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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Potatoes Lyonnaise

Square headshot image of Family Food on the Table's Kathryn Doherty.
By Kathryn Doherty · Modified: Aug 7, 2025 · Published: Nov 20, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links
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Potatoes Lyonnaise is a simple, delicious side dish with just 4 ingredients, including potato and onion slices that are lightly fried in butter until tender but crisp.

Close up of cooked potatoes Lyonnaise in a skillet.


 

Today's recipe always sounded a little fancy to me.

French words can do that.

(Unless you're just putting "French" in front of something. Like fries. Or toast.)

Potatoes Lyonnaise seemed like it must be involved. Difficult. Fussy.

But my dedication to all things potato all of the time thankfully led me to explore and to experiment and to finally give this dish a try in my own kitchen.

And guess what? 

It's SO easy! 

Potatoes Lyonnaise in a light blue skillet with chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top.

No really, this isn't at all hard to make.

Plus, the recipe is just 4 ingredients (as well as salt and pepper). Can't beat that for a simple dish that feels fancy.

It's a perfect side dish for the holidays or when having company over, but it's also a good one to make just anytime. 

(If you are a potato fanatic like me, check out all of our other favorite potato side dishes.)

Let's get cooking.

Russet potatoes laid out on a counter along side butter, shallot and some seasonings.
Sliced russet potatoes on a cutting board with herbs and other ingredients nearby.
A large stock pot full of sliced potatoes and water.
Sautéed onions cooking in a light blue skillet.
Sliced potatoes being pan fried in a skillet.
Sliced browned potatoes along with cooked onions and seasonings in a skillet.

First, let's tackle some of the basics.

Recipe FAQs

What are potatoes Lyonnaise?

Lyonnaise potatoes are a French style side dish consisting of thinly sliced potatoes that are parboiled then cooked in butter until tender and crisp and mixed with lightly fried onions and seasonings.

What kind of potatoes can I use?

Russet potatoes are standard for this recipe. Other potatoes will work too, particularly Yukon potatoes or potatoes with a high starch content.

How do I slice my potatoes?

The potatoes for this recipe need to be thinly sliced - about ¼ inch thick. A mandolin makes quick work of this. You could also thinly slice the vegetables with a sharp knife; just aim to make them even.

Alright, let's get into what we need for this recipe.

Potatoes Lyonnaise served in a white serving dish with a serving fork tucked in.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Potatoes: As mentioned, russet potatoes are standard and we want 4 medium sized ones. They need to be peeled and sliced.
  • Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter to control the amount of sodium in recipes, but salted would be fine here too.
  • Onion: Use a sweet onion or a yellow onion for the best flavor. It needs to be thinly sliced so the pieces fry up lightly in the pan.
  • Rosemary: The chopped fresh rosemary gives a great earthy and herby flavor to the potatoes. You could substitute another herb, such as parsley, when serving if you prefer.

So simple.

And if you love potatoes like I do, check out Greek roasted potatoes, healthy mashed potatoes, quick microwave baked potatoes (my busy weeknight go-to) and spicy roasted potato wedges.

Potatoes every day please!

OK, back to today's recipe. 

A white serving dish of Potatoes Lyonnaise with a glass of wine and some fresh herbs in the background.

Make ahead tips: You can cook the onions ahead and store them in the fridge. You can also parboil the sliced potatoes and store those in the fridge in a covered container.

Then when you're ready to proceed, cook the potatoes in the butter until lightly fried and golden brown, add the onions and seasonings and you're ready to go.

Last thing, what to do with any leftovers.

The recipe is best served immediately for maximum crispiness on the lightly fried potatoes and onions, but you can save extras.

Leftovers potatoes Lyonnaise, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. 

I hope you give this most excellent potato dish a try in your kitchen soon. I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is - and how delicious!

Enjoy!

XO,

Kathryn

A serving dish with potatoes Lyonnaise with a serving spoon tucked in.
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5 from 1 vote

Potatoes Lyonnaise

Potatoes Lyonnaise is a simple, delicious side dish with just 4 ingredients, including potato and onion slices that are lightly fried in butter until tender but crisp.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time40 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ¼ inch thickness)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 small sweet or yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • To a large deep saucepan or Dutch oven, add sliced potatoes, kosher salt and enough cold water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the potatoes are slightly cooked but still al dente. Don't overcook them at this point! Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the onion and set aside.
  • Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add the potatoes in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown on each side, about 8-10 minutes per batch. (Add extra butter if needed between batches.)
  • Return the onions to the pan, add the rosemary and pepper and stir well to combine. Cook until heated through, 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately.

Notes

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are standard for this recipe. Other potatoes will work too, particularly Yukon potatoes or potatoes with a high starch content.
Slicing: The potatoes for this recipe need to be thinly sliced - about ¼ inch thick. A mandolin makes quick work of this. You could also thinly slice the vegetables with a sharp knife; just aim to make them even.
Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter to control the amount of sodium in recipes, but salted would be fine here.
Onion: Use a sweet onion or a yellow onion for the best flavor. It needs to be thinly sliced so the pieces fry up lightly in the pan.
Rosemary: The chopped fresh rosemary gives a great earthy and herby flavor to the potatoes. You could substitute another herb, such as parsley, when serving if you prefer.
Make ahead tips: You can cook the onions ahead and store them in the fridge. You can also parboil the sliced potatoes and store those in the fridge in a covered container. Then when you’re ready to proceed, cook the potatoes in the butter until lightly fried and golden brown, add the onions and seasonings and you’re ready to go.
Leftovers: The recipe is best served immediately for maximum crispiness on the lightly fried potatoes and onions, but you can save extras. Leftovers potatoes Lyonnaise, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 224mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or follow me on Instagram @familyfoodonthetable and tag me in your photo!
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Meet Kathryn

Hi there! I’m Kathryn Doherty, a cookbook author, mom of two, and devoted food and home cooking nut. I’ve got lots of easy recipes to help you get delicious food on the table for your family!

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