KFC mash and gravy is a popular menu item at KFC restaurants. It consists of creamy mashed potatoes covered in KFC’s signature brown gravy. But what exactly goes into making this delicious comfort food? Here we’ll take a look at the ingredients for KFC mash and gravy to find out what’s in it.
Ingredients in KFC Mash Potatoes
The mashed potatoes from KFC start with potatoes of course! The potatoes are peeled, boiled, and mashed. The type of potato used can vary, but russet potatoes are commonly used for mashing due to their starchy texture.
In addition to potatoes, KFC mash contains:
- Milk – This adds creaminess and richness to the mash.
- Butter – Butter provides flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
- Salt – Salt is added for seasoning.
- Black pepper – Pepper provides a subtle spicy kick.
- Onion powder – Onion powder gives the mash a savory, oniony taste.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder provides a hint of garlic flavor.
- Chicken stock – Chicken stock enhances the flavor.
The potatoes are mashed along with these ingredients to create KFC’s signature creamy, smooth mashed potatoes.
Ingredients in KFC Gravy
The rich, delicious brown gravy is what really brings the KFC mash and gravy dish together. KFC gravy contains:
- Chicken stock – Chicken stock provides intense chicken flavor.
- Drippings – Chicken drippings from cooking fried chicken add flavor.
- Flour – Flour helps thicken the gravy.
- Black pepper – Black pepper adds a peppery taste.
- Salt – Salt seasons the gravy.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – MSG enhances the savory umami taste.
- Milk – Milk helps add creaminess and richness.
- Chicken powder – Dried chicken powder boosts the chicken flavor.
- Onion powder – Onion powder provides onion flavor.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder gives a hint of garlic taste.
- Spices and seasonings – Secret blend of spices for extra flavor.
These ingredients are combined and simmered to create the signature KFC gravy.
How KFC Mash and Gravy is Prepared
To make this popular menu item, KFC cooks prepare it in the following steps:
- Peel, boil, and mash russet potatoes along with milk, butter, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken stock.
- In a separate pot, mix together chicken stock, drippings, flour, pepper, salt, MSG, milk, chicken powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and secret blend of spices.
- Simmer the gravy mixture while stirring regularly until thickened.
- Scoop mashed potatoes into a serving container.
- Ladle hot gravy generously over the mashed potatoes.
- Serve while hot and enjoy!
The rich creamy mashed potatoes smothered in savory chicken gravy makes for a delicious, comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
KFC mash and gravy is a high calorie dish. Here is the nutrition information for a typical serving:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 590 |
| Total Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 1710mg |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 12g |
As you can see, a serving of KFC mash and gravy contains high amounts of fat, sodium, and cholesterol. The large amount of calories also come predominantly from fat. While tasty, this dish is quite high in calories and unhealthy saturated fat and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
History of KFC Mash and Gravy
Mash and gravy has long been a popular menu item at KFC. Versions of mashed potatoes and gravy have been served at KFC for decades since the restaurant chain was first founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in the 1950s.
Some key milestones in KFC’s history of serving mash and gravy include:
- Early 1960s – Simple mashed potatoes and basic brown gravy first appeared on KFC menus.
- 1970s – KFC began adding more seasonings to mash to enhance flavor.
- 1980s – New gravy recipe developed to be richer and creamier.
- 1990s – KFC mash became creamier with the addition of more milk and butter.
- 2000s – KFC perfected signature process of making smooth, creamy mash.
Over the years, KFC has continually improved its mashed potato and gravy recipes through testing and developing new methods and ingredients. Today it remains a beloved menu classic.
Variations Around the World
While mashed potatoes and gravy are served at KFC restaurants worldwide, local variations and adaptations exist in different regions and countries.
United Kingdom
In the UK, mash and gravy is extremely popular. The mash tends to be thicker and more textured than the creamy American version. Chips can also be substituted for mash.
Asia
In Asia, mashes and gravies are customized to local tastes. In China, rice congee or porridge may be served instead of mash. Gravies are adjusted to suit regional flavors.
India
Indian KFCs serve a chicken curry gravy over the mashed potatoes. This reflects local spice preferences.
Africa
In parts of Africa, yam puree or fufu may be used instead of mashed potatoes. The gravy contains spices like nutmeg and African bird’s eye chili.
Popularity of KFC Mash and Gravy
KFC mashed potatoes and gravy have remained one of the chain’s most popular menu items for over 50 years. There are several reasons why customers love this dish:
- Nostalgia – It reminds many people of homestyle comfort food.
- Flavors – The rich, seasoned gravy over creamy mash is delicious.
- Versatility – It can be enjoyed on its own or used as a side with fried chicken.
- Value – It’s an affordable way to fill up and satisfy cravings.
KFC mash and gravy is the perfect accompaniment to KFC’s famous fried chicken. The smooth, creamy mashed potatoes smothered in savory gravy continue to be a customer favorite year after year.
Healthier Options
While tasty, traditional KFC mash and gravy is quite high in fat, calories, and sodium. For customers looking for healthier options, KFC has released modified versions of mash and gravy over the years, such as:
- Lower sodium gravy
- Reduced fat mashed potatoes
- Cauliflower mash – A low carb substitute for mashed potatoes
- Gravy made with chicken broth instead of drippings
By altering cooking methods and swapping in lower calorie ingredients, KFC has developed healthier mash and gravy options with reduced fat, sodium, and calories. However, the classic high-calorie version remains the most popular.
Copycat Recipes
KFC’s special mashed potato and gravy recipe remains a closely guarded secret. But many home cooks and food bloggers have developed their own copycat versions that try to mimic the taste of the original. Some popular copycat recipes include:
Copycat KFC Mash
- Russet potatoes, peeled and boiled
- Butter
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Chicken bouillon powder
Copycat KFC Gravy
- Chicken broth
- Chicken drippings or butter
- All purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Black pepper
- MSG
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Chicken bouillon granules
These copycat recipes allow home cooks to recreate the signature KFC mashed potato and gravy flavor. While not exactly the same, they can come quite close! The key is using lots of butter, milk, seasonings and chicken flavor.
Conclusion
KFC mash and gravy built its popularity through its delicious classic recipe of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes smothered in rich, savory chicken gravy. This indulgent soul food combo continues to have a special place in KFC fans’ hearts and stomachs. While the exact recipe remains a secret, we now know it contains ingredients like milk, butter, flour, spices, chicken stock and drippings. Next time you enjoy this classic dish, you can have an appreciation for all the flavors that go into this timeless KFC special.