Potatoes show up at every fall table one way or another, and these are the versions worth actually making - simple enough for a Tuesday dinner, dressed up enough for a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving spread.
This roundup covers both savory sides and sweeter takes on the potato, from a crowd-favorite dip to classic marshmallow-topped casserole, so there's something here whether you're rounding out a weeknight meal or filling out a potluck table.
These were chosen because they cover the full range of what a potato can do at a fall table - quick weeknight sides, make-ahead dishes for a bigger crowd, and a couple of sweeter options that blur the line between side dish and dessert. Whatever the occasion, there's a potato recipe here that fits it.
Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes
Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes start with russet potatoes rubbed in oil and seasoning, then left in the slow cooker until the inside turns fluffy and tender. Top them however the table likes.
Why it's good: A set-it-and-forget-it side that frees up the oven for everything else on the menu.
Smashed Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes begin as small boiled potatoes, smashed flat and roasted until the outside turns crisp and the inside stays soft, finished with a brush of butter and simple seasoning.
Why it's good: The crispy edges make these more exciting than a regular potato side - even the potato skeptics come back for seconds.
Sliced Sweet Potatoes
Sliced Sweet Potatoes are seasoned with rosemary and roasted until tender with crisp edges, letting the natural sweetness come through without added sugar.
Why it's good: A sheet-pan side with minimal prep, which makes it easy to fit in alongside a bigger holiday menu.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows layers mashed sweet potatoes under a blanket of marshmallows, baked until the top turns golden and toasty.
Why it's good: The classic Thanksgiving side that splits the difference between a vegetable and a dessert - always requested, every year.
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Loaded Baked Potato Dip combines sour cream, bacon, cheddar, and green onion into a creamy, scoopable dip that tastes exactly like its namesake, served cold.
Why it's good: Doubles as an appetizer-style side, which makes it an easy potluck contribution that doesn't need the oven at serving time.
S'mores Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
S'mores Stuffed Sweet Potatoes take baked sweet potatoes and turn them into a s'mores-inspired treat, loaded with the flavors of graham cracker, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow.
Why it's good: A fun way to use up extra sweet potatoes as a dessert instead of another side dish.
Mini Sweet Potato Pies
Mini Sweet Potato Pies bring the classic sweet potato pie down to individual, single-serving size - easier to portion out than slicing a full pie.
Why it's good: Make-ahead friendly and easy to hand out at a potluck without needing to cut and serve a whole pie.
Make-Ahead and Serving Tips
Most of these hold up well made a day ahead. Smashed Potatoes and Sliced Sweet Potatoes are best roasted fresh for maximum crisp, but the casserole, dip, and pies can all be prepped the day before and reheated or served cold, which frees up oven space on the day of a bigger meal.
If the oven is already full with a main dish, lean on the slow cooker version and the cold dip - neither one needs oven time at serving, which makes it easier to stagger everything without a scheduling headache.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container. The casserole and dip both reheat easily, while the roasted potato sides are best warmed in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the crisp edges from going soft.
Complete Your Potluck Spread
Rounding out a potato spread for a fall gathering? Fall Potluck Sign Up Sheet keeps everyone's contribution organized so the table doesn't end up with five casseroles and no rolls.
Grab the instant download here →
