Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes

KFC mashed potatoes are beloved for their rich, buttery flavor and thick, fluffy texture. And their gravy—that pepper-spiked umami sauce—brings all the homey feelings to the potatoes. Fortunately, you don’t need to run to the drive-thru every time you want these homestyle potatoes. Our copycat KFC recipes are simple enough to make at home, and we do a great job of replicating KFC’s creamy spuds.

Our version features ample heavy whipping cream, butter and salt to replicate the ultra-smooth texture and the deep, savory flavor you’ve come to know in KFC mashed potatoes. Serve the potatoes with a rich homemade chicken or beef gravy to give the potatoes a burst of umami taste.

What’s in KFC mashed potatoes?

According to KFC’s website, their mashed potatoes include potatoes, whey product, salt, and some difficult-to-pronounce ingredients, natural flavors and natural colors. You’d have a hard time replicating those ingredients in a home kitchen. Fortunately, you can make a wonderful copycat version with ingredients found at the grocery store.

We’ve heard rumors that the ingredients in KFC mashed potatoes include powdered potatoes and monosodium glutamate (MSG), but neither is listed under KFC mashed potatoes ingredients on the official website. The KFC gravy, however, is listed to contain MSG, a common food additive that gives foods a deep umami flavor. Cooks tend to be either against it or all for it.

Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

• Potatoes: Choose uniform-sized, medium potatoes. Not sure which types of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes? We recommend russets for a fluffy, light mash. You’ll want to peel your potatoes for this recipe to ensure an ultra-creamy consistency.
• Salt: Salt is almost always called for in potato recipes, and these mashed potatoes are no exception. Some of the salt cooks into the potatoes as they boil. The remaining is stirred into the mashed potatoes at the end of the recipe.
• Dairy: This recipe calls on the fats in whole milk, heavy whipping cream and butter to create rich-bodied, thick, creamy mashed potatoes. You can swap in a lower-fat milk alternative, but the potatoes won’t have the same wonderful richness.
• Pepper: Pepper is stirred into the mashed potatoes for the final touch of seasoning and spice. You can add more pepper to your gravy to give it a KFC-style spice.
• Chicken or beef gravy: You don’t need to serve these potatoes with gravy, but the creamy spuds sure do taste great with a robust, umami sauce. Try our foolproof gravy recipe, or choose from dozens of options in our collection of gravy recipes.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the potatoes

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Place the potatoes in a stockpot and add enough water to cover them. Add 1 teaspoon salt to the water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and mash the potatoes

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Drain the cooked potatoes. Press the potatoes through a potato ricer or a strainer into a large bowl.

Editor’s Tip: Mashing your potatoes with a potato ricer or strainer breaks up the starchy spuds into teensy pieces for a smoother, creamier mash.

Step 3: Make the milk mixture

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In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cream and butter until the mixture is just warmed and the butter is melted.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t bring this mixture to a boil. You don’t want to scorch the milk; you’re just gently heating it to melt the butter.

Step 4: Finish the mashed potatoes

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Add the warm milk mixture to the bowl with the potatoes. Gently stir together until combined. Stir in the pepper and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. If desired, serve with gravy.

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Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes Variations

• Add herbs: To add a lively color and freshness to your mashed potatoes, sprinkle them with minced fresh chives or parsley before serving.
• Make a cheesy potato mash: For a nutty, savory flavor boost, stir grated cheese into your mashed potatoes in the last step. Try Parmesan, Gruyere or cheddar.
• Stir in bacon: You can’t go wrong with potatoes and bacon. Stir crumbled cooked bacon into your mashed potatoes in the final step, or sprinkle each serving with crunchy bacon bits.

How to Store Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes

Store copycat KFC mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If they’re dry when you reheat them later, add a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate them. Store the gravy in a separate container.

How long do mashed potatoes last?

Mashed potatoes and gravy will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

You can freeze mashed potatoes and gravy, but they should be frozen in separate containers. You can freeze the whole batch of mashed potatoes in a freezer container. Or, freeze dollops of mashed potatoes on a baking sheet, then store the frozen dollops in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze the gravy in freezer-safe bags or containers. Each should last about two months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to serve, let each thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do you reheat mashed potatoes?

Don’t fret: You can indeed reheat mashed potatoes without drying them out. The quickest way to reheat them is in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between for even heating. You can also reheat mashed potatoes in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat or in a 350°F oven. Reheat the gravy in a separate pan on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through.

If the mashed potatoes end up too dry to salvage, try one of our leftover mashed potato recipes to repurpose them into another meal.

Copycat KFC Mashed Potatoes Tips

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What’s the best way to mash potatoes?

There are multiple ways to mash potatoes, and the best way depends on how you like them. For a coarser, chunkier mash, use a handheld masher or a large fork to mash the potatoes into chunky-smooth bits. For a creamy, lump-free mash, push the potatoes through a potato ricer or strainer. Or, for an ultra-silky mash, process the potatoes in a food processor. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with gummy potatoes.

If you’re bored with plain mashed potatoes and want to reinvent them, try our ideas for new ways to make mashed potatoes. They’ll spice things up again.

How do you thicken gravy for mashed potatoes?

You’ve got several options to thicken gravy: Add flour or cornstarch, or use another method to thicken a sauce.

What can you serve with mashed potatoes and gravy?

Mashed potatoes and gravy can coexist among the humblest or most extravagant dinners. For a simple at-home meal, serve them alongside a protein and a side of leafy greens. For a fancy date night, serve them alongside steak and a roasted green vegetable medley. Or, serve them at a festive holiday gathering alongside a roast turkey or bourbon-glazed ham, rolls, sweet potatoes, dressing and holiday treats.