Copycat KFC Pie Poppers Recipe

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You’ve probably found yourself savoring every flaky, sweet, and creamy bite of KFC Pie Poppers—those little pockets of perfection that combine fruity or creamy fillings with a golden, crispy exterior. But what if I told you that you can recreate this delicious snack in the comfort of your kitchen?

How to make KFC Pie Poppers

KFC Pie Poppers are bite-sized, fried “pop-in-your-mouth” pastries filled with warm fruit or cream fillings.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

• 1 sheet of premade puff pastry (thawed) or pie dough
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For the filling:

• ½ cup strawberry jam or pie filling (you can switch to apple, cherry, blueberry, or any favorite fruit filling)

Additional:

• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top, optional)
• Oil (for frying, or use an air fryer/oven as an alternative)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

1. If you’re making the strawberry & crème filling, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in one bowl. In another, stir your strawberry pie filling or preserves to ensure it’s smooth. Set both aside.
2. For a simpler fruity option, use ready-made fruit pie filling.

Roll and Cut the Pastry

1. Roll out your premade puff pastry or pie dough onto a floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch (thin but sturdy).
2. Use a round cutter (around 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You can use a small bowl or the rim of a glass if you don’t have a cutter!

Assemble the Pie Poppers

1. Place a small spoonful (around 1 teaspoon) of your filling in the center of half the circles. Be careful not to overfill, as it can leak during cooking!
2. If you’re using the strawberry & crème filling, add a tiny dollop of cream cheese mixture alongside the strawberry filling for that signature flavor.
3. Brush the edges of the dough circles with beaten egg. Cover with another circle of dough, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look (and to ensure they’re sealed properly).

Chill the Poppers

1. Transfer the assembled pie poppers to a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and prevents it from opening while cooking.

Cook the Pie Poppers

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully drop the pie poppers into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie poppers cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be quite hot. For an extra indulgence, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Dough that’s too warm will become sticky and hard to work with, and it may lose its shape during frying or baking.
• Seal carefully: Make sure the edges of your pie poppers are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Egg wash is your best friend here!
• Experiment with flavors: Beyond strawberry, try fillings like apple-cinnamon, lemon curd, or even Nutella for variety.
• Adjust sweetness: If you want a more dessert-like crust, sprinkle some granulated sugar over the top before baking or frying.
• Serve fresh: These are best enjoyed on the same day while they’re warm and flaky.

What to serve with

KFC Pie Poppers are bite-sized delights, combining flaky crust with savory or sweet fillings, depending on their variety or promotional version. To complement them, you can pair them with a mix of sides, sauces, beverages, and even desserts for a complete and satisfying meal.

1. Sauces/Dips

Enhance the flavor of KFC Pie Poppers with dips that match their filling. Since their core flavor is versatile, dipping sauces can add variety to your experience.

Savory Pie Poppers:

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, providing a balanced flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce: Tangy and smoky, amplifying savory notes.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness, complementing rich flavors.
• Honey Mustard: A mix of sweet and sharp tang to complement crispy pastry.
• Classic Gravy: Perfect for savory fillings, such as chicken and vegetables.

Sweet Pie Poppers (if available):

• Chocolate Sauce: Rich and indulgent for dessert-filled poppers.
• Caramel Sauce: Sweet and luscious for fruity or sweet pie poppers.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy to balance sweetness.
• Berry Coulis: Tart and fruity, great for fruit-filled options.

2. Side Dishes

Pair KFC Pie Poppers with classic KFC or complementary sides to complete the meal:

• French Fries or Wedges: Crispy and golden, offering a textural contrast to the flaky pie pastry.
• Buttered Corn: Sweet and savory kernels complement the richness of Pie Poppers.
• Coleslaw: Creamy and refreshing to balance heavier flavors.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Comfort food that pairs well with savory fillings.
• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Creamy potatoes harmonize wonderfully with chicken or meat-based flavors.

3. Salad Options

Salads add a fresh and healthier element to your meal:

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with parmesan and croutons.
• Garden Salad: Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
• KFC’s Southern Salad: If your store offers it, it’s a perfect complement to your meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to recreate KFC Pie Poppers at home, you may encounter situations where certain ingredients are unavailable or don’t suit your dietary preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty of substitutes you can use that will still result in delicious pie poppers.

1. Dough/Pastry

The base of pie poppers is typically a flaky pastry or pie dough. If you don’t have access to the same ingredients or want alternatives, try the following:

Standard Ingredients:

• Pie dough (traditional)
• Puff pastry
• Phyllo dough

Substitutes:

• Homemade Dough: If you don’t have store-bought pastry, make your own using all-purpose flour, cold butter, salt, and water. Substitute butter with vegetable shortening for a flakier texture or coconut oil for a vegan option.
• Bread Dough: You can use bread dough, pizza dough, or biscuit dough if you want a soft, rather than flaky, pastry.
• Gluten-Free Alternatives: Use a gluten-free flour blend to create a pastry dough suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance. Gluten-free puff pastry (available in specialty stores) is also an option.
• Healthier Substitute: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutrient-dense option.

2. Filling (Savory)

The savory filling in KFC Pie Poppers often includes chicken, vegetables, sauces, and spices. You can substitute these ingredients based on availability, dietary needs, and personal preferences.

Chicken (Main Protein):

Substitute with:

• Turkey (ground or shredded for a similar texture to chicken).
• Tofu or Tempeh (use marinated cubes or crumbles for a vegetarian/vegan choice).
• Mushrooms (finely chopped or sautéed as a plant-based meaty alternative).
• Jackfruit (for a pulled chicken-like texture).
• Beans (e.g., chickpeas) (for a more hearty texture).
• Paneer or Halloumi (for an Indian-inspired twist).

Vegetables:

Replace standard carrots, peas, and onions with the following:

• Zucchini, bell peppers, or corn for sweetness.
• Spinach or kale for added greens.
• Broccoli or cauliflower for a hearty texture.
• Sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Sauce:

Savory fillings often use a creamy or gravy-based sauce (e.g., chicken gravy or béchamel).

Substitute with:

• Vegetable stock and cornstarch for a vegan, lighter alternative.
• Use cashew cream as a dairy-free substitute for regular cream.
• Coconut milk can add richness if you don’t have cream or milk.

3. Filling (Sweet)

Sweet versions of pie poppers are usually filled with fruit, custard, or sweetened chocolate. If a specific filling is unavailable, swap with one of these:

Fruits (Apple, Berries, etc.):

Replace with any fresh, frozen, or canned fruit of your choice:

• Frozen mango, peaches, or cherries work wonderfully as fillings.
• Use fruit preserves, jams, or compotes as a convenient alternative to fresh fruit.
• Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries) rehydrated in juice or water are good alternatives in a pinch.

Sweet Filler Base:

Most sweet pie poppers combine fruit, sugar, and spices.

Substitute sugar with:

• Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
• Stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie option.
• Add spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or cloves if cinnamon is unavailable.

Chocolate/Custard:

• Use dark or milk chocolate chips if baking chocolate or chocolate bars aren’t on hand.
• Vegan custard can be made using plant-based milk and cornstarch.
• Replace chocolate spreads (e.g., Nutella) with peanut butter, almond butter, or a caramel sauce for variety.

4. Egg Wash

An egg wash provides a golden and glossy finish to the pie poppers. If eggs don’t work for you, here are some alternatives:

Substitute:

• Milk or Cream: Brushed lightly over the pastry for a golden finish (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or coconut milk).
• Oil or Butter: A thin layer of melted butter or any oil provides shine and helps with browning.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas is a perfect vegan substitute for an egg wash.

5. Seasonings and Add-ons

Savory fillings often include herbs and spices like thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sweet fillings may use cinnamon or nutmeg. Here are alternate options:

Herbs and Spices:

• Out of thyme or rosemary? Try oregano, basil, or sage.
• For heat, consider replacing cayenne pepper with chilli flakes or smoked paprika.
• Missing savory depth? Add a dash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast for added flavour.

Sweet Spices:

• If cinnamon is unavailable, use a mix of cardamom and allspice.
• Vanilla extract can be swapped with almond extract or maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

Your homemade KFC Pie Poppers will be just as delicious (if not better!) than the original. The flaky crust, sweet filling, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a hit for all occasions, from family movie nights to casual parties.

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