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Duchess Potatoes

Duchess potatoes are piped mashed potatoes baked at 425°F until their ridges turn golden brown. Butter, cream, and egg yolks make the centers smooth and rich.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 37 minutes
cooling and resting 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 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
  • 8 cups cold water
  • 2 tsp kosher salt for the cooking water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 3 egg yolks large
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Equipment

  • 1 4-quart saucepan
  • 1 large baking sheet
  • 1 piping bag fitted with a large star tip

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Put the potatoes in a 4-quart saucepan, add the water and cooking-water salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the saucepan.
  6. Stir the potatoes over low heat for 1–2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
  7. Rice the potatoes into a large bowl or mash them until completely smooth.
  8. Stir the butter into the hot potatoes until melted, then stir in the cream.
  9. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
  10. Mix in the egg yolks, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
  11. Transfer the potato mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
  12. Pipe 12 mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
  13. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the ridges are golden brown.
  14. Let the potatoes rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For defined ridges, make sure the potatoes are completely smooth before piping. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freeze yes, preferably before baking. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free butter and unsweetened, unflavored plant-based cream.