Recreate the classic taste of Popeye’s Mashed Potatoes and Gravy at home with this simple and delicious copycat recipe.
Popeye’s mashed potatoes and gravy have a devoted following, and for good reason. The potatoes are smooth and creamy, while the Cajun-style gravy adds a bold, peppery kick that sets it apart from more traditional versions. It’s comfort food with personality, and recreating it at home is easier than you might think.
The mashed potatoes themselves are all about balance – fluffy, buttery, and seasoned just enough to stand on their own. You don’t want them too dense or too thin. Using russet potatoes gives you that light texture, and a mix of butter, milk, and a little cream brings in the richness. But the real secret to nailing that Popeye’s flavor is in the gravy.
The gravy is what transforms this side into something special. Unlike a basic brown gravy, Popeye’s version is darker, richer, and seasoned with a distinctive Southern flair. It starts with a roux — a mixture of fat and flour cooked until golden brown — then layers in beef or chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne. Some copycat versions even include a bit of bacon grease or sausage drippings for that deeper, smokier flavor.
What makes this dish fun to replicate is how customizable it can be. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, use vegetable broth for a meatless version, or keep it classic with buttery potatoes and a peppery gravy just like the fast-food favorite. It’s a great addition to fried chicken, meatloaf, or even a holiday table.
Whether you’re making it as a side dish or just craving that familiar Popeye’s taste without leaving home, this copycat version hits the spot. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of creamy potatoes and bold gravy is a reminder that even the simplest comfort foods can have a signature twist. Once you’ve made it yourself, you might never settle for plain mashed potatoes again.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk warm
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add warm milk, softened butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and water, stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the mashed potatoes topped with the thickened gravy.
Nutrition
These mashed potatoes are AMAZING! Tasted just like Popeye’s, my kids loved them!
Too much butter for my taste. Also, who needs gravy when you got ketchup? Just sayin’!
Ketchup? Seriously? That’s a crime against mashed potatoes! Gravy is where it’s at, way better than ketchup.
I think you should give it a try with less butter! But ketchup on mashed potatoes? That’s a bold choice! I’d stick with gravy.
These potatoes are delish! Next time I might add garlic or cheese for a kick. Yum!
I tried making this but it came out kinda watery… what went wrong? Anyone else have this issue?
Made these and they was gud, but my dog wouldn’t eat it. 🤷♂️ IDK why.
My kids cant stand mashed potatoes but loved this! Winner!
That’s awesome! My kids are the same, they usually hate mashed potatoes too. I gotta try this recipe ASAP!
Really? I don’t get how kids don’t like mashed potatoes. Maybe try adding more cheese or something?
I used beef broth instead of chicken and it turned out great!
Beef broth? That’s a wild twist! Never thought of that. I might try it next time!
These mashed potatoes are so creamy! Just like Popeye’s! Love em!
I made these yesterday and they were a hit! Thanks for sharing!
The gravy was too salty. Next time, I will skip the extra salt.
I was skeptical, but wow this is spot on! My family loved it!
Really? You think it tastes like Popeye’s? I dunno, my mashed potatoes never come out that good.
So glad to hear that! I’ve always loved Popeye’s mashed potatoes, can’t wait to try this recipe myself!
potato good 😀 gravy no understand. why need gravy? just potato?
Mashed potatoes? Who even eats that? I prefer rice. 🤷♂️
Too much butter for my taste. Just made it all greasy.
I think the butter is part of what makes them creamy! Maybe next time try using less?