Pommes Duchesse (French Piped Potatoes)
Pommes Duchesse, or French Piped Potatoes, is a classic French side dish known for its elegant presentation and delicate flavor. These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-creamy-on-the-inside potatoes are made by combining mashed russet potatoes with butter, egg yolks, and a hint of nutmeg. The mixture is then piped into beautiful, swirled mounds before being baked to a crisp, golden finish. Perfect as a side for an elegant dinner, these potatoes are the ultimate upgrade from regular mashed potatoes, offering a delightful combination of creamy texture and buttery richness. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, steaks, or even as a fancy addition to your holiday table.
Equipment
- Baking sheet A sturdy baking sheet is needed to bake the potatoes until they are tender. It’s also essential for baking the piped potatoes to achieve that golden crust. A parchment paper-lined sheet prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
- Food Mill or Ricer: This is essential for mashing the potatoes into a smooth, lump-free consistency, which is key for creating the silky texture of Pommes Duchesse. The finer the potatoes, the better they’ll pipe.
- Piping Bag and Star Tip: A piping bag fitted with a ¾-inch star tip is used to pipe the potato mixture into elegant, swirled mounds. The star tip gives the potatoes their distinctive ridged pattern, which helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl is used to combine the mashed potatoes with butter, egg yolks, and seasonings. Make sure it’s big enough to comfortably mix all the ingredients without spillage.
- pastry brush - You’ll need a pastry brush to gently coat the piped potatoes with an egg and cream mixture, which helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color when baked.
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs russet potatoes about 4
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter softened
- 4 egg yolks plus 1 egg mixed with 1 tsp heavy cream, lightly beaten
- ⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ grated Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Using a fork, prick the potatoes all over; place on a baking sheet. Bake until tender, 1½ hours; let cool, then peel and pass through a food mill or ricer.
- Mix the potatoes, butter, yolks, nutmeg, salt and pepper in a bowl; transfer to a piping bag fitted with a ¾-star tip. On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and working in a tight circular motion, pipe twelve 2½" cones, about 2" high. Brush with egg mixture; bake until golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.
Notes
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Choosing the Potatoes:
Russet potatoes are ideal for Pommes Duchesse because of their high starch content, which allows for a light, fluffy texture once mashed. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or yellow varieties, as they won’t achieve the same creaminess when passed through a food mill or ricer. -
Perfect Texture:
Passing the potatoes through a food mill or ricer ensures a smooth consistency without any lumps, which is crucial for piping. After mashing, mix the potatoes with softened butter, egg yolks, and a pinch of nutmeg for a rich, savory flavor with a hint of warmth from the spice. -
Egg Wash for Golden Finish:
Brushing the piped potatoes with an egg and cream mixture before baking gives them their beautiful golden-brown finish. It also helps the ridges of the potatoes become crispy, adding a nice textural contrast to the creamy interior. -
Piping Technique:
Use a tight, circular motion when piping the potatoes onto the baking sheet to create neat mounds that hold their shape. The star tip creates ridges, which increase the surface area for browning and add visual appeal. -
Serving Suggestions:
Pommes Duchesse is a fantastic side dish to serve with roasted meats like lamb, beef, or chicken. It’s also an elegant accompaniment for more complex mains like Beef Wellington or grilled fish. The buttery, nutmeg-infused potatoes bring a rich, creamy element that balances heartier main dishes. -
Making Ahead:
The potato mixture can be made ahead and piped onto the baking sheet, then refrigerated for up to a day before baking. This makes it an excellent choice for holiday or dinner party preparation, allowing you to focus on other dishes while these cook. -
Customization:
For a twist, you can add a little grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese to the potato mixture for extra flavor. Additionally, you could experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
Calories: 635kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 11gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 307mgSodium: 41mgPotassium: 1263mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1662IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 3mg
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