So, tell me. Who is the duchess for whom these potatoes are named? Or is it just the pattern of browned ribbons and waves that are reminiscent of a frilly shirt or silly hat that gives these potatoes their name? Who knows?
What Are Duchess Potatoes?
Duchess potatoes are a rather precious way of serving mashed potatoes; they’ve been piped in decorative swirls, usually formed into individual portions, painted with butter, and browned in the oven. Here’s the thing about duchess potatoes, they taste great! I think it might have something to do with the butter. And the cream. And the way that both the tops and bottoms get browned. They’re actually rather addictive.
Making Duchess Potatoes Is Easier Than It Seems!
Usually the mention of “piping” is enough to send me running to the hills. But making these pretty little potatoes isn’t so bad, assuming you have a piping bag and a large star tip. If not, you can pipe them into florets using the cut corner of a freezer bag. Or just skip the piping all together and spread the mashed potatoes into a casserole dish, create peaks on the surface with the tines of a fork, and bake. When they became legal again, pommes de terre (“earth apples” in French) were fashionable, and duchess potatoes were served to foreign dignitaries. That’s how they spread to England and America. Even now, pommes duchesse are served in high-end restaurants all over the world. They look so fancy, but are relatively easy to make. Regardless of what you call your potatoes, any humble tubers can be elevated when brushed and browned with butter on top!
Tips for Piping and Browning the Potatoes
For perfectly shaped potatoes, pipe first, then chill them for an hour or overnight in the fridge before brushing on the butter and baking.You can also brush an egg wash on the potatoes for extra browning.Use a natural bristle brush over a silicone brush. Natural bristles hold the butter better. Line your baking pan with parchment or a silicone baking sheet to prevent the potatoes from sticking on the bottom, and for easing cleanup.
5 Dishes to Serve with Duchess Potatoes
Prime Rib Peppercorn Steak Glazed Baked Ham Classic Glazed Carrots Green Beans with Shallots and Pancetta
To make ahead for a dinner party, just prepare the mashed potatoes, pipe them and refrigerate. Put them in a 425°F oven to brown for 20 minutes before serving. Preheat the oven to 425°. 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 a gluey consistency. 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.
