Raise your hand if you’re absolutely obsessed with Popeyes mashed potatoes 🙋‍♀️ There’s just something so iconic about that creamy, buttery potato-y goodness topped with those crispy toasted onions. Honestly it might be the best fast food side dish out there!
I am straight up obsessed with the mashed potatoes from Popeyes. There’s just something so iconic about that smooth, creamy potato-y goodness topped with those crunchy fried onion bits. It’s hands down one of the tastiest fast food sides out there!
But since I can’t justify buying a 3 piece tenders meal just for the mash (no matter how tempting!), I decided to take a stab at making a homemade clone recipe. And ya know what, I’m pretty dang pleased with how my version turned out!
While of course nothing fully compares to those secret menu Popeyes spuds, my copycat recipe comes pretttty close. So if you’re also jonesing for that signature Cajun pil, I’m excited to share the step-by-step method here. Grab your masher and let’s nail this!
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So if you’re also jonesin’ for that pillowy Popeyes mashed potatoes perfection, grab your pot and masher cause I’m sharing my top secret method for nailing Popeyes mashed potatoes recipe!
Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Perfection in 6 Simple Steps
The key to mimicking Popeyes famous mash is loading it up with a ton of rich dairy. I’m talkin’ heavy cream, whole milk, and sooo much melted butter – gotta embrace the indulgence!
Start with just a few humble ingredients:
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- Heavy cream and whole milk
- Salted butter – lots of it
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder and onion powder
- Shredded cheddar cheese
That’s really all you need for the authentic flavor. Now here’s how to transform basic spuds into Popeyes-style southern mashed heaven.
Popeyes Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Butterlicious
Course: CookbookCuisine: American SouthernDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes220
kcal5
minutes45
minutesHere’s the full shopping list so you can whip up this mashed magic:
Ingredients You’ll Need for Popeyes Copycat Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes – I prefer a mix of russets and yukon golds. Russets whip up fluffy while yukons offer buttery richness.
Heavy cream – Adds super rich velvety texture. You can sub half and half or evaporated milk, but cream is best for max indulgence.
Whole milk – Also crucial for creaminess. The higher fat content the better. Can swap 2% if needed.
Butter – Has to be salted! Use an entire stick for 4 servings. Kerrygold is my fave for flavor.
Cajun seasoning – This provides that signature spice blend flavor. Use a store bought blend or make your own.
Onion and garlic powders – Adds savory flavor depth. Use fresh minced garlic for extra authenticity.
Shredded cheddar – A must for color and creaminess. Monterey jack also works well.
Fried onions – Goes on top for fun crunch and texture contrast. Buy or fry your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Popeyes Mashed at Home
- Cook the potatoes – Peel, chop, and boil your potatoes until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Make sure they’re fully cooked and falling apart.
- Add the dairy –Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Start with about 1/4 cup of each, then keep adding more until potatoes become super smooth and velvety.
- Mix in a whole stick of melted butter – Melt an entire stick of salted butter, then stir it in. You can’t have too much butter here!
- Season with Cajun spices – Add onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, thyme. Season until you achieve that Popeyes Cajun essence.
- Finish with crispy fried onions –
Top with either store bought crispy onions or shred and pan fry your own. Voila!
Notes
- And that’s it – creamy, dreamy magic in a bowl! Customize to your preferences and dig in.
Customizing Your Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Copycat
Feel free to experiment with additions to make these copycat mashed potatoes your own:
- Mix of potato varieties – Combo russets and yukons for best texture
- More interesting dairy – Sub cream with creme fraiche or mascarpone for tang
- Unique spices and herbs – Jalapeno, chipotle seasoning, dill, chives
- Extra rich mix-ins – Bacon crumbles, softened cream cheese, sour cream
- Garnishes galore – Chives, cheese, crispy shallots, caviar even!
- Meaty additions – Chopped ham, crumbled sausage, pulled chicken
Go wild making these mashed potatoes your own with inventive flavors!
Serving Suggestions for Popeyes Spuds
While these mashed potatoes arebomb on their own, they also pair deliciously with:
- Fried chicken – Legit Popeyes style with buttermilk brined chicken
- Hearty roasts – Slow cooked pot roast or fall apart pork shoulder
- Sausage – Andouille sausage or chicken apple sausage
- Seafood – Buttery crab legs or blackened cod
- Meatloaf – Classic beef and pork meatloaf smothered in gravy
Mmm suddenly I’m starving just thinking about it! What should I whip up as a side for these dreamy mashed potatoes tonight?

Storage and Reheating Tips
Mashed potatoes keep well, but here are some storage suggestions:
- Cool completely before storing to prevent bacteria growth.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Freeze in a freezer bag or container up to 3 months.
To reheat:
- Microwave until warmed through, adding milk or cream if dried out.
- Simmer on the stove over low, again adding more dairy if needed.
- Bake in the oven covered in foil at 350F until hot, 15-20 minutes.
With proper storage and reheating, these mashed potatoes will stay just as creamy dreamy as the first batch!
Let Me Know If You Give Them A Try!
I’d love to hear if you recreate my copycat Popeyes spuds at home. Part of the fun is customizing and experimenting to make them your own!
Drop a comment below with your tweaks and serving suggestions. And please slurp up a heaping spoonful in my honor 🥔✨ Now who’s ready for some buttery, creamy potato goodness??
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