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Easy to Make Duchess Potatoes Recipe (with Cheese)– transform ordinary mashed potatoes into extraordinary Duchess potatoes. A delightful twist on a classic, these creamy and cheesy potatoes with crispy edges are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Serve with Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Beef Tenderloin.
Best Duchess Potatoes Recipe
These Duchess potatoes are the star of the meal, stealing the spotlight and leaving your taste buds asking for an encore. They are a beautiful addition to any holiday meal. The beautiful rosettes bake to golden brown perfection, and you get little crispy edges with a soft and smooth interior. The best potatoes!
Whether it’s a festive gathering, dinner party, or a cozy dinner for two, these Duchess potatoes with white cheddar cheese will make any occasion feel gourmet and special. The perfect recipe for the holiday season or Easter dinner.
So, dive in, savor each bite, and enjoy this delectable dish’s pure comfort and luxury. Bon appétit! You will also love Au Gratin Potatoes and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Table of Contents
- Best Duchess Potatoes Recipe
- Simple Ingredients
- How to Make Duchess Potatoes Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Substitutions
- Duchess Potato Casserole Recipe Variation
- Variations
- How to Make Ahead of Time
- How to Store and Reheat
- Top tips
- FAQs
- More Recipes
- What to Serve with Duchess Potatoes
- Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe Recipe
Simple Ingredients
It is a fun variation to traditional mashed potatoes. You will love the simple ingredients that make this recipe a winner!
- Yukon gold potatoes
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- White cheddar cheese or gruyere
- Egg yolks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Butter, melted
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Duchess Potatoes Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Duchess potato recipe offers cute individual portions of golden brown potato deliciousness. They are made in a few easy steps:
Preheat your oven to 420°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them using a potato masher or a potato ricer. Make sure to get rid of any lumps for a smooth consistency.
Add Cream and Butter: In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Pour the cream mixture over the mashed potatoes and stir to combine. This will make your potatoes creamy. Let the potatoes cool a bit. You can also transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, egg yolks, a little nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Pipe the Potatoes: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the potatoes onto the prepared baking sheets into swirls about 3 inches in diameter. Start from the outside and work your way in, creating a spiral pattern.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the duchess potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Brush the tops with melted butter.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Duchess potatoes while hot. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired. They make a delightful side dish for a variety of main courses.
Serve these potatoes at your next special occasion!
Substitutions
If you’re looking to make Duchess potatoes but don’t have certain ingredients on hand or have dietary restrictions, here are some common substitutions you can make:
- Dairy Substitutions:
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- You can use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk if you need a non-dairy option.
- Use a dairy-free margarine or vegan butter for a vegan version.
- Cheese Substitutions:
- White cheddar cheese can be replaced with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheddar or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Egg Substitutions:
- If you need an egg-free version, you can try using a commercial egg replacer or make a flax or chia seed egg substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg).
- Flavor and Seasoning Substitutions:
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings, like rosemary, thyme, or dill, to suit your taste.
- Add garlic, minced onions, or scallions for extra flavor.
Duchess Potato Casserole Recipe Variation
Turning your Duchess potatoes into a casserole is a simple process. After preparing the creamy potato mixture, skip the piping step and spread the mixture evenly into a buttered or greased baking dish or casserole dish.
Make sure it’s smooth on the top, and then add an extra layer of shredded white cheddar cheese for an extra burst of flavor. If you want a delightful crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden and heated. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness.
Once done, serve your Duchess potato casserole hot, and savor the creamy and crispy goodness.
Pair this recipe with our Beef Tenderloin!
Variations
Duchess potatoes are a versatile dish, and you can customize them in various ways to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are some popular recipe variations:
- Garlic Duchess Potatoes: Add roasted or minced garlic to the mashed potatoes for a delightful garlic flavor. Roast whole garlic bulbs, then squeeze out the cloves and mix them into the potato mixture.
- Herb-Infused Duchess Potatoes: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the potato mixture for a herby twist.
- Parmesan Cheese Duchess Potatoes: Instead of white cheddar cheese, use Parmesan or a combination of both for a different cheese flavor.
- Sweet Potato Duchess: Swap out some or all of the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and slightly healthier twist. You can use Gruyère cheese for a great pairing with sweet potatoes.
- Bacon and Chive Duchess Potatoes: Add crumbled bacon and chopped chives to the mashed potato mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
- Cauliflower Duchess Potatoes: Mix cauliflower puree with the mashed potatoes to reduce the carb content while adding a creamy texture.
- Gourmet Duchess Potatoes: Experiment with more upscale ingredients like truffle oil, saffron, or caviar to elevate the dish for special occasions.
- Spicy Duchess Potatoes: Add a kick to your Duchess potatoes by incorporating a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Mushroom and Cheese Duchess Potatoes: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme can be mixed into the potato mixture, along with your choice of cheese.
- Pesto Duchess Potatoes: Swirl pesto sauce into the potato mixture for a burst of basil and garlic flavor.
How to Make Ahead of Time
Making Duchess potatoes can be a convenient option if you want to save time on the day you plan to serve them. Here’s a guide on how to prepare them in advance:
Preparing in Advance:
- Make the Potato Mixture: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you’ve mixed the mashed Yukon gold potatoes with cream, butter, cheese, and seasonings.
- Cool the Mixture: Allow the potato mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Pipe onto Baking Sheets: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with the desired tip and pipe the Duchess potato swirls onto parchment-lined baking sheets once the mixture is cool.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the piped Duchess potatoes with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out, and place them in the refrigerator. You can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours.
- If making ahead, you can freeze the potatoes until firm and then transfer them to an airtight container until ready to bake (add 10 minutes to baking time).
Baking and Serving:
- Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to serve the Duchess potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove from Refrigerator: Remove the piped Duchess potatoes from the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap or foil.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and heated through.
- Serve Immediately: Remove them from the oven and serve while they’re hot and fresh.
By following these steps, you can prepare the Duchess potatoes in advance, saving you time and ensuring a delicious side dish ready to go when needed.
How to Store and Reheat
To store Duchess potatoes, follow these steps:
- Allow them to cool to room temperature if they’re freshly made.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container if you’ve already baked them. If you have piped, unbaked Duchess potatoes, leave them on the baking sheet.
- Place them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Duchess Potatoes:
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Duchess potatoes on a baking sheet if they’re leftovers, or take them out of the refrigerator if they were piped and stored unbaked.
- Reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. You may want to cover them with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Microwave Method:
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate.
Note: Duchess potatoes reheated in the microwave may lose some of their crispy texture.
Top tips
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes when boiling. Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and won’t hold their shape when piped.
- Mash Thoroughly: Mash the cooked potatoes thoroughly to remove all lumps. You want a smooth and creamy base for your Duchess potatoes.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream are at room temperature before adding them to the mashed potatoes. This ensures they mix in smoothly.
- Add Cheese Gradually: When adding the shredded white cheddar cheese, do it gradually and stir until it’s fully melted into the mixture. This prevents clumps of cheese in the piped potatoes.
- Season Well: Generously season your Duchess potato mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
- Piping Technique: Practice your piping technique on a plate or parchment paper before piping onto the baking sheet. This will help you get the desired swirl shape.
- Even Sizing: Try to make the swirls as even in size as possible so that they bake uniformly.
- Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking the Duchess potatoes for even cooking and a nice golden crust.
- Serve Immediately: Duchess potatoes are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Serve them immediately to enjoy their creamy texture and crispy exterior.
- Garnish: You can garnish the Duchess potatoes with chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you need to prepare these in advance, pipe them onto the baking sheet and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Allow a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure they are heated.
FAQs
Duchess potatoes are a classic French cuisine (pommes duchesse) side dish made by mixing mashed potatoes with butter, cream, cheese, and seasonings. The mixture is piped into decorative shapes and baked until golden brown.
Yes, you can spoon the mashed potato mixture onto a baking sheet and use a fork to create a decorative pattern if you don’t have a piping bag and tip.
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture in advance and pipe the potatoes onto a baking sheet. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Frozen baked Duchess potatoes are not recommended, as they may lose their texture. However, you can freeze the piped, unbaked potatoes on a baking sheet then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Duchess potatoes got their name from their regal appearance. When piped into elegant, swirly shapes and baked until golden, they resemble the ornate ruffles and frills found on the clothing of European duchesses and nobility, hence the name “Duchess” potatoes.
More Recipes
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What to Serve with Duchess Potatoes
These are my favorite dishes to serve with the best duchess potatoes:
Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe
Easy to Make Duchess Potatoes Recipe (with Cheese)– transform ordinary mashed potatoes into extraordinary Duchess potatoes. A delightful twist on a classic, these creamy and cheesy potatoes with crispy edges are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Duchess Potatoes:
- 2 pounds (about 4 large) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/8 cup heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese or gruyere
- 4 large egg yolks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted for brushing on potatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, for garnish
For Piping and Baking:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 420°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them using a potato masher or a potato ricer. Make sure to get rid of any lumps for a smooth consistency.
- Add Cream and Butter: In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Pour the cream mixture over the mashed potatoes and stir to combine. This will make your potatoes creamy. Let the potatoes cool a bit. You can also transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, egg yolks, a little nutmeg, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and thick. Adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and let cool.
- Pipe the Potatoes: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the potatoes onto the prepared baking sheets into swirls about 3 inches in diameter. Start from the outside and work your way in, creating a spiral pattern. Brush the tops with melted butter.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the duchess potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Duchess potatoes while hot. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired. They make a delightful side dish for a variety of main courses.
Notes
See blog post for how to make ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: American
- Cuisine: French
So pretty and delcious!