Duchess Potatoes (Pommes Duchesse) are a classic French side dish made of mashed potatoes enriched with butter, cream, and egg yolks, piped into pretty swirls, and baked until lightly golden. Crispy on the edges, creamy inside β fancy, but totally doable!
Ingredients:
(Makes 12β16 duchess swirls)
- 2 lbs (about 900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 3 large egg yolks
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but adds a warm touch)
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tsp water for egg wash (optional, for golden tops)
Instructions:
π₯£ 1. Cook the potatoes:
- Place peeled, chopped potatoes in a pot of cold salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15β20 minutes.
- Drain well and return to the pot to dry out briefly over low heat (1β2 minutes).
π― 2. Mash & mix:
- Mash the potatoes until very smooth (use a ricer or food mill for best texture).
- Stir in butter, cream, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (plus Parmesan if using).
- The mixture should be thick, smooth, and pipeable β not runny.
π₯ 3. Pipe the swirls:
- Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon the potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe elegant little swirls or rosettes onto the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
π₯ 4. Brush & bake:
- Lightly brush each swirl with egg wash for that golden finish.
- Bake for 18β22 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown.
π½οΈ Serving Ideas:
Perfect alongside roast beef, turkey, lamb, or a fancy vegetarian main.
They also work great on a holiday platter or as a pretty dinner party side.
π‘ Tips & Variations:
βοΈ Add roasted garlic, herbs, or cheese for more flavor.
βοΈ Want to make ahead? Pipe onto trays, freeze, then store frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5β10 minutes.
βοΈ Swap cream for sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Golden, crisp-edged, and oh-so-smooth inside β Duchess Potatoes are the classiest comfort food around. π₯π Let me know if youβd like a sweet potato or dairy-free version too!
Printπ₯β¨ Duchess Potatoes β Elegant, Buttery & Golden Piped Perfection!
Duchess Potatoes (Pommes Duchesse) are a classic French side dish made of mashed potatoes enriched with butter, cream, and egg yolks, piped into pretty swirls, and baked until lightly golden. Crispy on the edges, creamy inside β fancy, but totally doable!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
(Makes 12β16 duchess swirls)
-
2 lbs (about 900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
-
3 large egg yolks
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but adds a warm touch)
-
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
-
1 egg yolk + 1 tsp water for egg wash (optional, for golden tops)
Instructions
π₯£ 1. Cook the potatoes:
-
Place peeled, chopped potatoes in a pot of cold salted water.
-
Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15β20 minutes.
-
Drain well and return to the pot to dry out briefly over low heat (1β2 minutes).
π― 2. Mash & mix:
-
Mash the potatoes until very smooth (use a ricer or food mill for best texture).
-
Stir in butter, cream, egg yolks, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (plus Parmesan if using).
-
The mixture should be thick, smooth, and pipeable β not runny.
π₯ 3. Pipe the swirls:
-
Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Spoon the potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
-
Pipe elegant little swirls or rosettes onto the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
π₯ 4. Brush & bake:
-
Lightly brush each swirl with egg wash for that golden finish.
-
Bake for 18β22 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown.
Notes
βοΈ Add roasted garlic, herbs, or cheese for more flavor.
βοΈ Want to make ahead? Pipe onto trays, freeze, then store frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5β10 minutes.
βοΈ Swap cream for sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy twist.
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