Cheddar Duchess Potatoes are a deliciously elegant twist on the classic mashed potato. These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside potato swirls are infused with rich cheddar cheese, making them the perfect side dish for special occasions or holiday dinners. With their beautiful piped shape and savory flavor, they add a gourmet touch to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy yet creamy – The edges turn golden and crispy while the inside stays smooth and buttery.
- Cheesy goodness – The addition of cheddar cheese makes these extra flavorful.
- Elegant presentation – Piped into beautiful swirls, these potatoes look as good as they taste.
- Perfect for special occasions – Great for holidays, dinner parties, or date nights.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare them in advance and bake when needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Russet potatoes
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Egg yolks
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the potatoes – Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes – Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Mix in the ingredients – Stir in butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Let cool slightly.
- Add the egg yolks – Mix in the egg yolks, stirring until fully incorporated. This helps create the signature crispy texture.
- Pipe the potatoes – Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy these cheesy, crispy duchess potatoes while they’re warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused – Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
- Spicy Cheddar Duchess Potatoes – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.
- Garlic Parmesan – Swap out cheddar for Parmesan and add roasted garlic.
- Loaded Duchess Potatoes – Stir in crispy bacon bits and green onions.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked duchess potatoes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.
FAQs
What are Duchess Potatoes?
Duchess Potatoes are a classic French dish made from mashed potatoes, butter, egg yolks, and seasonings, piped into swirls and baked until golden.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can pipe them onto a baking sheet, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Parmesan, Gruyère, or even smoked cheddar work well.
How do I get perfect piping?
Use a large star tip and make sure the mixture is smooth and not too stiff. If needed, add a bit more cream to loosen it.
Why do I need egg yolks?
Egg yolks help bind the potatoes and create a crisp, golden exterior when baked.
Can I use a potato ricer instead of mashing?
Yes! A potato ricer ensures extra smooth potatoes, which are easier to pipe.
What can I serve with Cheddar Duchess Potatoes?
They pair well with roasted meats, steak, turkey, or even a vegetarian main dish like stuffed mushrooms.
How do I prevent them from spreading while baking?
Make sure your potatoes are not too soft or runny before piping. Let them cool slightly before adding egg yolks.
Can I air-fry these?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Conclusion
Cheddar Duchess Potatoes are a show-stopping side dish that combines elegance with comfort food. With their crispy exterior, creamy interior, and cheesy goodness, they make any meal feel special. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple dinner, these potatoes are sure to impress!
PrintCheddar Duchess Potatoes
Cheddar Duchess Potatoes are a fancy yet easy twist on classic mashed potatoes. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, egg yolks, and sharp cheddar cheese, they’re piped into elegant swirls and baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want an impressive side dish!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 duchess potatoes 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (for boiling)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Fresh chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tbsp salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
-
Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Mash until smooth using a potato masher or ricer.
-
Mix in Butter, Cream & Seasoning:
- Stir in the softened butter, heavy cream, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until smooth.
-
Add Cheese & Egg Yolks:
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and egg yolks. Stir until fully incorporated.
-
Pipe the Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the potato mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe 3-inch swirls onto the prepared baking sheet.
-
Chill & Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 20 minutes to help the potatoes hold their shape.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh chives if desired and serve warm!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- You can make these ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor.