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Duchess Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes
peeled and cut into chunks, Yukon Golds work best
- Salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
divided
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 egg yolks
Directions
- 1
Boil the potatoes: Place potatoes in a medium to large (3 quart) pot and cover with a couple inches of cold water. Add a couple teaspoons of salt to the water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- 2
Melt the butter, then preheat oven: While the potatoes are boiling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and set aside. You will use this butter to coat the potatoes right before they go in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°.
- 3
Drain the potatoes and let them release steam: When the potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander. Put the potatoes back in the pot and set over low heat. Allow them to release steam for a minute or so.
- 4
Mash and season the potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons of butter and mash the potatoes until the butter has been incorporated. Add the nutmeg, black pepper, and heavy cream and continue mashing the potatoes. Once everything is incorporated, add salt to taste. Then, add the egg yolks. Continue to mash until the mixture is smooth. Do not over mash or your potatoes will end up with a gluey consistency.
- 5
Pipe the potatoes: Using a piping bag with a large star point, pipe the potatoes onto a cookie sheet. Alternatively, you can just fill a casserole dish with the mashed potatoes, and use a fork to create lots of peaks on the surface. The swirled edges from the star-point piping bag forms (or the peaks of mashed potatoes in a casserole dish) will brown nicely in the oven. The browned parts taste great, so you want to maximize them. Whether you make piped portions or a casserole, brush the potatoes with the melted butter. No time for piping? Just put the potatoes in a casserole dish.
- 6
Bake: Bake in the 425°F oven until nicely browned, about 20 minutes. Serve hot, fresh from the oven. Did you love the recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!
Duchess Potatoes
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Ready to transform your dinner table from ordinary to extraordinary? Duchess Potatoes take classic mashed potatoes to a whole new level of elegance, offering a delicious and beautiful presentation perfect for any memorable meal.This recipe isn't just about mashed potatoes; it's about elevating them into something truly special. The magic begins with selecting the right foundation—creamy Yukon Gold potatoes—which are then enriched with heavy cream and generous amounts of unsalted butter for an unparalleled richness. The addition of egg yolks is key, providing both a lovely golden color and structure, allowing for that signature piped shape. A thoughtful blend of salt, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg perfectly balances the savory flavors, distinguishing these potatoes from any everyday side.Anticipate a side dish that captivates both the eye and the palate. You’ll experience a wonderfully delicate texture: incredibly rich and creamy on the inside, encased in a beautifully golden, slightly crisped exterior from baking. The flavor profile is deeply satisfying and buttery, with a subtle warmth from the nutmeg that complements the potato's natural earthiness without overpowering it. Despite their sophisticated appearance, the core technique involves familiar mashing, making them a rewarding project for any home cook looking to add a touch of culinary artistry. These Duchess Potatoes deliver on the promise of an elevated dining experience, making every bite feel like a celebration.For that ideal creamy texture and rich flavor, Yukon Gold potatoes work best as specified in the recipe. While other starchy potatoes could technically be used, they may not yield the same creamy consistency. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking: add a touch more salt for brightness, increase the black pepper for a bit more kick, or enhance the aromatic depth with a little extra nutmeg. This allows you to tailor the flavors to perfectly suit your family's preferences.Duchess Potatoes are the quintessential side for special occasions, holiday feasts, or whenever you wish to impress your guests with a dish that feels both comforting and refined. They are a sublime pairing for roasted chicken, tenderloin of beef, or even a simple pan-seared fish, turning any meal into a gourmet experience.