Description
Duchess Potatoes are an elegant and creamy side dish made from mashed potatoes enriched with butter, cream, and egg yolks, then piped into decorative shapes and baked until golden brown. This classic French-inspired recipe flawlessly combines rich flavors and a beautiful presentation, perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Salt, to taste
Duchess Potato Mixture
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth and free of lumps.
- Mix in Dairy and Seasoning: Warm the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted and gently heated. Stir this mixture into the mashed potatoes along with the nutmeg, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine evenly.
- Add Egg Yolks: Beat the 3 large egg yolks lightly, then fold them carefully into the mashed potato mixture, ensuring it’s smooth and homogenous. The egg yolks will help give structure to the duchess potatoes when baked.
- Pipe the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe the mashed potatoes into decorative swirls or rosettes, spacing them slightly apart.
- Brush with Butter: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the tops of the piped potatoes. This will help achieve a golden, crisp finish during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the duchess potatoes are golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately as an elegant side dish to accompany your main course.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture and buttery flavor ideal for duchess potatoes.
- Make sure the potatoes are thoroughly drained to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip for traditional decorative shapes.
- Brush with melted butter before baking for a golden, crisp crust.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose crispiness.
Keywords: Duchess potatoes, mashed potatoes, fancy mashed potatoes, baked mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, French potato recipe