Easy Lyonnaise potatoes (French recipe)
Ingredients
![]() | 4 medium-sized potatoes |
![]() | 1 large onion thinly minced |
![]() | (Optional) 1 cup of chopped white mushrooms |
![]() | (Optional) 1 cup of chopped bacon or lardons |
Spices, herbs and flavoring ingredients:
![]() | handful of minced parsley or chives |
![]() | 100 g of butter (1/4 cup) |
![]() | 2 tablespoons of olive oil |
![]() | Salt and pepper |
How to make lyonnaise potatoes
- Wash the potatoes and peel them if you prefer. (Skins on is more rustic with less peeling and adds an extra layer of crispiness and texture).
- Slice into even ½-inch rounds so they cook at the same pace.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, just until slightly tender but not falling apart.
- Chop the onion and prepare any optional add-ins (bacon, garlic, herbs, etc.).
- Sauté the onion and add-ins in oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Drain the potatoes well, then add them to the skillet along with the butter.
- Season with chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients.
- Cook and stir over medium-high heat for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and lightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve warm.
Lyonnaise potatoes are the definition of comfort food. They’re basically a fancier version of fries, and I must say they are one of my favorite ways to eat potatoes.
Named after the French city of Lyon, lyonnaise potatoes is a classic local dish that shows why Lyon is named the culinary capital of France. Not to mention that it is quite easy to make. The recipe simply calls for potatoes to be sautéed with onion, garlic and bacon. The butter used is usually French butter, but you can use what you have available.
The dish has become so popular that it is now one of the most famous French potato recipes. And it is not only a great side dish for your dinner, but they are also inexpensive, easy to make, and can be a hearty addition to any meal.
Similar potato recipes:

Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 medium sized potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion thinly minced
- 1 cup of chopped white mushrooms (optional)
- 1 cup of chopped bacon or lardons (optional)
- 100 g of butter (1/4 cup)
- handful of minced parsley
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes and peel them if you wish.
- Chop the potatoes into 1/2 inch regular slices.
- Boil the potatoes in water over the stove for around 10 minutes.
- Chop the onion and any optional ingredients.
- In a large skillet or wok, cook the onions in oil until they are golden on medium heat.
- Drain the potatoes and add them to skillet, along with the butter.
- Add the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and optional ingredients to the wok.
- Stir the potatoes around and cook at medium-high heat for around 30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and lightly crispy.
- Serve while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
Lyonnaise potatoes make an excellent side dish with a piece of meat like a roasted beef or a sizzled pork chop.
You can also serve it with a side of vegetables like steamed green beans, bohemian aubergines, or a starter of provençale tomatoes.

What drinks to serve with it?
Red wines from Beaujolais make an excellent pairing with lyonnaise potatoes, in keeping with the local theme.
If you prefer white, try a white wine from the nearby Loire Valley. You can read more about French wines here.

How to store it?
If you would like to freeze lyonnaise potatoes, I recommend undercooking them slightly. Let them cool, and then place in an air-tight container in the freezer.
When you are ready to eat them, place them back on the stove and finish cooking.








