When it comes to comforting potato casseroles, two dishes often get confused: scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin. Both feature thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection, but there are key differences in their ingredients, preparation methods, and textures. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right dish for your next meal.
In this article, we’ll break down the main contrasts between these two potato dishes, covering everything from ingredient variations to the cooking process. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one fits your occasion.
What Are Scalloped Potatoes?
Scalloped potatoes are known for their creamy, rich sauce made from a combination of milk or heavy cream. The potatoes are sliced thicker than those in au gratin dishes and layered in a baking dish with butter, salt, and sometimes onions or garlic. Unlike au gratin potatoes, traditional scalloped potatoes do not contain cheese.
- Key ingredients: Potatoes, cream or milk, butter, onions (optional)
- Texture: Creamy, with tender potato layers
- No cheese: A major distinction from potatoes au gratin
For a deeper dive into these subtle differences, check out The Kitchn’s comparison of scalloped vs. au gratin potatoes.
What Are Gratin Potatoes?
Potatoes au gratin are similar to scalloped potatoes but
stand out due to the inclusion of cheese. In this dish, thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich cheese sauce made from cream and butter, often topped with more cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Key ingredients: Potatoes, cheese (such as Gruyère, cheddar), cream, butter
- Texture: Cheesy, with a crisp top layer
- Cheese is essential: This addition creates a rich, crispy topping.
For more insight into how gratin potatoes differ, read MasterClass’s detailed guide on the topic.
Ingredient Differences
The main ingredient difference between these two dishes is the presence of cheese in gratin potatoes. While scalloped potatoes stick to a cream-based sauce, au gratin dishes feature layers of cheese with a crispy top.
- Scalloped potatoes: Simple, cream-based, no cheese
- Gratin potatoes: Rich, cheesy, often topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese
Texture and Appearance
The texture and appearance also vary between these dishes:
- Potato thickness: Scalloped potatoes are usually sliced thicker than those in au gratin recipes.
- Crispiness: Gratin potatoes are known for their crispy, golden-brown crust, thanks to the cheese and breadcrumb topping.
- Creaminess: Scalloped potatoes focus on creaminess, without the crispy cheese topping that gratin potatoes have.
Cooking Techniques
Though both dishes are baked, their preparation differs slightly:
- Scalloped potatoes: Potatoes are layered with a simple cream-based sauce (often a roux made of butter and flour) and baked until tender.
- Gratin potatoes: Potatoes are layered with a cheese sauce and topped with extra cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy top layer. These take a bit longer to bake to ensure the cheese melts and forms the signature crust.
For more information about the nutritional differences and cooking methods, check out the Nutritional benefits of potatoes from Potatoes USA.
Nutritional Comparison
The addition of cheese in gratin potatoes makes them more calorie-dense compared to scalloped potatoes. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: Scalloped potatoes are lighter since they lack cheese.
- Fat content: Gratin potatoes have more fat due to the use of cheese and sometimes heavy cream.
- Healthier options: For a lighter version, you can reduce the cream or opt for low-fat cheese in gratin potatoes.
Regional and Cultural Variations
Both dishes have regional twists. In French cuisine, gratin potatoes are common, often featuring Gruyère or Emmental cheese. In the U.S., scalloped potatoes are frequently served at holiday dinners as a simple, creamy side dish.
Some variations include adding bacon, onions, or different herbs to either dish for enhanced flavor.
FAQs
What Makes Au Gratin Different from this recipe?
The primary difference is the use of cheese in au gratin potatoes, while scalloped potatoes rely solely on a cream-based sauce.
Can you add cheese to Scalloped Potatoes?
Yes, though traditionally scalloped potatoes don’t include cheese, adding it would turn them into a version of au gratin potatoes.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese in Gratin Potatoes?
For a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
Though they are often confused, the differences between scalloped and gratin potatoes are clear once you look at their ingredients. Scalloped potatoes offer a simple, creamy dish, while gratin potatoes bring richness with their cheesy, crispy topping. Depending on your meal and dietary preferences, you can now confidently choose the dish that suits your needs best!