What Is The Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes And Au Gratin?

When it comes to classic potato dishes, two popular options that often get mixed up are scalloped potatoes and au gratin. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences that set them apart. Let's take a closer look at each dish to understand what makes them unique.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a simple and comforting dish that features thinly sliced potatoes layered in a baking dish with a creamy sauce. The dish is then baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Here are some key characteristics of scalloped potatoes:

1. Ingredients: The basic ingredients for scalloped potatoes include potatoes, milk, cream, butter, and sometimes cheese. The potatoes are typically sliced thinly and layered in the baking dish.
2. Texture: The texture of scalloped potatoes is creamy and tender, with a rich and savory flavor from the dairy-based sauce.
3. Cheese: While some recipes may include cheese, it's not a defining characteristic of scalloped potatoes. The focus is more on the creamy texture and simple flavors of the potatoes and sauce.

Au Gratin

Au gratin potatoes, on the other hand, are a bit more indulgent and feature an added layer of richness and flavor. Here's what sets au gratin apart from scalloped potatoes:

1. Ingredients: In addition to potatoes, au gratin typically includes heavy cream, cheese (such as Gruyère or Parmesan), and sometimes breadcrumbs. The addition of cheese is a defining characteristic of au gratin potatoes.
2. Texture: Au gratin potatoes have a rich, creamy texture like scalloped potatoes, but the addition of cheese creates a golden, crispy crust on top, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
3. Cheese: The presence of cheese is what distinguishes au gratin from scalloped potatoes. The cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the golden, crispy topping that is a hallmark of au gratin dishes.

Key Differences

Now that we've looked at the individual characteristics of each dish, let's summarize the key differences between scalloped potatoes and au gratin:

• Cheese: The presence of cheese is the primary difference between the two dishes. While scalloped potatoes may or may not include cheese, au gratin always features a generous amount of cheese, contributing to its rich and indulgent flavor.
• Texture: Both dishes have a creamy texture, but au gratin potatoes also have a crispy, golden-brown crust on top, thanks to the addition of cheese and sometimes breadcrumbs.
• Flavor: The addition of cheese in au gratin potatoes gives it a more robust and savory flavor compared to the simpler, cream-based flavor of scalloped potatoes.

In conclusion, while both scalloped potatoes and au gratin are delicious and comforting potato dishes, the presence of cheese and the resulting texture and flavor differences are what set them apart. Whether you prefer the simplicity of scalloped potatoes or the indulgence of au gratin, both dishes are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.