12 Cool Ways To Make Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving is finally here, which means it's time for parades, turkey, being grateful, and more importantly, eating massive amounts of potatoes. These Thanksgiving mashed potato recipes include the classic potato, butter, and milk combo, as well as more unexpected ones like using cauliflower instead of potatoes (hey — don't knock it until you try it). And did you know butternut squash can be used just as easily as potato? It's perfect for adding some unexpected flavors and colors to your table.

You can always turn to a box of instant mashed potatoes if you are short on time, but if you have the chance to add a little more TLC into the dish, I highly recommend it. Since there are usually multiple steps to creating the dish, it's the perfect chance to bond with some family during the prep work. Call your younger cousins in to help peel potatoes, or catch up with your mom, or watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I'll probably be doing the latter.

Now before we dive into the world of mashed starches, I'd like to point out that potatoes are a magic dish. They can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike — even vegans too. They can be fried, roasted, boiled, mashed, French-ed, you name it. Is there anything a potato can't do? Of course there are things potatoes can't do, but I have a sneaking suspicion that mashed potatoes are the dish that could bring a family together again, or at the very least can be enjoyed by all.

1. Mashed Butternut Squash With Sage And Garlic

This colorful dish from Adventures in Cooking adds color and flavor to your table.

2. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

There's no better time to break out that slow cooker than for this recipe from A Beautiful Mess.

3. Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes from A Spicy Perspective are sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you are feeling extra ambitious, make a little toppings bar for your guests, complete with chives, cheese, and hot sauce.

4. Rosemary, Olive Oil, And Sea Salt Mashed Potatoes

It's hard to say no to a dish that sounds as good as this one from Ari's Menu. Too bad you can't keep it all for yourself.

5. Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes (No Milk Or butter)

This recipe from Big Girls Small Kitchen uses olive oil instead of milk or butter — yum.

6. Sausage Kale and Mashed Potato Pie

As if Thanksgiving doesn't have enough pies, add a mashed potato pie to the table like this one from Back to Her Roots.

7. Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Blue cheese adds a great kick to the traditional mashed potato dish. Follow this recipe from Closet Cooking.

8. Cauliflower Mashed "Potatoes"

Forego potatoes for cauliflower with this tasty dish from Climbing Grier Mountain. You won't believe how good it tastes.

9. Fried Garlic Cheddar Mashed Potato Balls

Take mashed potatoes to a whole new level by frying them into delicious cheese balls courtesy of Damn Delicious.

10. Crispy Dijon Smashed Potatoes

These dijon mashed potatoes from Damn Delicious are likely going to go fast, so set some aside for yourself.

11. Chile Corn Mashed Potatoes (Vegan)

No one will ever know this delicious dish from Fo Reals Life is vegan.

12. Maple Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

Spicy and sweet, this recipe from Foodie Crush is going to be a new Thanksgiving staple.

For more cool food ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Adventures in Cooking; A Beautiful Mess; A Spicy Perspective; Ari's Menu; Big Girls Small Kitchen; Back to Her Roots; Closet Cooking; Climbing Grier Mountain; Damn Delicious; Damn Delicious; Fo Reals Life; Foodie Crush