Lyonnaise potatoes

Lyonnaise potatoes are a classic French side dish made with tender, pan-fried potatoes, caramelized onions, and garlic, finished with fresh parsley for a savory flavor. This dish offers a delightful combination of crispy and soft textures and is perfect for accompanying various mains.

26 Dec 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

5 potatoes
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 onions
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves

Lyonnaise potatoes are a classic, flavorful side dish originating from Lyon, France. This dish combines tender, pan-fried potatoes with caramelized onions and a hint of garlic, all brought together with fresh parsley for a delightful and savory taste experience.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

2. Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the sliced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.

3. Slice the Onions:
- While the potatoes are boiling, peel and slice the onions thinly.

4. Chop the Parsley:
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and set it aside.

5. Cook the Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

6. Cook the Potatoes:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
- Add the parboiled potato slices in a single layer. Cook the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

7. Add the Garlic:
- Mince the garlic cloves while the potatoes are cooking.
- Once the potatoes are crispy, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

8. Combine and Season:
- Add the caramelized onions back to the skillet with the potatoes and garlic. Gently toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Garnish:
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the potatoes and onions.

10. Serve:
- Transfer the Lyonnaise potatoes to a serving dish and serve hot.

Lyonnaise potatoes are an elegant yet simple dish that brings a touch of French culinary tradition to your table. With careful preparation and attention to texture, you can create a savory side that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Enjoy the combination of crispy potatoes, sweet onions, and fragrant garlic, all enhanced by fresh parsley.

Lyonnaise potatoes FAQ:

What pan size should I use for cooking Lyonnaise potatoes?

A large skillet is recommended for cooking Lyonnaise potatoes to ensure even cooking. A 10- or 12-inch skillet allows enough space to fry the potatoes without overcrowding.

How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?

The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, typically taking about 5-7 minutes per side. They should be tender inside when pierced with a fork.

Can I store leftovers of Lyonnaise potatoes?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley?

If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use fresh chives or basil as substitutes. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How long do the potatoes need to boil before frying?

Boil the sliced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. This parboiling step ensures they cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture when fried.

Cooking Tips:

- For the best results, choose starchy potatoes like Russet potatoes; they crisp up better and hold their shape.

- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

- Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a crispier texture.

- Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel before cooking to avoid splattering and to get a better crispy texture.

- Cook the onions separately first until caramelized. This extracts their natural sweetness and ensures they don’t overcook when mixed with the potatoes.

- Use a combination of butter and olive oil: butter for flavor and olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.

- Ensure the garlic is added towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.

- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the best results.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings
Calories 170kcal
Protein 4.02g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 4.62g
Sugar 4.52g
Fat 4.51g

Lyonnaise potatoes