Go Back

Duchess Potatoes

Duchess potatoes are piped mashed potatoes baked until their ridges and edges turn golden brown. Butter, warmed cream, and egg yolks give these elegant potato mounds a smooth, rich center.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 8 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 2 qt water
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt divided
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream warmed
  • 3 egg yolks large
  • 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
  • 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg

Equipment

  • 1 4-quart saucepan
  • 1 potato ricer
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 pastry bag with large star tip

Method
 

  1. Put the potatoes in a 4-quart saucepan and add the water and 2 teaspoons of the salt.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, to let excess moisture evaporate.
  4. Pass the hot potatoes through a potato ricer into a large bowl, or mash until smooth.
  5. Stir in the butter and warmed cream until combined.
  6. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the egg yolks, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  8. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  10. Transfer the potato mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe 12 mounds onto the baking sheet.
  11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges and ridges are golden brown and the centers reach 160°F.
  12. Let the potatoes rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, rice the potatoes while they are hot. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freeze them before baking for up to 1 month. For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based butter and unsweetened dairy-free cream.