble potato to new heights with layers of creamy garlic herb cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. The crowning glory? A luscious sauce made with heavy cream and sour cream that ties everything together in one decadent bite.
While mashed potatoes Thanksgiving dishes are a staple, this recipe offers a creative alternative that’s equally indulgent and perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday menu or simply craving a comforting side dish, this recipe delivers. It’s ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight meal when you want to treat yourself.
What makes this dish truly special is its balance of flavors and textures. The Yukon gold potatoes are sliced thinly for optimal creaminess, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch. The garlic and herb cheese infuses every bite with savory depth, and the shredded cheddar melts beautifully into the sauce. Topped with fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe goes by many names, depending on who’s making it! You might hear it referred to as cheesy bacon potatoes, holiday potato gratin, or garlic herb scalloped potatoes. If you’re looking for variations, try swapping Yukon gold potatoes for sweet potatoes or russets, or skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version. For a lighter twist, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. No matter how you customize it, this holiday potato side is sure to be a hit.
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Ingredients: Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- – Unsalted butter, for greasing dish
- – 6 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
- – 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- – 1 cup sour cream
- – 2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- – 1 1/2 Tbsp. water
- – 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
- – 1 (5.3-oz.) pkg. garlic and fine herbs spreadable gourmet cheese (such as Boursin)
- – 8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups), divided
- – 3 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and sliced 1/8-in.-thick (about 10 cups)
- – 3/4 tsp. black pepper
- – Finely chopped fresh chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sour cream, and 1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt. Heat over medium-low until warm but not boiling. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth. Whisk into the cream mixture and cook until slightly thickened.
4. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Spread half of the garlic herb cheese over the potatoes, followed by half of the shredded cheddar. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and cheeses.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the cream sauce evenly over the layered potatoes. Sprinkle with cooked bacon and black pepper.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.
Chef Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Recipe Card Block
This Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and 1 hour to cook, serving 8-10 people. It’s a hearty side dish with approximately 450 calories per serving.
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The Yukon gold potatoes absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, while the bacon and cheeses add richness. To keep your holiday potato sides fluffy, slice the potatoes evenly and avoid overcrowding the dish. For a shortcut, use pre-shredded cheddar and pre-cooked bacon.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results. To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
People Also Ask: Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe

What are the best mashed potatoes recipes for Thanksgiving?
The best mashed potatoes Thanksgiving recipes combine creamy textures with bold flavors. Try adding roasted garlic, sour cream, or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Can you make mashed potatoes ahead and reheat them?
Yes! Prepare mashed potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
How do you keep potatoes fluffy for Thanksgiving dinner?
To keep potatoes fluffy, avoid over-mixing and use a potato ricer or masher. Adding warm cream or butter while mashing also helps maintain their light texture.
What are some creative potato side dishes for Thanksgiving?
Beyond mashed potatoes, try dishes like potato gratin, twice-baked potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, or crispy potato cakes for variety.
Conclusion: Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe
This Thanksgiving Potatoes Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday menu. Its creamy, cheesy layers and crispy bacon topping make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new tradition. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments—we’d love to hear how your family enjoyed it!
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Thanksgiving Potatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Thanksgiving Potatoes are rich, creamy, buttery, and whipped to fluffy perfection. The ultimate mashed potatoes recipe that’s destined to be the star of your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Add butter, warm milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Use a hand mixer or potato masher to whip until smooth and fluffy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a ricer. Warm milk and softened butter help the potatoes absorb moisture better and stay creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving potatoes, mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, creamy potatoes, buttered mash