16 Potato Recipes for a Crowd

If there’s one ingredient you can trust to keep a roomful of hungry people happy, it’s the humble potato. Potatoes are budget-friendly, endlessly flexible, andmost importantlyuniversally loved. Whether you’re feeding your extended family at Thanksgiving, hosting a backyard barbecue, or bringing a dish to the office potluck, a few smart potato recipes for a crowd can save your sanity and your schedule.

From creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy casseroles to crispy roasted pans of golden goodness, these 16 potato recipes are designed to scale up easily, reheat well, and make everyone quietly stop talking for a moment while they go back for seconds. Let’s dig in.

Tips for Serving Potato Dishes to a Crowd

Before we dive into the recipes, a few crowd-feeding tricks will make your life much easier:

Choose the Right Potato

• Russet potatoes are ideal for fluffy mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, and casseroles where you want a soft, light texture.
• Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally buttery and hold their shape better, perfect for scalloped potatoes, roasted potatoes, and smashed potatoes.
• Red potatoes or baby potatoes work beautifully for potato salads and roasted side dishes where you want bite-size pieces and creamy centers.

Think Make-Ahead and Reheat

Most potato recipes for a crowd are even better when they’ve had time to mingle with cheese, butter, and cream. Many popular recipeslike loaded mashed potato casserole or scalloped potatoesare specifically developed to be made ahead, chilled, then reheated for serving. A large casserole pan fits easily into the oven and frees you from last-minute stovetop chaos.

Size Up Your Pans

For 20–30 people, a standard 9×13-inch pan is usually enough if potatoes are a side dish. For 40–50 people, you’ll want a couple of large disposable roasting pans (about 13×20 inches) or an electric roaster. These big-batch pans are the secret behind many beloved “potatoes for a crowd” recipes used by churches, community centers, and big family gatherings.

Keep Food Safety in Mind

When your potato recipes involve dairy, eggs, or meat (hello, bacon), keep dishes above 140°F if they’re out on a buffet for a long time, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Use warming trays, slow cookers on “warm,” or an electric roaster to keep things safe and delicious.

16 Potato Recipes for a Crowd

1. Crispy Sheet-Pan Herb Roasted Potatoes

If you want a no-fuss side dish that works with almost any main course, sheet-pan roasted potatoes are your best friend. Toss cubed Yukon Gold or russet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs like rosemary and thyme. Spread them in a single layer on a large rimmed sheet pan and roast until they’re golden and crispy on the edges. Double or triple the recipe by using multiple pans, rotating them halfway through. Serve straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style vibe.

2. Make-Ahead Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Take classic mashed potatoes and turn them into a showstopping casserole that can sit happily in the fridge until party time. Start with fluffy mashed potatoes (russets work well), then stir in sour cream, cream cheese, shredded Cheddar, and a generous amount of butter. Fold in crumbled bacon and chopped chives, spread into a baking dish, and top with more cheese. This loaded mashed potato casserole is a hit on holiday tables and potlucks and holds beautifully on a warm setting.

3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for a Crowd

Scalloped potatoes are the definition of comfort food. Thinly slice Yukon Gold potatoes, layer them in a buttered pan, and blanket them in a simple cream sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and plenty of shredded cheese. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden. Many large-batch versions are designed specifically for roaster ovens or large casseroles, giving you 24 or more servings without much extra effort.

4. Party Potatoes Hash Brown Casserole

“Party potatoes” are a Southern potluck legend. Instead of whole potatoes, you lean on frozen shredded hash browns, which save a ton of time. Mix them with sour cream, cream of chicken soup (or mushroom for a vegetarian riff), melted butter, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Top with crushed cornflakes or potato chips for a crunchy finish. Bake until the mixture is hot, creamy, and lightly browned. This casserole is easy to scale up and is a natural fit for brunches, church dinners, and holiday buffets.

5. Rustic Garlic Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

When your oven is packed with main dishes and desserts, slow-cooker mashed potatoes save the day. Put peeled and chunked potatoes in the slow cooker with broth, garlic, butter, and a bit of salt. Cook until tender, then mash directly in the pot with cream or milk. Switch the slow cooker to “warm” and hold the mashed potatoes until you’re ready to serve. It’s low-maintenance, highly comforting, and the garlic scent alone will pull people into the kitchen.

6. Australian-Style Potato Scallops

For something a little unexpected, try Australian-style potato scallops. These are not the creamy baked scalloped potatoes you may know. Instead, thick potato slices are dipped in a seasoned batter and fried until crisp and golden. Serve them hot with ketchup, aioli, or malt vinegar. They’re a fun addition to a game-day spread or a casual party and can be kept warm in the oven on a wire rack so they stay crisp.

7. Goat Cheese Mashed Sweet Potatoes

When you want to punch up the flavor for a more sophisticated crowd, goat cheese mashed sweet potatoes are an excellent move. Roast or boil sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them with creamy goat cheese, a splash of milk or cream, and a bit of butter. The tanginess of the goat cheese balances the sweetness of the potatoes, and a sprinkle of pistachios or toasted pecans adds crunch and color. This side fits right in at holiday dinners or more formal gatherings.

8. Sweet Potato Pecan Crumble Casserole

For a classic holiday crowd-pleaser, whip up a big sweet potato casserole topped with a buttery pecan crumble. Mash baked sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. Spread into a pan and add a topping of chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Bake until the top is crunchy and the filling is puffed and set. It walks the line between side dish and dessert, which is probably why it always disappears first.

9. Bacon Ranch Potato Salad for a Crowd

Potato salad is an easy way to feed a lot of people without tying up the oven. For a crowd-friendly twist, make a bacon ranch version. Boil bite-size red or Yukon Gold potatoes until just tender, then cool slightly. Toss them with cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and a dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and a splash of vinegar. Chill before serving. It’s hearty, flavor-packed, and perfect for barbecues and cookouts.

10. Fully Loaded Baked Potato Bar

Instead of a single casserole, let guests customize their own potato creations. Bake a big batch of russet potatoes until fluffy inside and crisp outside. Set up a baked potato bar with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, butter, bacon bits, chives, steamed broccoli, chili, and sautéed mushrooms. This approach scales up beautifullyjust bake more potatoes and refill the topping bowls. It also works well for mixed dietary preferences because people can control what goes on their plate.

11. Cheesy Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes give you the best of both worlds: creamy centers and crispy edges. Boil small potatoes until tender, then arrange them on an oiled sheet pan. Gently “smash” each potato with the bottom of a glass, drizzle with garlic butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan or shredded cheese. Roast until the bottoms are crisp and the cheese is melted. Serve directly from the pan and watch people hover nearby hoping for the crispiest ones.

12. Crispy Breakfast Potatoes for Brunch Crowds

For a brunch crowd, big pans of breakfast potatoes are a must. Dice russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, toss with oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika, then roast in large pans until browned and crisp. Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor. These potatoes pair beautifully with scrambled eggs, frittatas, or breakfast casseroles and are easy to keep warm in the oven if guests arrive in waves.

13. Taco-Spiced Potato Nacho Bake

Think nachos, but with roasted potatoes standing in for chips. Roast wedges or rounds of potatoes until crisp, then layer them in a baking dish with taco-seasoned ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. Bake until hot and melty, then finish with toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños. This hearty “potato nacho” bake feeds a lot of people and brings big game-day energy to the table.

14. Herbed Potato and Green Bean Salad

If you want something lighter on your table of comfort food, a herbed potato and green bean salad is a smart pick. Boil bite-size potatoes and green beans until just tender, then toss with a zesty vinaigrette made from olive oil, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill. Serve at room temperature. This salad holds well on a buffet and gives guests a fresh, bright option alongside rich casseroles and roasts.

15. Vegan Olive Oil and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

When you’re feeding a mixed crowd with vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, a simple roasted potato dish made with olive oil and herbs is an easy crowd-pleaser. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, cracked black pepper, garlic, and fresh rosemary. Roast until they’re crisp outside and tender inside. Because there’s no dairy, this side is naturally vegan but still feels indulgent and special.

16. Make-Ahead Au Gratin Potatoes in a Roaster

Au gratin potatoes are like scalloped potatoes’ cheesier cousin. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked with a rich cheese sauce until everything is bubbly and deeply golden. For big gatherings, many cooks prepare au gratin potatoes directly in an electric roaster, which can hold a huge batch and free up the oven. Make them a few hours ahead, then keep the roaster on warm for serving. The creamy texture and cheesy top make them a guaranteed hit at holiday feasts and big celebrations.

How to Scale Potato Recipes for Big Groups

When you’re staring at a recipe that serves six and a guest list of 24, it’s easy to panic. Take a breath and do some quick math. Most potato recipes scale linearlyif a 9×13-inch pan serves 10, making two pans will usually serve about 20, especially when you have other sides on the table. For buffet-style meals, plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of potato dish per person for rich casseroles and about 1 medium potato per person for baked potatoes or roasted wedges. For heavier eaters or if potatoes are the star of the meal, bump it up a bit.

Also remember oven logistics. Two large pans of potatoes in the oven at the same time may need a little extra cooking time and possibly a quick rotation for even browning. Electric roasters and slow cookers are your best friends when the oven is overloaded.

Serving and Garnishing Like a Pro

Potatoes might be humble, but the way you serve them doesn’t have to be. A few finishing touches go a long way:

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or dill right before serving for color and freshness.
• Textural contrast: Crunchy toppings like toasted breadcrumbs, cornflakes, nuts, or crispy onions keep casseroles from feeling one-note.
• Self-serve stations: For baked potato bars or potato salads, set out toppings and mix-ins so people can customize their plates.
• Label dishes: Small labels that say “contains bacon” or “dairy-free” help guests with dietary needs make quick decisions.

Real-World Experiences with Potato Recipes for a Crowd

Ask anyone who regularly cooks for big groups and they’ll tell you: potato recipes for a crowd are the unsung heroes of successful gatherings. They’re the dishes you can count on when the turkey takes longer than expected, when you’re worried the main course won’t stretch far enough, or when picky eaters turn up their noses at everything except “something with cheese.”

One of the biggest advantages of big-batch potato dishes is how forgiving they are. If you accidentally add a bit too much salt to mashed potatoes, a splash of cream and an extra boiled potato or two can help balance the flavor. If your roasted potatoes don’t get quite as brown as you’d like, a few extra minutes under the broiler usually solves the problem. Compared to delicate desserts or finicky main courses, potatoes give you some wiggle roomand when you’re juggling multiple dishes, that grace period is priceless.

Hosts often find that potato casseroles become cherished “house specialties.” Maybe it’s your extra-garlicky slow-cooker mashed potatoes everyone begs for at Thanksgiving, or the hash brown party potatoes you always bring to brunch. Once you find a base recipe that works, it’s easy to tweak it. Swap Cheddar for pepper Jack to add a kick, trade cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom to make it vegetarian, or sprinkle on smoked paprika and crispy onions for extra flavor and crunch. Over time, your potato dish becomes part of your gathering’s tradition.

Another practical perk: potato recipes can help you manage costs for large events. Potatoes and basic add-ins like onions, carrots, butter, and cheese are usually more affordable than fancy meats or specialty sides. When you’re feeding a big crowd on a budget, loading the menu with one or two hearty potato sides allows you to serve smaller portions of more expensive mains without anyone feeling shortchanged. People remember feeling full, cozy, and cared fornot whether they had a third slice of roast beef.

Potatoes also bridge the gap between different eating styles. At a mixed gathering, you’re likely to have meat lovers, vegetarians, possibly vegans, and people with various food intolerances. A spread that includes a cheesy casserole, a simple vegan roasted potato dish, and maybe a lighter potato salad or herbed potato-and-vegetable side gives everyone something to enjoy. Your guests may not agree on which movie to watch or who should win the game, but they will almost always agree on seconds of great potato dishes.

Finally, there’s the nostalgia factor. Many of us grew up eating scalloped potatoes at family dinners, sweet potato casseroles at Thanksgiving, or big bowls of mashed potatoes with Sunday roasts. When you put out a pan of hot, bubbly potatoes for a crowd, you’re not just feeding peopleyou’re tapping into memories of holidays, favorite relatives, and cozy meals from the past. That emotional connection is part of why potato recipes for a crowd feel so special, even when they’re made with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

So whether you choose a loaded mashed potato casserole, crispy sheet-pan potatoes, or a classic scalloped dish, you’re doing more than just filling plates. You’re creating comfort in bulka whole lot of warmth in every serving spoon.