Skip to main content

Potato Ghosts

4.7

(4)

Image may contain Confectionery Food Sweets Peeps Animal and Bird
Potato GhostsStephanie Foley

You and your guests will be utterly charmed when you see how easily mashed potatoes can be transformed into a gaggle of ghosts. Simply form them into pointy mounds and then personify—no, make that "ghostify"—them with seed "eyes." Don't be surprised if these become a new family must-have for Halloweens to come.

Cooks' Note:

Potatoes can be piped into dish 1 day ahead and chilled, loosely covered with plastic wrap.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 3/4 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

4 pounds large boiling potatoes (preferably white-fleshed)
3/4 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/4 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
Nigella seeds (sometimes mislabeled "black onion seeds") or caraway seeds for garnish
Equipment: a potato ricer or a food mill fitted with medium disk; a pastry bag with 3/4-inch plain tip

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel and quarter potatoes, then cover with water in a 4-quart pot and season well with salt. Simmer, partially covered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

    Step 2

    While potatoes are simmering, heat butter and milk in a small saucepan until butter is melted. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

    Step 3

    Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.

    Step 4

    Drain potatoes and force through ricer into a large bowl (or mixer bowl if using stand mixer). Beat in milk mixture, yolks, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper with an electric mixer at low speed until combined.

    Step 5

    Spread about one-third of potatoes in a buttered 1 1/2-quart shallow ovenproof dish. Transfer remaining potatoes to pastry bag. Pipe potatoes close together into 2 1/2- to 3-inch-high pointed mounds to form "'ghosts" and garnish each mound with 2 seeds for "eyes."

    Step 6

    Bake until tips of ghosts are golden and potatoes are firm, 20 to 25 minutes.

Read More
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.