Duchess Potatoes are a classic French side dish that transforms simple mashed potatoes into beautifully piped, golden-brown swirls. Light, creamy, and delicately crisp on the outside, these potatoes add a touch of elegance to any meal. Made with lighter ingredients but full of rich flavor, they’re perfect for holiday dinners or a special weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant Presentation – Perfectly piped swirls that look straight out of a fine dining restaurant.
Light and Fluffy – Creamy on the inside with a crisp, golden crust.
Lower in Calories – Made with light butter and milk for a healthier twist.
Ideal for Entertaining – Make ahead and bake right before serving.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp light butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk of choice)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
Boil the Potatoes
Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Mash Until Smooth
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the light butter, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy—no lumps!
Add the Egg Yolk
Stir in the egg yolk, mixing thoroughly. This helps the potatoes hold their shape and adds a beautiful golden color.
Pipe onto a Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe into small swirls, about 2–3 inches wide, leaving space between each.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 95
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Smooth Mash is Key – Ensure your potatoes are fully mashed for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Pipe with Care – Use steady pressure to get those beautiful swirls.
- Serve Fresh – These are best enjoyed right out of the oven while still crisp.
- Make Ahead Option – Pipe onto a baking sheet and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Duchess Potatoes are elevated with just a few simple adjustments—using light butter and almond milk keeps them creamy but not heavy. The egg yolk adds structure and color, while piping and baking create that perfect golden crust. The result is a stunning side dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Duchess Potatoes are the perfect way to elevate your dinner table without extra fuss. With their crisp edges, fluffy interior, and elegant presentation, these lightened-up swirls are sure to impress your guests and family alike. Enjoy them alongside roasted meats or a fresh salad for a complete, memorable meal.
Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe – A Fancy Side Made Simple
6
servings15
minutes20
minutes95
kcalGolden, crisp, and beautifully swirled, Duchess Potatoes are a classic side dish that brings elegance and flavor to your table. Lightly seasoned and baked to perfection, they’re a deliciously refined take on mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
1½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp light butter
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk of choice)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes
Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. - Mash Until Smooth
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the light butter, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy—no lumps! - Add the Egg Yolk
Stir in the egg yolk, mixing thoroughly. This helps the potatoes hold their shape and adds a beautiful golden color. - Pipe onto a Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the mashed potatoes into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe into small swirls, about 2–3 inches wide, leaving space between each. - Bake Until Golden
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Smooth Mash is Key – Ensure your potatoes are fully mashed for a smooth, creamy texture.
Pipe with Care – Use steady pressure to get those beautiful swirls.
Serve Fresh – These are best enjoyed right out of the oven while still crisp.
Make Ahead Option – Pipe onto a baking sheet and refrigerate; bake just before serving.