September 10, 2024
Vegan Famous Bowls (KFC Copycat)
These copycat KFC Famous Bowls are comfort in a bowl! Creamy mashed potatoes are smothered under a layer of roasted corn, melty cheddar cheese, crispy popcorn tofu and rich gravy. Make each of the components for the bowl ahead of time so all you have to do is reheat and enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions Tips and FAQsVegan Famous Bowls (KFC Copycat)
Craving comfort food? These Vegan KFC Copycat Famous Bowls are a plant-based take on a fast-food favorite! Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted corn, melty vegan cheddar, crispy popcorn tofu, and rich gravy come together in a bowl of pure comfort. This easy and satisfying recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. The best part? You can make each component ahead of time and simply reheat when hunger strikes.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Famous Bowls
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This recipe is packed with creamy, cheesy, and savory layers that rival the original KFC Famous Bowl.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the mashed potatoes, tofu, and corn ahead of time and have a delicious meal ready in minutes.
- Totally Plant-Based: No need to miss out on your fast-food favorites when you have a vegan version that’s just as tasty!
- Family-Friendly: A fun and tasty meal that kids and adults alike will love, especially with the crispy tofu bites.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily adaptable for a gluten-free diet by using a gluten-free gravy and cornstarch for the tofu.
- High in Protein: Packed with plant-based protein from tofu, making it a filling and nutritious option.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap the gravy flavors to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game days, or any occasion where you need to impress with a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Fast Food Nostalgia: Recreates a fast-food classic in a healthier, cruelty-free way, ideal for those craving comfort food.
How to Make Vegan Famous Bowls
1. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Peel and chop 1 ½ pounds of russet potatoes into 2-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot, mashing until smooth. Stir in vegan cheddar, warmed non-dairy milk, vegan butter, chives, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Crispy Tofu:
Tear a block of super firm tofu into bite-sized chunks. Toss the tofu with cornstarch, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne (if using). Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, and air fry the tofu for 13-15 minutes until crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
3. Assemble the Famous Bowls:
In each bowl, add a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, sprinkle some vegan cheddar, add corn, and top with crispy tofu. Drizzle on your heated gravy and garnish with green onions for a pop of color and flavor. ENJOY!
Tips and FAQs
- Perfectly Crispy Tofu: The air fryer method guarantees crispy tofu bites, but you can also bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make It Ahead: Store each component in separate containers in the fridge, and reheat when ready to assemble.
- Customize Your Bowl: Try swapping the corn for roasted vegetables, or use a different vegan gravy like mushroom or herb-based sauces.
- Warm the Milk and Butter for the Mashed Potatoes: Warming the ingredients for the mashed potatoes, like the non-dairy milk and vegan butter, is important because they’ll blend more easily with the potatoes, creating a smoother, creamier consistency without clumps. Additionally, warming the ingredients will help prevent a gummy texture.
Can I bake the tofu instead of air-frying it?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tofu at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! To save time, you can use your favorite store-bought vegan mashed potatoes. Just make sure they’re dairy-free.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep each component separate for the best texture when reheating.
Best way to store leftovers:
- Separate Components: For optimal texture, store each component (mashed potatoes, crispy tofu, corn, and gravy) separately in airtight containers. This prevents the crispy tofu from getting soggy and the mashed potatoes from absorbing too much moisture.
- Refrigerate: Place the containers in the refrigerator. The mashed potatoes, tofu, corn, and gravy will keep well for up to 4 days.
To reheat leftovers:
- Mashed Potatoes: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of non-dairy milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Crispy Tofu: Reheat the tofu in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain its crispiness.
- Corn and Gravy: Microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Assemble: Once everything is heated, reassemble your bowls by layering the mashed potatoes, corn, tofu, cheese, and gravy. Enjoy!
Wrap Up Your Comfort Meal with Vegan Famous Bowls
These Vegan KFC Copycat Famous Bowls are the ultimate cozy meal! Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving fast food with a plant-based twist. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and gravy-smothered deliciousness in every bite! If you try this dish and enjoy it, I wanna know! Snap a photo, take a video, or make a story and post it to Instagram or TikTok, and tag me at @eat_figs_not_pigsand #EatFigsNotPigs. I love seeing your recreations of my recipes!
Vegan Famous Bowls (KFC Copycat)
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 cup vegan cheddar shreds
- ½ cup extra creamy non-dairy milk, warmed
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- ¼ cup diced chives
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
Crispy Popcorn Tofu:
- 1 16-ounce block super firm tofu
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon each: kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Famous Bowls:
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels, prepared according to package directions
- 1 cup vegan cheddar shreds
- 1 12-ounce jar Heinz Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Gravy or Heinz Caramelized Onion and Thyme Gravy, heated according to directions
- Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- To make the mashed potatoes, peel and chop the potatoes in 2-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork tender.
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot. Using a potato ricer or masher, mash the potatoes. Add 1 cup of the vegan cheddar shreds, non-dairy milk, melted butter, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese melts into the potatoes, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, tear the tofu into bite seized chunks and place in a large bowl with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne powder. Toss to combine, ensuring each piece is coated in the seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tofu pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with olive oil. Air fry for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through, until the tofu is crispy and golden. Remove and set aside.
- To assemble the bowls, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes into a bowl. Next, sprinkle on some cheese, a scoop of corn, and a handful of the crispy popcorn tofu. Drizzle on the warmed gravy and garnish with green onion. ENJOY!
