Duchess Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Duchess potatoes are a classic French side dish featuring smooth, buttery mashed potatoes piped into elegant shapes and baked until golden. They add a refined touch to any meal while remaining simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds russet potatoes (or starchy potatoes)
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 eggs (whites and yolks separated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash the potatoes and poke their skins all over with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender.
2. Step 2: Let the potatoes cool enough to handle, then cut each in half. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Mash the potato flesh until very smooth, or preferably use a ricer. Stir in the softened butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Then, mix in the egg yolks until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Spoon the potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe mounds about 2 inches wide and 1½ inches tall onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slight size variations are fine.
5. Step 5: Whisk the egg whites lightly until foamy with a fork. Gently brush them over the piped potatoes. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops turn a golden brown.
6. Step 6: If desired, garnish with fresh herbs before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Using a ricer or food mill ensures the smoothest texture without lumps.
• A pinch of Parmesan cheese folded into the potato mixture adds a savory depth.
• Fresh herbs like chives or parsley make an attractive and flavorful garnish.
• For a richer taste, substitute some butter with cream cheese or heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftover Duchess potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp on the outside, about 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Duchess potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can pipe the potato mounds onto the baking sheet and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just cover tightly to prevent drying out.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like russets are ideal because they create a fluffy, smooth texture perfect for piping and baking.

Duchess Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 79 reviews

Duchess potatoes are elegant, piped mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. This classic French side dish features smooth, buttery potatoes enhanced with nutmeg and topped with a delicate egg white glaze for a crisp, beautiful finish. Perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 1½ pounds russet potatoes (or starchy potatoes)

Potato Mixture

• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 egg yolks (separated from whites)

Egg Wash

• 2 egg whites

Instructions

1. Preheat and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and poke their skins all over with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cool and Scoop: Allow the baked potatoes to cool enough to handle, then cut each potato in half. Carefully scoop out the flesh, placing it into a bowl. Let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely in the next step.
3. Mash and Season: Mash the potato flesh thoroughly until smooth using a masher or ricer. Stir in the softened butter, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Then, incorporate the egg yolks, mixing well to create a rich, creamy mixture.
4. Pipe the Potatoes: Transfer the potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the potatoes into neat mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, aiming for approximately 2 inches wide and 1½ inches tall. Sizes can vary slightly.
5. Brush with Egg Whites and Bake: Lightly whisk the egg whites until slightly foamy. Gently brush the egg whites over the piped potatoes to achieve a shiny, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the tops turn golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving. Enjoy these elegant duchess potatoes as a decadent accompaniment to your meal.

Notes

• Use starchy potatoes like russets for the best texture purposes.
• Allow potatoes to cool well before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can shape the potatoes using a spoon.
• Fresh herbs such as chives or parsley add a nice finishing touch but are optional.
• These can be prepared ahead to the piping step, then refrigerated until baking.

Keywords: Duchess potatoes, baked mashed potatoes, elegant side dish, French potato recipe, holiday side