Popeyes Cajun Mashed Potatoes: Current Prices, Nutrition & Copycat Recipe 2026

Popeyes mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy typically cost between $2.99 and $4.79 for a regular serving, depending on your location. This creamy side dish contains 110 calories per regular serving and features a distinctive spicy gravy made with chicken and pork drippings that sets it apart from standard fast-food mashed potatoes.

Current Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Prices (2026)

Prices vary significantly by location and franchise:

Regular Size:

• Commonly reported: $2.99-$3.99
• Some locations: Up to $4.79

Large Size:

• Typically: $5.39-$5.99

To verify current pricing at your nearest location, check the Popeyes app or call ahead. Prices in urban areas and airports tend to be higher than suburban locations.

What Makes Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Different

Unlike most fast-food chains that serve basic mashed potatoes with white gravy, Popeyes uses a bold Cajun-style gravy that transforms this comfort food into something distinctive. The yellowish-brown gravy is visible speckled with seasonings and delivers a peppery kick that complements their fried chicken perfectly.

The potatoes themselves are made with potato flakes for consistency across locations, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Combined with the meat-based gravy, this side dish offers more flavor complexity than you’d expect from a fast-food menu.

Nutrition Facts (Regular Serving)

Large servings contain approximately 250-330 calories with proportionally higher amounts of other nutrients.

Allergen & Dietary Information

Contains:

• Milk
• Wheat
• Soy
• Sulfites

Important Dietary Considerations:

The mashed potatoes alone do not contain meat. However, the Cajun gravy contains both chicken and pork (specifically pork tasso), making the complete dish:

• Not vegetarian
• Not vegan (potatoes contain dairy even without gravy)
• Not halal
• Not kosher
• Not gluten-free (gravy contains wheat flour)

You can order the mashed potatoes without gravy at most locations if you want to avoid the meat-based sauce, though availability varies by restaurant. Always verify with your server when ordering.

Popeyes-Style Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Copycat)

Recreate this Southern comfort food at home with authentic Cajun flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

For the Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and quartered)
• ½ cup whole milk (warmed)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes in a large pot with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Drain thoroughly and return to pot. Let steam for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Mash potatoes until mostly smooth using a potato masher.
4. Add warm milk, cream, butter, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix until creamy but not overworked (overmixing creates a gluey texture).
5. Keep covered and warm while preparing the gravy.

For the Cajun Gravy

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• ¼ cup ground beef
• ¼ cup ground pork
• 1 chicken gizzard (optional but adds authentic flavor)
• 2 tbsp green bell pepper (minced)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. If using chicken gizzard, cook in oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until done. Remove, cool, and mince finely.
2. In the same pan, add bell pepper and sauté 1 minute.
3. Add ground beef, pork, and minced gizzard. Cook until browned, breaking meat into small pieces (3-4 minutes).
4. Sprinkle flour over meat mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to create a light roux.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken and beef broth, ensuring no lumps form.
6. Add all spices and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
7. Simmer 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens to desired consistency.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cayenne for extra heat or a pinch of sugar to balance spices.

To Serve: Spoon hot mashed potatoes into bowls and ladle generous amounts of Cajun gravy over top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips & Variations

For Best Results:

• Use russet potatoes for their high starch content, which creates fluffier mashed potatoes
• Don’t skip the roux step for the gravy—it adds depth and helps thicken properly
• Simmer gravy the full 30 minutes to develop flavor complexity
• Store leftovers separately in airtight containers; reheat gently

Vegetarian Version:

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken/beef broth
• Replace meat with finely diced mushrooms and crumbled tofu
• Use vegetable-based Worcestershire sauce
• Add smoked paprika for depth

Adjust Spice Level:

• Reduce cayenne to ⅛ tsp for mild heat
• Increase to ½ tsp for extra spicy
• Add hot sauce at the table for customizable heat

Flavor Variations:

• Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Top with crispy bacon bits
• Add roasted garlic for extra depth
• Mix in sour cream for tangier potatoes

What People Say: Real Reviews

Most customers describe the mashed potatoes as smooth and creamy with a distinctive spicy kick from the Cajun gravy. The gravy typically receives more attention than the potatoes themselves—it’s peppery, slightly smoky, and has enough complexity to make the dish memorable.

The heat level sits at mild to moderate. It’s noticeably spicier than KFC’s gravy but not overwhelming for most palates. Those sensitive to spice might find it too peppery, while spice enthusiasts appreciate the bold flavor without extreme heat.

Common praise points to the value (generous portions for the price) and how well it pairs with fried chicken. The main criticism comes from those expecting traditional white gravy or plain mashed potatoes—this is decidedly a Cajun-spiced dish.

Ordering Tips

Can I order without gravy? Yes, at most locations you can request plain mashed potatoes without the Cajun gravy. Availability varies, so confirm with staff when ordering.

How to verify local prices: Download the Popeyes app or visit their website. Prices shown online reflect your nearest location when you enter your zip code. Phone orders allow you to confirm pricing before placing your order.

Best pairings: This side complements spicy chicken tenders, classic fried chicken, or the chicken sandwich. The creamy texture balances the crispy coating on fried items.

Size considerations: The regular size is substantial for one person as a side. Large sizes work well for sharing between 2-3 people or if you want extra to take home.

FAQ