KFC's New Side: Crunchy, Creamy, and Perfect for Dipping

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 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, setting them apart from any offerings we've encountered before in the U.S. According to the brand, this latest addition will be available at drivethru lanes beginning today, as reported by Food & Wine.

As with everything wonderful, these items aren't meant to endure indefinitely—they'll be available until stocks run out, according to the brand. The question arises: How did a major restaurant chain come up with such an innovative addition? Kentucky Fried Chicken explains that they drew inspiration from their global outlets to create this variation of a traditional Southern dish.

"We drew inspiration from the well-loved Mashies dish available at KFC outlets in Australia; however, our newly introduced Mashed Potato Poppers offer an elevated, contemporary twist on our classic mashed potatoes and effortlessly pair with gravy or any of the dipping sauces featured on our menu," said a representative for KFC to Food & Wine.

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For numerous KFC customers in Australia, "Mashies" hold nearly divine status. These restricted-release fried mashed potato bites, available only in packs of twelve, vanished for over ten years before making their return in 2023. (At their outlets across the country, KFC stores also offer) fried chicken nachos
If you’re not already feeling envious, consider this: The affection—and subsequently, the sorrow—for the nostalgia-inducing yet hard-to-capture Mashies has clearly resonated with everyone involved. It appears so:
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In the U.S., eager customers can try out the newly introduced $7 Dunk It Bucket, which marks the restaurant's first new bucket offering in a decade. This exclusive bundle features an array of items such as Poppers, Original Recipe chicken strips, French fries, along with three dipping sauces. Customers will be able to choose from one of seven available dips, featuring KFC’s iconic brown gravy among them. For those who prefer a smaller portion, they also offer a five-piece serving of the Poppers paired with the option for that classic brown gravy.

According to a statement from a KFC representative shared with Food & Wine, "Our Mashed Potato Poppers are perfect for dipping." They add, "These treats pair wonderfully with our warm gravy, tangy Comeback Sauce, ranch dressing, among others. There’s an array of sauces available so everyone can choose their favorite."

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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 Slider 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 “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.

Bottom line: If jalapeño poppers are too spicy for your taste, this creamy version might be more up your alley.

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 Tenderz, French fries, ten Mashed Potato Poppers, four biscuits, along with your selection of six dipping sauces.

Read the initial article on Food & Wine