The recently introduced special-menu item draws inspiration from a comparable offering at KFC in Australia.
Regular mashed potatoes are delicious enough on their own. But what might enhance them even more?
KFC has recently introduced crispy new Mashed Potato Poppers to their lineup, fulfilling all our cravings for comforting fare. These treats boast a crunchy exterior paired with a smooth mashed potato interior, setting them apart from any offerings we've encountered before in the U.S. According to the brand's announcement to Food & Wine, this latest addition will be available at drivethru windows beginning today.
As with everything wonderful, these items won't be available indefinitely – they’ll only remain as long as stock permits, the company confirms. So, what’s behind this innovative take on a traditional dish? According to KFC, their inspiration came from looking at recipes from their global branches when crafting this updated version of a timeless Southern accompaniment.
"We drew inspiration from the well-loved Mashies dish available at many KFC outlets in Australia. However, our newly introduced Mashed Potato Poppers offer a sophisticated, contemporary twist on our classic mashed potatoes and blend effortlessly with gravy or any of the dipping sauces featured on our menu," explained a KFC representative to Food & Wine.
Related: Trader Joe’s Has Enhanced Its Meat Section with High-End Steaks at Affordable Costs
For numerous KFC customers in Australia, "Mashies" hold nearly divine status. These restricted-release deep-fried mashed potato dishes, available in packs of twelve, vanished for over ten years before making their return in 2023. (At their locations across KFC outlets, they also offer) fried chicken nachos If you’re not already feeling envious, consider this: The affection—and subsequently, the sorrow—for the nostalgic yet elusive Mashies has been unmistakable, as it appears.
In the U.S., eager customers can try out this treat via the $7 Dunk It Bucket, which marks the restaurant's first new bucket offering in a decade. This special combination for a limited time features an assortment of Poppers, Original Recipe chicken strips, french fries, along with three dipping sauces. (Among your options will be seven different dips, such as KFC’s distinctive brown gravy.) If you prefer a smaller portion, you can opt for a five-piece serving of these Poppers served alongside some of that famous gravy.
According to a KFC representative speaking to Food & Wine, "The Mashed Potato Poppers are designed for perfect pairing with dips." They add, "These potato bites go exceptionally well with our piping hot gravy, tangy Comeback Sauce, creamy ranch dressing, among others—offering multiple saucy choices to suit individual tastes."
Related: Here Are the Top 10 Supermarkets in America as Rated by Over 40,000 Consumers
KFC is not alone in focusing on saucy offerings. It appears that dippable snacks are also catching the attention of Taco Bell’s menu creators, particularly with their newest additions. Beef and Queso Crunchwrap Sliders Meanwhile, Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen is expanding its reach with the introduction of its sauces. grocery aisle , and the staple brand Heinz is shaking things up with a range of new options. “globally-inspired” flavors . Even if KFC doesn’t call Kentucky home No longer, the chain is embracing food trends with its signature finger-licking approach.
In short: If regular jalapeño poppers are too hot for you, this rich and smooth variation could be more to your liking.
KFC’s Dunk It Buckets
- $7 Dunk It Bucket : Two pieces of Original Recipe Chicken Tenders, an order of fries, five Mashed Potato Poppers, and choose any three dipping sauces you like.
- $25 Dual Dunks Bucket : Ten pieces of Original Recipe Chicken Tenderloins, French fries, ten Mashed Potato Poppers, four biscuits, along with your selection of six dipping sauces.
Read the initial article on Food & Wine