- 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1½ inch pieces
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Heat the oven to 425°F and position the racks to divide the oven into thirds. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper and set aside.
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Wash and peel the potatoes, cut them into 1½ inch chunks, and place in a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water covering the potatoes by at least two inches and salt generously. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the potatoes are knife tender, about 15 minutes.
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Drain in a colander and rice the potatoes in to a large mixing bowl (use a potato masher if you do not have a ricer).
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While the potatoes are still warm, mix in the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each yolk is completely incorporated before adding the next.
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Add the butter, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. The consistency of the mixture needs soft enough to pass through a piping tip, yet firm enough to hold a shape.
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Transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a ½ inch star piping tip. Pipe shapes about 2½ inches in diameter directly on to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart (what ever shape you make it is important to make them all about the same size for even baking).
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If you prefer not to pipe the potatoes, You can drop mounds onto the baking sheets using a spoon, the same method you would use for drop biscuits.
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Tip: At this point Duchess potatoes can easily be frozen. Simply place your sheet pan of potatoes in the freezer for about 1 hour. Once the potatoes are completely frozen you can transfer them to a storage bag or container. When you are ready to use, place on a lined baking sheet and follow the same baking instructions.
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Spritz the potatoes lightly with cooking spray. I dusted this batch with some paprika for a bit of added color.
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Place pans in the heated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
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Rotate the pans top to bottom and front to back and continue baking until the tops of the potatoes are light golden brown, about 10 more minutes.
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Keep a close eye on your potatoes, the oven time will vary depending on the size and shape, as well as the moisture content.
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Let potatoes cool on the baking sheets for two minutes before transferring them onto a serving platter.
This recipe is for the classic French Duchess potato. I like to change them up, omitting the nutmeg, and adding other flavors and spices. For this batch, I added horseradish, cheddar cheese, and chives.
You might try adding diced onion, bacon, jalapeno peppers, different types of cheese or spices to fit in with the rest of your menu.
Just be sure what ever you add will pass through the piping tip, and that your potatoes do not become too soft.
Duchess potatoes are also easy to make in individual baking cups or ramekins.
Duchess potatoes are also easy to make in individual baking cups or ramekins.
