Cooking Social Club: Quick and Delicious Potato Lyonnaise with Bacon and Leeks for Any Occasion

Potato Lyonnaise is a classic French side dish that combines tender potatoes with the rich flavors of bacon, leeks, and a touch of white wine. This recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want to prepare a flavorful dish quickly. By pre-boiling small potatoes and chilling them in advance, you can assemble this dish in no time. Whether you’re serving it alongside a quiche or as a main feature, this recipe makes enough for four people with a side or two without.

This post will guide you through the simple steps to create a delicious Potato Lyonnaise that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, brunches, or even a cooking class in Chicago.

Potato Lyonnaise with crispy bacon and leeks, ready to serve

Potato Lyonnaise with crispy bacon and leeks, ready to serve

Ingredients You Will Need

• About 3 cups of pre-boiled small potatoes (small red, Yukon gold, fingerlings, or similar), chilled

• 1 thick slice of bacon

• 1 leek, split and thoroughly washed

• 1 small onion or shallot

• 2 or 3 oven-dried or sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 cup white wine, divided

• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Pre-boiling the potatoes ahead of time and keeping them chilled in your fridge is the key to speeding up this recipe. This step is especially useful if you want to prepare this dish during a cooking class or a busy weeknight in Chicago.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Render the Bacon

Start by heating a pan over low to medium heat. Place the thick slice of bacon in the pan and cook it slowly. This process allows the bacon to render its fat and become crispy without burning. The bacon fat will provide a flavorful base for the rest of the dish.

While the bacon cooks, prepare your vegetables.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

• Thinly slice the leek

• Thinly slice the onion or shallot

• Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into medium pieces

  
  

Once the bacon is crispy and most of the fat is rendered, remove the slice from the pan and set it aside. Cut the bacon into small batons or bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Onion

Add the sliced onion to the bacon fat in the pan. Cook over medium heat until the onion softens and browns slightly. This step adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

4. Add the Potatoes

Add the chilled, pre-boiled potatoes to the pan. Stir them gently to coat with the bacon fat and onion mixture. This will help the potatoes absorb the flavors and start to brown.

5. Incorporate Leeks, Wine, and Butter

Add the sliced leeks, half of the white wine (½ cup), and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Cook over medium heat until the leeks soften and the wine reduces almost completely. If the wine isn’t reducing fast enough, increase the heat slightly but watch carefully to avoid burning.

6. Add Bacon, Tomatoes, and Thyme

Return the bacon pieces to the pan. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and strip the leaves from the thyme sprigs, stirring them in. The thyme adds a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the bacon and potatoes.

7. Finish with Remaining Wine and Butter

Pour in the remaining ½ cup of white wine and add the last tablespoon of butter. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the liquid reduces and coats all the ingredients with a glossy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Perfect Potato Lyonnaise

• Use a mix of small potatoes like red, Yukon gold, and fingerlings for varied texture and color.

• Pre-boil potatoes a day ahead and chill them to save time during cooking.

• Choose thick-cut bacon for better flavor and texture.

• If you’re attending a cooking class in Chicago, ask the instructor for tips on selecting the best white wine for cooking.

• Oven-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness; if unavailable, sun-dried tomatoes soaked in warm water work well too.

  
  
  
  

Serving Suggestions

Potato Lyonnaise pairs beautifully with quiche, roasted chicken, or grilled fish. It also works well as a hearty side for brunch or dinner. The crispy bacon and tender leeks make it a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

If you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting dish, this recipe fits the bill. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions.