Can you think of anything more comforting than a warm bowl full ofmashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes often appear in European fare from countries like Germany, Ireland, and England.
Of course, I had to test them out.
Photo: Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
Here’s how they compared, ranked from my least favorite to the best mash of all.
But, no southern-style meal is complete without a couple of flavorful and filling entremets.
At KFC, the potatoes always come smoothly mashed and the dressing of choice is a signature brown gravy.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
Underneath, the squashed spuds are thin and pretty close to stark white.
The taste:The entire dish is about as bland as mashed potatoes and gravy can get.
They have that same sort of pureed texture and a taste that’s just a little bit off.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
Pouring the gravy on top isn’t really an improvement on this dull base either.
It gives off a faint beefy (or maybe chicken-like?)
flavor, but again spices seem to be slimhardly any salt or pepper even.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
Like any starchy side, I think KFC’s rendition could make for a good filler.
However, it’s not the epitome of good old-fashioned down-home cooking.
I mean, seriously, Butterburgers, cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard all in one place?
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
It’s just unfair.
It has a very classic, nostalgic aroma.
The potatoes follow suit with an authentic texture like mom just finished peeling and mashing them in the kitchen.
However, the taste is, unfortunately, subpar.
The gravy is almost sweet.
But, similar to KFC’s, it’s hardly seasoned and awfully similar to jarred gravy.
The dish is sold in two sizes: regular and large.
Somehow, I accidentally ended up with a large in my to-go bag.
It cost me $4.49 (conversely, the regular was priced at $2.99).
The look:This so-called “rich gravy” gives the impression of a brown-based gravy.
It’s warm, peppery, and comforting, with just a hint of robust meatiness.
It’s also not as diluted as it looks, allowing it to pair well with the smooth spuds.
Speaking of which, the potatoes taste real here.
They’re not exceedingly lively.
And that’s really all I can ask from fast food mashed potatoes.
I would expect nothing less from the Louisiana-style eatery.
The look:Finally something well-spiced and with the quintessential ratio of gravy to mashed potatoes.
Colorful specks can be seen all throughout the dressing and even tiny bits of what looks like ground meat.
