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If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas side dish or a delicious festive treat that’s both elegant and effortless, you’re in the right place. These Smashed Potatoes with Cranberry and Brie are crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and topped with gooey brie and sweet cranberry sauce– an irresistible bite-sized appetizer for your next holiday spread. Whether you’re prepping for Friendsgiving, a family gathering, or simply loving trying the latest TikTok make trend, this recipe brings the holiday magic in every creamy, tangy, and savory bite.
These holiday appetizer potatoes are precisely what your festive smashed potato lineup needs. Think brie and cranberry potato bites that work as a Thanksgiving potato side dish or classy Christmas appetizer with cranberry. They balance roasted smashed potatoes with cheese and make a sweet and savory potato recipe that’s both nostalgic and trendy- whether you serve them at brunch or a holiday charcuterie board.
The Chemistry of Smashed Potatoes with Cranberry & Brie
The crispiness of the smashed potatoes comes from roasting them in a single layer on a baking sheet at high heat with olive oil. The starches on the cut side caramelize, giving you golden edges and fluffy centers. Brie cheese melts quickly and evenly because of its high fat content. Timing is everything to keep that gooey brie from sliding off. Cranberry sauce adds not only color and sweetness, but also moisture, so it’s essential to spoon it strategically into the crevices of each potato to prevent sogginess.
Recipe Troubleshooting
Smashed potatoes not crispy enough? If you overboil the potatoes, they can fall apart when smashed. And if you don’t smash them evenly or overcrowd the baking sheet, they won’t crisp properly.
Brie cheese is melting too fast and sliding off? This usually happens if the oven is too hot or the potatoes aren’t level.
Is the cranberry sauce too watery during baking? Keep the entire tray dry by using a tricker sauce and spooning it carefully.
Flavor too bland? Season generously and make sure to coat the smashed potatoes well.
What kind of potatoes work best? Stick with baby potatoes-they’re small, tender, and hold their shape when smashed.
Can you use leftover cranberry sauce? Absolutely! In fact, it’s a great way to reduce waste.
Do you add the brie before or after baking? I recommended adding it before, just close to the end, so it gets melty, but not burned.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for trending holiday recipes 2025? This one’s at the top of the list. It combines two seasonal icons —a brie appetizer for the holidays and cranberry sauce—into one flawless Friendsgiving food idea. Perfect for those browsing Thanksgiving side dishes 2025 or Christmas potato recipes, this dish also taps into the fall comfort food potatoes trend. Make this once and it’ll become your go-to every time the holidays roll around.
Serve these warm on a festive platter with rosemary sprigs tucked in for greenery. For extra elegance, add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts. Pair them with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a bright fall salad with citrus vinaigrette. Want a party-ready twist? Use mini potatoes for bite-sized appetizers, and serve on a wooden board or slate tray for rustic charm. Trust me- they’ll be the perfect Christmas side dish.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out.
Freezer– It’s best not to freeze after assembling, as the brie cheese and cranberry sauce don’t thaw well. You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead, freeze them, and then assemble and bake from frozen for faster prep.
Make-ahead– Want to prep ahead? Boil and smash the potatoes, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and gooey brie perfection.
Recommended Products
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Brie and Cranberry
These smashed potatoes with cranberry brie are the easy dinner or holiday appetizer you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re hosting a big Friendsgiving, looking for a festive treat, or just craving something cozy and savory-sweet, they’re guaranteed to impress. Plus, with simple ingredients and hardly any cleanup, it’s a win-win. Let me know how they turn out!
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Oven-Baked Brie & Cranberry Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 8 small potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 can cranberry sauce with whole berries
- 9 oz brie
- chives
Instructions
- Place a large pot of water on the stove over high heat and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Wash the potatoes and cut into fourths.
- Place them in the pot of hot or boiling water and allow to cook for 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, microwave and the 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
- Whisk in the 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp pepper to the melted butter.
- Remove the potatoes after boiling and place on a cookie sheet.
- Using a large cup, carefully smash each potato down as flat as you can.
- Drizzle on the 1 tbsp olive oil and then drizzle on the butter mixture.
- Top each potatoe with a spoonfull of cranberry sauce and a bit of brie
- Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped chives. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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