Irresistible 2-Ingredient Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Family Craves

Published: October 7, 2025

Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without those cozy, comforting side dishes that make the whole meal sing. I’ve been making this cheesy mashed potato bake for years—it’s the one dish my family insists on, no matter what else is on the table. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect partner to roasted turkey or glazed ham. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds. As someone who’s hosted more Thanksgivings than I can count, I can tell you this: a great side dish should be easy to make but taste like you spent hours on it. This one nails it.

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Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Let me tell you why this dish is about to become your new Thanksgiving superstar:

So easy – Just mix, bake, and serve. No fancy techniques needed!
Crowd-pleaser – The combo of creamy potatoes and melty cheese makes everyone happy.
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble it early, then pop in the oven when needed.
Comfort food magic – That golden, bubbly top? Pure holiday happiness.
Leftovers reheat beautifully – If you’re lucky enough to have any left!

Honestly, I’ve never brought this to a gathering without someone asking for the recipe. It’s that good.

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy potato bake – simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch:

2 cups mashed potatoes – Use your favorite homemade version (leftovers work great!)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
1/2 cup sour cream – Full-fat makes it extra creamy
1/4 cup chopped green onions – About 2-3 onions, green and white parts
1/4 cup melted butter – Unsalted so you control the saltiness
1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste if your potatoes are already seasoned
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if possible

That’s it! Just seven simple ingredients for the most comforting Thanksgiving side dish you’ll make this year.

How to Make Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Ready to make the easiest, creamiest potato bake that’ll steal the show at your Thanksgiving table? Let’s do this!

First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your biggest mixing bowl. I like to use my grandma’s old yellow Pyrex – something about it just makes everything taste better, you know?

Now, the fun part: dump in those 2 cups of mashed potatoes (cold or room temp both work fine), followed by the shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and that glorious melted butter. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then go to town mixing it all together. You’ll know it’s ready when every spoonful has little flecks of green onion and cheese distributed evenly. Don’t overmix though – we want it combined, not gluey!

Lightly grease your baking dish (an 8×8 square or similar size works great) and spread the mixture in evenly. Pop it in the oven and set your timer for 25 minutes. That’s when the magic starts happening – the edges get bubbly and the top turns this beautiful golden brown. If it’s not quite there yet, give it another 5 minutes.

Here’s the hardest part: when it comes out looking and smelling incredible, you’ve got to let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. I know, torture! But this lets everything set up so you get perfect slices rather than a cheesy landslide onto your plate. Worth the wait, promise.

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Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Want to take your potato bake from good to “can I have the recipe?” great? Here are my foolproof tricks:

Taste as you go – If your mashed potatoes were already seasoned, go easy on the salt at first.
Bacon makes everything better – Stir in 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits for that smoky crunch.
Golden brown = perfect – If the top isn’t crispy after 25 minutes, broil for 1-2 minutes (watch closely!).
Room temp ingredients mix easier – Take potatoes and sour cream out 30 minutes early.
Fresh herbs for the win – Top with chopped chives or parsley right before serving.

See? Simple tweaks for maximum flavor impact!

Variations for Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Want to mix things up? This recipe is crazy flexible – here are my favorite twists (all totally optional, of course!):

Smoky version – Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or add a dash of smoked paprika
Extra savory – Stir in 1/4 cup caramelized onions with the green onions
Herb lover’s dream – Mix in 2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary
Spicy kick – Add a diced jalapeño or pinch of cayenne pepper

The beauty? You can make it different every year and it’s always a hit. Go wild!

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Side Dishes

This potato bake plays nicely with all your Thanksgiving favorites! I love serving it right next to the turkey – the creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up that rich gravy. It’s also fantastic with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Pro tip: put it front and center on the table because everyone’s going to want seconds!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! This potato bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days – just cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Want to freeze it? Portion it before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays creamy every time!

Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting serving of this potato bake (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g (9g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g

Remember – these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients (like using low-fat sour cream or adding bacon). But let’s be real – Thanksgiving is about flavor, not counting every calorie!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesy potato bake ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

How do I prevent dryness?
The secret’s in the sour cream and butter – don’t skimp! Also, if your mashed potatoes seem dry when mixing, add a splash of milk or cream until you get that creamy consistency. Overbaking is another culprit, so pull it when golden brown.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
While homemade mashed potatoes give the best texture, in a pinch you can use reconstituted instant potatoes. Just make sure they’re extra creamy – follow the package directions for “mashed” not “whipped” consistency.

What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives great flavor, but feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack or Colby too. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible – those anti-caking agents can make sauces grainy.

Share Your Thoughts

I’d love to hear how your cheesy potato bake turned out! Did you add any special twists? Drop a comment below – your ideas might just become someone else’s new Thanksgiving tradition. You can also find more great recipes on Pinterest.