Popeye's Mashed Potatoes Recipe with Popeye's Cajun Gravy

My recipe for Popeyes mashed potatoes with cajun gravy is the only mashed potato recipe you'll ever need. Seriously, after you make this once, you'll be finding every excuse to make it again and again. This recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with a rich, flavorful homemade Cajun gravy for the best mashed potatoes and gravy combo ever!  

Why I Love These Popeyes Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy

My little cousin was recently home from college for winter break, and he has a Popeyes right down the street from the school he's going to. He was raving about the Popeyes mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy, and even though I've had Popeyes quite a few times (I love Popeye's chicken sandwich), I've never had their mashed potatoes. He literally wouldn't stop talking about it so we had to go, of course, and I gave the mashed potatoes and gravy a try. I'm not kidding; it was the best-mashed potatoes and gravy I'd had in my entire life.

So after finishing our meal, I went straight to the kitchen to try to re-create the iconic Popeyes mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy. It took quite a few tries, but my goal was to have the recipe mastered before my cousin went back to school. Luckily, after quite a bit of trial and error (especially with the cajun gravy recipe), I finally nailed it.

Every bite brings a balance of creamy, buttery mash and a slightly spicy, meaty gravy that's packed with a depth of flavor. It's so good, and I can't wait for you to try it! 

Ingredients 

For the Cajun Gravy:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups chicken broth

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning
• ⅓ cup whole milk, warmed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

How To Make Popeyes Cajun Gravy

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Brown the Meat

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Add the Spices, Flour, and Broth

Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and flour. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste of the flour and evenly coat the beef and vegetables.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.

Step 3: Strain the Gravy

Remove the skillet from the heat and strain the contents through a fine colander to separate the gravy from the meat. Transfer the smooth gravy to a bowl or gravy boat for serving.

How To Make Popeyes Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Cut the peeled potatoes into 2-inch cubes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water, ensuring the water is about 2 inches above the potatoes. Add the garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons of salt.

Step 2: Boil and Drain

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. Place the pot back over low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Add the remaining salt, black pepper, Creole seasoning, warmed milk, and melted butter to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. 

Serve the mashed potatoes with the cajun gravy you just prepared on top, and enjoy!

Expert Tips 

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe because of their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.
• Don’t Over-mix the Potatoes: Over-mashing can make the potatoes gummy, so mash them just until smooth.
• Balance the Spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of seasoning slightly.
• Prep Ahead: You can make the gravy up to a day in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

FAQS About This Cajun Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy Recipe

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with Russet potatoes or red potatoes. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor, which work perfectly for mashed potatoes.

Can I make the gravy without ground beef?

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty texture and umami flavor.

How do I adjust the spice level of the Cajun gravy?

To make the gravy spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and ensure your broth has a low-sodium base to control the flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, both the mashed potatoes and gravy can be made ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the potatoes with a splash of milk and warm the gravy over low heat before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Just transfer the mashed potatoes and gravy to separate airtight containers and store them in the fridge for about 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave before serving.

What can I do with leftover gravy?

Leftover gravy can be used as a topping for biscuits and roasted vegetables or even as a sauce for pasta or rice dishes. Get creative—it’s a versatile addition to many meals! 

Can I freeze the mashed potatoes and gravy?

Mashed potatoes don’t freeze as well because they can become grainy upon thawing. However, the gravy freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

More Popeye's Copycat Recipes

• Popeyes cajun fries
• Popeyes red beans and rice
• Popeyes biscuits
• Popeyes chicken sandwich recipe
• Popeyes mac and cheese