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Duchess Potatoes Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 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