DENVER — Potatoes USA released its holiday campaign guide on Thursday, December 11, 2025, positioning the humble potato as the “secret weapon” for holiday entertaining. Facing a season often defined by high costs and hosting stress, the organization is marketing potatoes as a versatile, nutrient dense, and affordable solution for everything from office potlucks to cookie swaps.
The campaign highlights creative applications beyond traditional side dishes, encouraging hosts to embrace “Santa Mashed Potato Boards” as a festive alternative to charcuterie. The organization also emphasizes the functional benefits of potatoes in baking, noting that adding them to cookie dough can improve moisture and texture.
Chef RJ Harvey, director of culinary at Potatoes USA, stated in the press release:
“The beauty of a mashed potato board is that it looks like you spent hours on it, but it’s really just great piping and smart toppings. It’s the ultimate party hack.”
From “Ugly Sweater” Snacks to Movie Marathons
The promotional push identifies four specific holiday occasions where potatoes can play a starring role:
- Office Parties: Replacing expensive cheese boards with “Mashed Potato Boards” featuring toppings like bacon, chicken, and dips.
- Cookie Swaps: Promoting potato based recipes for “Peanut Butter Blossoms” and “Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies,” claiming the vegetable adds moisture for a chewier crumb.
- Ugly Sweater Parties: Suggesting whimsical appetizers like “Abominable Snow Tots” and “Roasted Potato Reindeer Boards” that are designed for social media sharing.
- Movie Marathons: Offering themed snacks like “Who Hash” and “Eggnog Potato Donut Holes” to pair with classic holiday films.
Why It Matters
For the fresh produce and CPG sectors, this campaign illustrates a strategic shift in commodity marketing. By moving beyond the “dinner plate” and inserting potatoes into trending snacking and dessert occasions (like the viral “board” trend), Potatoes USA is attempting to drive volume during a competitive sales window usually dominated by proteins and sweets.
The focus on affordability also speaks to current consumer sentiment. With food inflation continuing to impact holiday budgets, positioning potatoes as a “high value” ingredient—rich in Vitamin C (30% DV) and potassium (more than a banana)—offers a compelling value proposition for shoppers looking to stretch their entertaining dollars without sacrificing nutrition. For retailers, cross merchandising potatoes with baking supplies or “board” accessories could unlock incremental sales in the produce aisle.
While Potatoes USA offers creative ways to stretch the holiday budget with side dishes, planning the main protein remains a priority for many hosts. To complete the festive menu, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association recently unveiled its Beef Checkoff Holiday Recipes 2025 collection, focusing on “cook once, eat twice” strategies for rib roasts. Pairing these smart beef leftovers with versatile potato appetizers allows entertainers to maximize both their time and their culinary investment during the busy season.
FAQs
What is a Mashed Potato Board?
It is a serving concept where creamy mashed potatoes are piped onto a board and topped with savory garnishes like bacon, cheese, and vegetables, similar to a charcuterie board.
Can you use potatoes in cookies?
Yes. Potatoes USA claims that adding mashed potatoes to cookie dough adds moisture and creates a softer, chewier texture.
Are potatoes nutritious?
Yes. A medium potato contains more potassium than a banana (620 mg vs 450 mg) and provides about 30% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C.
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