The recently introduced special menu item draws inspiration from a comparable offering at KFC in Australia.
Classic mashed potatoes are delicious on their own. But what could potentially enhance them even more?
KFC has recently introduced crispy new Mashed Potato Poppers to their menu, fulfilling all our cravings for comforting fare. These treats boast a crunchy exterior paired with a smooth potato center, offering something entirely novel within the U.S. market. According to the brand’s announcement to Food & Wine, this latest addition will be available at drivethru lanes beginning today.
As with all great things, these won’t be permanent — they’ll only remain available until stocks run out, as confirmed by the brand. So, what’s behind this innovative take on a traditional dish? According to Kentucky Fried Chicken, they found inspiration for this twist on a classic Southern side from their global branches.
“We were inspired by a popular KFC menu item in Australia called Mashies, but our new Mashed Potato Poppers are a refined, modern take on our iconic mashed potatoes and seamlessly complement gravy or any dipping sauce on the menu,” a KFC spokesperson tells Food & Wine.
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For numerous KFC customers Down Under, “Mashies” hold near-mythical status. This special edition of fried mashed potato bites, available only in packs of twelve, vanished from menus for over ten years before making their comeback in 2023. Additionally, their Australian locations also feature
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.
Stateside, hungry visitors can snag this snack in the $7 Dunk It Bucket, the chain’s first new bucket in 10 years. This limited-time combo includes an order of Poppers, Original Recipe chicken tenders, fries, and three dipping sauces. (You’ll have the choice between seven different dips, including KFC’s signature brown gravy.) Want just a taste? You can order a five-piece of these Poppers on their own with that gravy to pair.
“Mashed Potato Poppers are made for dunking and dipping,” a KFC spokesperson tells Food & Wine. “They’re delicious with our warm gravy, zesty Comeback Sauce, ranch, and more — with plenty of sauce options on deck to meet personal preferences.”
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KFC is not alone in focusing on saucy offerings. It appears that dippable snacks are also capturing the attention of Taco Bell’s menu creators, as evidenced by their recent initiatives.
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 variety of new options.
“globally-inspired” flavors
. Even if KFC
doesn’t call Kentucky home
anymore, the chain is approaching food trends in its own finger lickin’ way.
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 Double Dunk It Container
: Ten pieces of Original Recipe Chicken Tenderloins, French fries, ten Mashed Potato Poppers, four biscuits, and choose any six dipping sauces you like.
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Food & Wine
