Duchess Potatoes
Duchess Potatoes are a classic French-inspired side dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes enriched with butter, heavy cream, and egg yolks, piped into elegant swirls and baked to a crisp, golden perfection. Perfect for holiday meals and special occasions, they combine rich texture and delicate flavor with a sophisticated presentation.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potato Base
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Dairy and Enrichment
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large egg yolks
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender to ensure a smooth, lump-free mash.
- Mash Smoothly: Drain the potatoes well and mash them while still warm using a potato ricer or masher to achieve a silky texture characteristic of Duchess Potatoes.
- Add Butter and Cream: Warm the butter and heavy cream together, then gradually fold them into the mashed potatoes to create a rich, creamy mixture that is easy to pipe.
- Season and Enrich: Beat in the egg yolks, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. The egg yolks bind the mixture and help form a golden crust during baking.
- Pipe and Bake: Transfer the potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirls onto a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven until the edges are golden and crisp, about 15-20 minutes.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture.
- After boiling, return potatoes to the hot pot to steam off excess moisture before mashing.
- Warming the butter and cream prevents the potatoes from becoming gluey.
- Do not skip egg yolks, as they are vital for texture and golden finish.
- Use a piping bag with a large star tip to create classic ridges that crisp up in the oven.
- Leftover Duchess Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked potatoes by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers in a warm oven to restore crisp edges; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Duchess Potatoes, mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, elegant potato recipe, creamy potatoes, baked potatoes, French side dish, gluten free potato recipe