Duchess Potatoes

When I first tasted Duchess Potatoes, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Picture this: a cozy family gathering, the aroma of roasted vegetables and rich flavors drifting through the air. As I took my first bite, the creamy, buttery goodness melted in my mouth, and I instantly felt a sense of warmth and satisfaction. These are not just any mashed potatoes; they are a culinary hug wrapped in a delicate, golden-brown crust. I love how they elevate any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to an elegant holiday feast, and I can’t wait to share my secrets with you!

Ingredients Overview for Duchess Potatoes

The ingredients for Duchess Potatoes are simple yet effective. They work together to create a creamy, flavorful base that’s both comforting and elegant. The star of the show is the potatoes, which provide that comforting texture we all love. Meanwhile, butter, cream, and egg yolks add richness, while a pinch of nutmeg elevates the flavor profile. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that perfect balance of creaminess and taste.

• 2½ pounds potatoes – Yukon Gold is my favorite but russet can also be used for a fluffy texture.
• 1 tablespoon salt – Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor.
• 6 cloves garlic – Optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Divided into portions for mashing and brushing.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – This contributes to the creamy texture.
• pinch ground nutmeg – Just an eighth of a teaspoon or less enhances the flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – More seasoning for the mashed potato mixture.
• ½ teaspoon white pepper – Adds a subtle heat without being overpowering.
• 3 large egg yolks – These give the potatoes a richer texture.
• Chopped herbs – Use chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Assemble Duchess Potatoes

Making Duchess Potatoes is a delightful experience that combines a few straightforward steps with a bit of creativity. You’ll love how easy it is to create these elegant potato mounds!

1. Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure that your Duchess Potatoes don’t stick and allows for easy cleanup.
2. Peel and cut the potatoes into one-inch pieces. Place them in a large Dutch oven or pot and cover them with enough water. Add the salt and garlic, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them soft enough that a fork easily pierces through.
4. Drain the water and carefully remove the garlic cloves. Return the potatoes to the Dutch oven and let them sit for about five minutes to evaporate excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
5. Mash the potatoes with two tablespoons of cold, unsalted butter, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Use a potato masher or ricer for a smooth and creamy consistency, being careful not to over-mash, as this can lead to a gluey texture.
6. Once mashed to perfection, stir in the egg yolks just until combined. This adds richness and helps with the structure.
7. Transfer the potato mixture to a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If needed, you can do this in batches. If the potatoes are still too warm, allow them to cool until just barely lukewarm. A quick stint in the fridge for about ten minutes can help.
8. Pipe the mashed potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet in large mounds, leaving about two inches between each. Aim to pipe out about half a cup for each mound, creating taller than wider shapes for the best presentation.
9. Chill the piped Duchess Potatoes in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This step is essential to prevent them from flattening during baking.
10. While they chill, preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will help achieve that golden-brown crust we all love.
11. Once chilled, melt the remaining four tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the chilled potato mounds. If you have any leftover butter, you can brush it on after baking for extra flavor.
12. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with chopped herbs or Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips about Duchess Potatoes

Creating the perfect Duchess Potatoes doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your potatoes turn out beautifully every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Duchess Potatoes! Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.
• Pairing: Duchess Potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or a hearty stew. They also shine as part of a festive holiday dinner.
• Serving Temperature: These potatoes are best served hot out of the oven, so plan to bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in your potato mixture for unique flavor twists. Consider adding rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch.

How to Enjoy Duchess Potatoes

Enjoying Duchess Potatoes is all about appreciating their flavor and presentation. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

• As a Side Dish: Pair Duchess Potatoes with roasted meats like chicken or beef for a comforting meal.
• Elegant Gatherings: These are perfect for holiday dinners, weddings, or special occasions where you want to impress your guests.
• Lunch Treat: Serve them alongside a fresh salad for a delightful lunch option.
• Seasonal Pairings: In fall, enjoy them with roasted root vegetables, while in spring, consider pairing them with asparagus.
• Creative Toppings: Top with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor.
• Storage Tips: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container, and reheat in the oven to regain their texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

Duchess Potatoes are truly a culinary treasure that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. Their creamy texture, buttery flavor, and beautiful presentation make them a standout side dish for any occasion. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering; I promise they will impress your guests and become a new favorite in your household!

Duchess Potatoes

The ultimate comfort food, Duchess Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and elegantly piped. These stunning mounds are sure to impress at any dinner table, making them the perfect addition to your next meal. Don't miss out on this easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2½ pounds potatoes Yukon Gold is my favorite but russet can also be used
• 1 tablespoon salt sea salt or kosher salt
• 6 cloves garlic optional
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• pinch ground nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon or less
• ½ teaspoon salt sea salt or kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
• 3 large egg yolks
• chopped herbs chives, parsley, thyme, rosemary
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or silicon baking mat and set aside.
2. Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch pieces. Place in a large dutch oven or pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add salt and garlic and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer the potatoes until fork tender. Drain the water and remove the garlic cloves. Return the potatoes to the hot dutch oven or pot and let sit for 5 minutes to eliminate any additional water.
4. Mash the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of cold, unsalted butter, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper. You will want to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy but be careful not to over-mash or the consistency will turn gluey and gummy. If you have a potato ricer, that will work nicely here. Test for seasoning and additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Stir in the egg yolks just until combined.
6. Transfer the potato mixture to a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. You may need to do this in batches. If the potatoes are still very warm to the touch, let them cool until just barely lukewarm. Placing in the fridge for 10 minutes works perfectly.
7. Pipe the mashed potatoes in large mounds onto the prepared baking sheet leaving about 2 inches between each mound. You will want to pipe out about a half cup of mashed potatoes for each. Create taller than wider mounds for the best results.
8. Place potatoes in the fridge for 20 minutes or more. This will keep the potatoes from flattening as they bake.
9. Preheat oven to 425°F.
10. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and brush on the chilled Duchess Potatoes. (Any leftover butter can be brushed on after baking if you like.)
11. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve with any garnish you like. I went with minced chives and Parmesan for mine but any fresh herbs are delicious. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use a potato masher or potato ricer for the best texture.
• Tip 2: A piping bag with a large star tip is essential for the classic look.
• Tip 3: Consider using a large star tip for beautiful presentation.
• Tip 4: Chill the potatoes for at least 20 minutes before baking for a better shape.

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!