Adding a delightful twist to its menu, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has launched Mashed Potato Poppers, a crunchy yet creamy innovation in comfort food, now available across the United States.

As the name suggests, these poppers are crispy on the outside with a smooth filling of KFC’s much-loved mashed potatoes. This new addition to the menu has injected a new flavor profile into the US fast-food market, the brand revealed to Food & Wine.

However, like all good things, these munch-worthy poppers won't stick around forever, being available only until supplies last. But what was the inspiration behind this ingenious creation? The answer lies in KFC's global chains.

"Drawing inspiration from a popular menu item in Australia known as Mashies, we created the Mashed Potato Poppers. We consider them a refined, contemporary take on our signature mashed potatoes. They pair perfectly with our gravy or any dipping sauce on the menu," a spokesperson from KFC shared with Food & Wine.

The iconic "Mashies" from Australia have been nothing short of sacred among KFC's Aussie patrons. These adored and revered fried mashed potatoes were sold as limited-edition items in a pack of twelve, before disappearing for over a decade and re-emerging on the menu in 2023. The adulation, and later longing, for these nostalgic Mashies was unmistakable.

Fast food fans across the United States can now also enjoy these golden bites in the new $7 Dunk It Bucket, KFC's first new combo offering in ten years. The limited-time offering throws in an order of Poppers, Original Recipe chicken tenders, fries, and three dipping sauces. Fans of the brand can select from seven different sauces, including KFC's iconic brown gravy.

Perfect for dunking and dipping, the “Mashed Potato Poppers are heavenly with our hot gravy, tangy Comeback Sauce, ranch, and many more. We have several sauce choices to cater to individual tastes," KFC’s spokesperson added.

KFC isn't alone in spicing up their menu. Taco Bell and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen have also joined the dip-friendly food trend recently. Despite no longer being headquartered in its namesake state, Kentucky, KFC continues to stay relevant by creating new food trends in its own irresistible way.

So if you find jalapeño poppers too fiery for your liking, KFC's creamy Mashed Potato Poppers might be your ideal snack-time partner.