Crispy Golden Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe: A French Classic Delight

Golden, crispy lyonnaise potatoes dance between rustic comfort and elegant French cuisine.

Sliced onions bring incredible depth to this classic side dish.

Bistro chefs have long celebrated these simple yet magnificent potato preparations.

Crisp edges and soft interiors create a magical texture you’ll adore.

Sharp butter and caramelized onions form the heart of this timeless recipe.

Subtle herbs and a pinch of seasoning elevate every delectable bite.

Master this dish, and you’ll transport your dinner table straight to a charming Parisian kitchen.

Why Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes Are A Must-Try

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform simple ingredients into a gourmet side dish that impresses family and guests with minimal culinary skills.
• Hands-Off Preparation: Minimal active cooking time allows you to multitask while the potatoes bake to golden perfection, making meal preparation stress-free.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding herbs, cheese, or bacon to suit personal taste preferences and create a unique flavor profile.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Use affordable, readily available ingredients like potatoes and onions to create a restaurant-quality side dish without breaking the bank.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy base that creates a crispy and tender side dish.
• Onions: Provide a sweet, caramelized flavor to the potatoes.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the recipe.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the dish.

• Thyme: Introduces an earthy and slightly minty undertone.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild, warming spiciness.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the onions and adds a smooth, rich base.
• Butter: Creates a rich, golden crust and adds luxurious flavor to the potatoes.

Steps For Making Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes At Home

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Grab a skillet and drizzle olive oil with a knob of butter. Slowly cook sliced onions over low heat, stirring occasionally. Let them transform into golden, soft, and sweet strands that melt in your mouth. This process takes about 30-35 minutes, so be patient and let the magic happen.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Slices

Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Gently slide potato slices into the water and cook for 3 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them steam-dry on a kitchen towel, which helps create a crispy exterior when baking.

Step 3: Boost Onion Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients into the onions, creating a fragrant and flavorful base.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Softly fold the potato slices into the onion mixture in a large bowl. Be gentle to keep the potato slices intact and evenly coated with the onion mixture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the potato and onion mixture to a shallow baking dish. The dish should be no deeper than 5 centimeters to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touch

Dot the top of the potato mixture with remaining butter. This will help create a golden, crispy top layer during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-forced ovens). Bake the Lyonnaise potatoes for 35-40 minutes until they turn crisp and develop a beautiful golden color. The edges should be slightly crunchy, and the center soft and creamy.

Simple Tips For Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes Success

• Slice Onions Evenly: Use a sharp knife to cut onions uniformly for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Pat Potatoes Dry: After parboiling, thoroughly dry potato slices with a clean kitchen towel to ensure maximum crispiness.
• Low and Slow Onion Technique: Cook onions on low heat, stirring occasionally to develop rich, sweet caramelization without burning.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop herbs just before adding to maximize flavor and aromatic qualities in the dish.
• Butter Placement Matters: Dot butter strategically across the top to help create a golden, crispy surface during baking.

Ways To Change Up Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

• Herb Fusion Potatoes: Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for an aromatic herb variation that enhances the potato's natural flavors.
• Vegan Lyonnaise: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy undertone.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add smoked paprika and red pepper flakes to create a zesty, warm flavor profile that transforms the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintaining the original cooking technique and seasoning for a lighter dish.

Top Pairings For Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Grab a bold Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône to complement the rich, caramelized onion and potato flavors.
• Serve with Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken: The crispy potatoes create a perfect side dish that enhances the juicy, aromatic roasted chicken.
• Match with Tangy Green Salad: Prepare a light salad with sharp vinaigrette to cut through the buttery, hearty potato dish and balance the meal's richness.
• Combine with Charcuterie Board: Select French-style cured meats like saucisson or pâté to create a classic Lyonnaise-inspired dining experience that celebrates traditional regional cuisine.

How To Keep Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes Fresh

• Store leftover Lyonnaise potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, keeping them fresh for 1-2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain texture.
• Preheat oven to 180C, spread potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Quickly revive potatoes in a hot skillet with a touch of butter or olive oil, cooking for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy edges and bring back original flavor.

Helpful FAQs On Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes

• What are Lyonnaise Potatoes?

A classic French side dish originating from Lyon, featuring thinly sliced potatoes cooked with caramelized onions, herbs, and butter, known for its crispy exterior and soft interior.

• Why do I need to parboil the potatoes first?

Parboiling helps partially cook the potatoes, ensures even cooking, removes excess starch, and creates a better texture for achieving a crispy golden finish when baked.

• Can I use different herbs in this recipe?

While traditional Lyonnaise Potatoes use parsley and thyme, you can experiment with rosemary or chives for slight flavor variations, but classic herbs work best for authentic taste.

Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 73 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Lyonnaise potatoes dance with caramelized onions in this classic French side dish that brings comfort and elegance to your table. Delicate layers of sliced potatoes and sweet onions create a harmonious blend of textures you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 1.2 kilograms (2 pounds 12 ounces) medium potatoes (Desiree, Maris Piper, or Elfe), peeled

Aromatics:

• 3 large onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 50 grams (1.34 ounces) butter
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions in a blend of olive oil and butter over low heat for 30-35 minutes until they turn translucent and develop a rich, golden hue.
2. Prepare potato slices by briefly boiling in salted water for 3 minutes, then drain and allow to air-dry, creating a surface that will crisp beautifully.
3. Infuse the caramelized onions with aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, earthy thyme, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper.
4. Gently fold the seasoned onions and prepared potato slices together, ensuring even distribution of flavors without breaking the potato pieces.
5. Spread the potato and onion mixture into a shallow baking dish, maintaining a layer no deeper than 5 centimeters to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
6. Strategically place small dollops of remaining butter across the surface to enhance browning and add richness.
7. Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C for fan-assisted) for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden, crisp exterior and tender interior.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning, ensuring a sweet and mellow base for the dish.
• Parboiling potatoes creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior, key to achieving the perfect Lyonnaise texture.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper for maximum crispiness and golden-brown results when baking.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage as alternatives to thyme for a personalized flavor profile that complements the buttery potatoes and caramelized onions.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 343 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg