Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe: Crispy and Delicious

Name: Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lbs. potatoes, sliced thin ((about 2 large potatoes)); 1/4 cup duck fat; 2 tsp. salt; 2 tbsp. butter; 1 onion (sliced); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tsp. crushed red pepper; 1-2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice; Fresh parsley (chopped)

If you’re looking for the ultimate crispy potato side dish, this lyonnaise potatoes recipe delivers perfectly golden potatoes tossed with buttery caramelized onions, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and crushed red pepper for incredible flavor. These French-style potatoes pair beautifully with hearty mains like this savory Sous Vide Rib Roast for an elegant dinner at home.

The combination of crispy edges, tender centers, and rich duck fat makes these crispy lyonnaise potatoes completely irresistible.

plate of crispy potatoes and onions on a plate with lemon

What is lyonnaise potatoes recipe?

Lyonnaise potatoes are a classic French potato side dish made with sliced potatoes and onions cooked until golden brown and crispy. Traditionally prepared with butter or fat for richness, this lyonnaise potatoes recipe uses duck fat for extra flavor and crispy texture.

Jump to:

What is lyonnaise potatoes recipe?
Why This Recipe Works
Why This Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe is Better Than Store-Bought
What is My Take on Crispy Lyonnaise Potatoes?
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
Step By Step Instructions
How to Get Crispy Lyonnaise Potatoes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Variations
What to Serve With Lyonnaise Potatoes
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep
Closing Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe
All the Favorite Potato Recipes
More Classic French Dishes
Recipe
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Why This Recipe Works

Duck fat creates incredibly crispy roasted lyonnaise potatoes.
The onions become sweet and caramelized.
Garlic and crushed red pepper add depth and subtle heat.
Lemon juice balances the richness perfectly.
Minimal ingredients with restaurant-quality flavor.

Why This Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe is Better Than Store-Bought

Store-bought potato sides often lack the crispy texture and rich flavor that homemade potatoes lyonnaise deliver. Making them from scratch allows you to:

Control the crispiness
Use real duck fat and butter
Adjust seasoning
Serve them fresh from the oven

The fresh lemon juice and parsley also give these potatoes a brighter, fresher finish than packaged potato dishes.

What is My Take on Crispy Lyonnaise Potatoes?

I love making crispy baked potatoes and onions because they work for both casual dinners and holiday meals. The duck fat gives the potatoes an almost steakhouse-style flavor while the onions melt into every bite.

If you enjoy rich potato sides like these, you may also love these ultra creamy Truffle Mashed Potatoes.

Ingredients

1 lbs. potatoes, sliced thin (about 2 large potatoes)
¼ cup duck fat
2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter
1 onion sliced
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1-2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley chopped

👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable version of ingredients and instructions.

Key Ingredients

Duck Fat - Duck fat gives these roasted lyonnaise potatoes their signature crispy texture and rich flavor.
Potatoes - Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly and crisp beautifully in the oven.
Onions - Caramelized onions add sweetness and balance the richness of the potatoes.
Lemon Juice - Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the savory flavors.

Step By Step Instructions

Cooking Method

The traditional method is in a skillet on the stove. They are par boiled then sauteed in butter on the stove. This lyonnaise potatoes recipe first par boils the potatoes, then cooks them with duck fat in the oven to get them crispy. I find baking them in the oven eliminates the mess of pan frying.

sliced potatoes in a saucepan with water

Step1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Step2: Parboil sliced potatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. *We want our potatoes sliced thin, so I recommend using a mandolin to slice them about ¼-1/8" thick.

Step3: Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and cover with the duck fat and salt. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step4: While your potatoes are baking heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until they start to soften and lightly brown, 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

We don't want to totally caramelize them, just turn them golden brown so the sweetness starts to come out. Our goal is to bring out just a little of the sweetness from the onions, but still leave them intact.

Step5: Remove potatoes from oven after 20 minutes and add the cooked onions and chopped garlic. Place back in the oven for 10 minutes.

cirspy potatoes and onions on baking sheet

Step6: Remove from oven and toss with the crushed red pepper and fresh lemon juice while still hot.

How to Get Crispy Lyonnaise Potatoes

Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Parboiling helps create a fluffy interior.
Use enough duck fat to coat the potatoes fully.
Roast at high heat for crisp edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the parboil step
Crowding the pan
Using potatoes sliced too thick
Adding garlic too early
Under-seasoning the potatoes

Variations

Add grated parmesan after baking.
Use fresh thyme or rosemary.
Swap duck fat for butter if preferred.
Add crispy bacon for extra savory flavor.

What to Serve With Lyonnaise Potatoes

These crispy lyonnaise potatoes pair perfectly with rich proteins and comforting mains.

Try serving them with, Sous Vide Filet Mignon, Braised Beef Short Ribs, or Easy Cajun Style Blackened Catfish
To make a meal, serve them alongside this Instant Pot Coq Au Vin or this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu;
They are also great to serve with grilled meat dishes like these Grilled Cornish Game Hens or these Grilled Lamb Chops;
They are also great for breakfast - serve them with these Baked Egg Cups, this Avocado Toast or Cheesy Sausage Quiche.

crispy potatoes and onions on plate with fork

Expert Tips

Use Russet potatoes because they will crisp up the best.
Use a mandolin to ensure the potatoes are sliced thin enough.
The duck fat can be substituted with butter, cooking oil (not as good flavor), bacon fat, etc.
Be careful not to overcook the potatoes while par boiling. They should only be cooked for 1-2 minutes.
If potatoes are not crisp enough, pop them under the broiler for a couple minutes - be careful not to let them burn.
The onions should be soft and golden brown - we don't want to totally caramelize them, just cook them long enough to bring out the sweetness.
Add more or less crushed red pepper depending on your spice preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What potatoes are best for lyonnaise potatoes?

Russet potatoes work especially well because they will crisp up the best.

Can I make lyonnaise potatoes ahead?

Yes. Roast the potatoes ahead and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Why are my potatoes not crispy?

Overcrowding the pan or insufficient fat can prevent crisping.

Can I use butter instead of duck fat?

Yes, though duck fat provides richer flavor and better browning.

Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep

Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating - Reheat in a 400-degree oven or air fryer until crispy again.
Make Ahead - Parboil the potatoes and caramelize the onions in advance.
Meal Prep - These potatoes work great for holiday prep and steakhouse-style dinners.

Closing Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe

This lyonnaise potatoes recipe is the perfect combination of crispy roasted potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and rich buttery flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal, date night dinner, or weeknight comfort food, these French lyonnaise potatoes are guaranteed to become a favorite side dish.