Does Popeyes Have Mashed Potatoes in 2024? America‘s Favorite Side Dish Fully Covered
Mashed potatoes reign supreme as America‘s comfort food of choice. According to a 2019 survey by Hunter, 84% of Americans reported enjoying mashed potatoes, with only 8% disliking this hearty, creamy side.
With demand this high, does Popeyes offer mashed potatoes in 2024? As America‘s third largest quick-service chicken restaurant, Popeyes has built its reputation largely around flavorful fried chicken. However, sides like mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy remain menu staples as well.
Below we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Popeyes mashed potatoes – ingredients, cost, preparation method, and what menu items they pair best with.
A Brief History of Mashed Potatoes
To understand the significance of mashed potatoes in American cuisine, it helps to look at a brief history:
- Introduced to Europe in the 16th century after Spanish colonization of South America
- Quickly became popular for ability to feed large groups cheaply
- Prevalence rose in the 1800s as potato blight plagued Europe
- By the 20th century, mashed potatoes had become synonymous with American cooking
As a hearty, comforting side dish, mashed potatoes now grace Thanksgiving tables and fast food trays alike. Their versatility and mass appeal continues today.
The Mashed Potatoes You‘ll Get at Popeyes
At Popeyes, expect high quality, yet affordable, mashed potatoes that yield a smooth, creamy texture:
- Made from Yukon Gold potatoes, prized for buttery flavor and rich texture
- Cooked in cream and butter for a creamy, smooth consistency
- Result is a mildly sweet, relatively bland flavor
- Reliant on bold Cajun gravy, which contains spices like cayenne and paprika, for flavor punch
The nutritional value of a Popeyes mashed potato serving stacks up well to other sides:
| Side Dish | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy | 230 | 12 | 28 | 4 |
| Red Beans & Rice | 240 | 2 | 44 | 8 |
| Coleslaw | 180 | 14 | 14 | 2 |
So you get a hearty serving for the calorie count.
How Popeyes Prepares Mashed Potatoes to Achieve that Creamy Consistency
As a top quick-service restaurant, Popeyes has perfected preparation methods after 45+ years experience:
- Wash and peel Yukon Gold potatoes
- Cut into uniform cubes for even cooking
- Boil in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes)
- Transfer hot to industrial mixer and mash, leaving some chunks
- Beat in cream, butter, milk for rich smoothness
- Fold in powdered milk to reduce stickiness and enhance creaminess
- Serve hot with Cajun gravy ladled over top
It‘s getting these little details right – like uniform potato cubes – that yield the creamy mashed potatoes Popeyes is known for across over 3,000 global locations.
Menu Items That Pair Perfectly with Popeyes Mashed Potatoes
What should you order alongside those Popeyes mashed potatoes? The possibilities are nearly endless, but here are some of our top picks:
For Fried Chicken
- 3 Piece Chicken Tenders – Hot and crispy white meat
- Chicken Sandwich – A Popeyes signature since 1972
- 4 Piece Bonafide Bone-In Chicken – Juicy, hand-breaded tenders and thighs
For Fish Options
- 8 Piece Butterfly Shrimp – Golden fried popcorn shrimp
- Giant Fish Sandwich – Crispy Alaskan pollock
The rich flavors of these fried menu items offset the mild creaminess of the mashed potatoes perfectly.
Consumer Demand for Mashed Potatoes Remains High
According to market research firm NPD Group, mashed potatoes ranked 7th in a list of the most ordered side dishes from quick-service restaurants in 2021. Other reports show rising interest in plant-based takes on mashed potatoes as well.
So while menus evolve with the times, expect mashed potatoes at Popeyes to remain a staple offering. When cooked properly, their popularity perseveres – 84% of Americans would likely agree!
