Duchess Potatoes

Soft and fluffy, Duchess Potatoes are made from a creamy mashed potato mixture that’s super easy to pull together. Make this vintage recipe ahead of time for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side!

A Gorgeous Little Side Dish with Swoon-Worthy Flavor!

Have you ever made duchess potatoes? This pretty little side dish is meltingly delicious and super easy to make – perfect for a special occasion. It’s one of those simple, classic recipes that’s made with only a few ingredients, but tastes like a million bucks!

The secret to this recipe lies in the old-fashioned combination of heavy cream, egg yolks, and just a little bit of nutmeg to add warmth and spice. I know, I know. Nutmeg in a savory potato dish? Trust me, it’s amazing! Although nutmeg is more common in sweet dishes like apple crumble or pumpkin pie, it adds a special depth to anything creamy. Case in point? These duchess potatoes.

(Looking for a more basic mashed potato recipe? I’ve got you covered – check out my Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, or these amazing Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Yum.)

Why Are They Called Duchess Potatoes?

Recipes for duchess potatoes, or pommes de terre duchesse, date way back to 18th century France. Pommes de terre is French for “apples of the earth,” AKA, potatoes. But the “duchesse” part is a bit of a mystery. There’s no specific duchess tied to this recipe. 

Some people say that the name was just clever marketing to make potatoes sound more appealing. Since potatoes were believed to be unhealthy and were therefore outlawed in France for some time, this theory might be right. On the other hand, this dish is so creamy, fluffy, and beautiful, it might have just inspired a chef to give it a fancy name!

Either way, duchess potatoes became popular worldwide, and are often served in old-fashioned, upscale restaurants. But that doesn’t mean that this recipe is intimidating! Far from it. Duchess potatoes are a snap to make.

The Ingredients

Normally, I go for russet or Idaho potatoes when the recipe calls for mashing. In this case, though, I like to use yellow potatoes. You can definitely choose your favorite type. Just avoid very waxy varieties like fingerling potatoes.

• Potatoes: Peel them and cut them into two-inch chunks.
• Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter.
• Cream: Heavy whipping cream – don’t use half-and-half here, it’s not as rich and your duchess potatoes won’t have that special taste and texture.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg.
• Egg Yolks: Separate the yolks from the egg whites (you can save the egg whites for an omelet or meringue later). Have the yolks at room temperature before adding them to the recipe.
• Optional Garnishes: You don’t honestly don’t even need any garnishes, but if you want, add some parmesan cheese, sour cream, and chives for even more flavor.

Why Put Egg Yolks in Mashed Potatoes?

Egg yolks are a great way to add richness to other foods, like certain doughs, mashed potatoes, sauces, and more. One of the reasons for this is that egg yolk helps water and oil blend together. That means that the natural fats and water in your potato mixture will come together for an unforgettably creamy texture.

How to Make Duchess Potatoes

So let’s talk about the cooking process! This easy recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites for the holidays, or just to make an ordinary dinner more special. 

• Boil the Potatoes and Cool Them in the Pot. First, take your peeled and chunked potatoes, and cook them in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fork tender. Once they’re cooked, turn off the heat and drain them. Return the potatoes to the pot, and leave them there to cool and dry out for about 30 minutes.

• Preheat the Oven and Make the Mashed Potatoes. Next, get ready to bake! Preheat the oven to 425°F. Then use a potato masher (or a fork, ricer, etc.) to mash the potatoes. Stir the butter, cream, and seasonings into the potatoes.

• Add Egg Yolks and Pipe the Mashed Potatoes into Swirls. Take your mashed potatoes, and fold in the egg yolks. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a star tip. (I used a Wilton 1M piping tip.) Pipe the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making small towers.

• Bake Until Golden. Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.

• Enjoy! Serve, adding freshly grated parmesan, sour cream, and freshly chopped chives if desired.

Cook’s Notes

These are just a few little tips for making duchess potatoes that might come in handy – check them out! However you slice it, this is one special side dish.

• Mixing: Be careful when mashing and mixing the potatoes. You want them nice and smooth, but not gummy. That’s why I recommend using a potato masher and folding in the egg yolks. It’s a more gentle method than whipping with an eggbeater. 
• Make Ahead: Since these potatoes freeze well (see instructions below) you can always make them ahead of time and save them for a future occasion. Something to think about when potatoes or eggs are on sale, right?
• Duchess Potato Casserole: As pretty as the individual servings of duchess potatoes are, they’re just as pretty (and maybe a bit easier to transport to a potluck) piped into a casserole dish and baked that way!

Ideas for Serving

This rich, creamy mashed potato recipe with lightly-browned edges is the kind of recipe that goes really well with Christmas or Thanksgiving food. Of course, you don’t have to wait for the holiday season to enjoy them! Just use that vibe for menu inspiration, and serve the potatoes with dishes like…

• Short Ribs: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are a show-stopping main course with a deep, gorgeous sauce that you’ll crave. 
• Chicken: A classic roast chicken, like this easy Crockpot Whole Chicken, would be amazing, or go in a different direction with this creamy, tangy Lemon Caper Chicken. 
• Side Dishes: Duchess potatoes are even better alongside another yummy side dish or two. We adore this recipe for The Best Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon. They’re a garlicky, Cajun-spiced side that can’t be beat. Or this perfect Roasted Broccoli is always a crowd pleaser!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Duchess Potatoes

If you have any leftovers, lucky you! They’re still great up to four days later, as long as you store them correctly in the fridge. The best way that I’ve found is to put them in an airtight container with a good tight-fitting lid, but you could also place them in a baking dish and cover them with plastic wrap.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Sure thing! These are great to freeze for another time. To do this, pipe the potato swirls onto the baking sheet, but instead of baking, place them in your freezer. Let them freeze for an hour or two, until frozen solid. Then move them to an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When it’s time to reheat, don’t thaw them out. Just place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake as directed, adding a few more minutes since you started from frozen.

More Fabulous Potato Recipes

• Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Loaded Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Cheesy Potato Casserole
• Air Fryer Baked Potato
• Twice Baked Potatoes
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup

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