Creamy Duchess Potatoes Recipe
Duchess Potatoes are a classic French side dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes combined with egg yolks, butter, and a hint of nutmeg. The mixture is piped into elegant shapes and baked until golden and slightly crisp on the outside, making them a perfect accompaniment for any festive meal or special dinner.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- Salt, to taste
Potato Mixture
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large egg yolks
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Cream and Butter: Warm the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter slightly until the butter is melted. Gradually mix this into the mashed potatoes until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Season and Enrich: Stir in the nutmeg, black pepper, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and the egg yolks one at a time. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, rich potato mixture. Adjust salt to taste.
- Pipe the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the potato mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in decorative swirls or rosettes, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the duchess potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving as an elegant side dish with your favorite main course.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best creamy texture, but Russet potatoes can also be used.
- Be careful not to overmix the potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving.
- The egg yolks help the potatoes hold their shape during baking and add richness.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off or spoon the potatoes onto the baking sheet.
Keywords: Duchess Potatoes, mashed potatoes, French side dish, baked potatoes, classic recipe, elegant potato dish