Andy Montoya
Scalloped potatoes are a classic dish, often served during Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. While the traditional scalloped potatoes do not have cheese, some recipes include cheese sauce or shredded cheese between layers of potatoes, resulting in a cheesy, more decadent dish. This variation is sometimes referred to as au gratin potatoes or potatoes au gratin. The addition of cheese to scalloped potatoes creates a comforting and creamy dish that has become a favorite for many during the holidays and throughout the year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Scalloped Potatoes |
| Other names | Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Potatoes Au Gratin, Au Gratin Potatoes |
| Ingredients | Potatoes, Butter, Flour, Milk, Salt, Cayenne, Cheddar Cheese, Paprika |
| Optional Ingredients | Garlic, Thyme, Onion, Bacon, Chicken Stock, Broth, Heavy Cream, Black Pepper, Other Shredded Cheeses |
| Preparation | Potatoes sliced thinly and evenly, arranged in layers in a greased baking dish, covered in cheese sauce, baked |
| Baking Temperature | 350°F |
| Baking Time | 1 hour or until potatoes are fork-tender |
| Baking Dish | 1.5-quart baking dish (8x8 or 9x9 inches) |
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What You'll Learn
Scalloped potatoes vs. potatoes au gratin
Scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin are both creamy and rich potato casseroles. They are often considered the same, but there are a few distinguishing factors that set them apart.
Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes layered in a casserole dish and baked with heavy cream or milk (or a combination of the two). The cream is often infused with aromatics, such as garlic, herbs, or onions. They are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. The potatoes used in scalloped potatoes are often cut a bit thicker than those in potatoes au gratin. Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for scalloped potatoes as they are starchy enough to help thicken the sauce and they will also turn out soft and tender.
Potatoes au gratin, on the other hand, is a French cooking term that can refer to any dish topped with cheese and breadcrumbs and browned under a broiler. It is a more decadent dish, with grated cheese sprinkled between the layers and on top of the casserole. Potatoes au gratin recipes typically use heavy cream and skip the flour roux. They can also be enhanced with flavorful ingredients like garlic, herbs, and onions. Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan are popular cheese choices for potatoes au gratin. Yukon Gold potatoes are often used to make potatoes au gratin, but Russets can also be used.
While the two dishes are similar, the key difference lies in the presence or absence of cheese. Scalloped potatoes do not traditionally include cheese, while potatoes au gratin do. However, there are many variations of both dishes, and it is not uncommon to find recipes for scalloped potatoes with cheese or potatoes au gratin without cheese.
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The best types of potatoes for scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish that is often served during holidays and gatherings. The dish typically consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered in a casserole dish and baked in milk or cream until tender. While some people choose to add cheese to their scalloped potatoes, making them similar to potatoes au gratin, this is not a traditional ingredient.
When it comes to choosing the best type of potatoes for scalloped potatoes, there are a few options to consider:
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a popular choice for scalloped potatoes due to their starchy nature. Their high starch content helps to thicken the sauce, and they tend to become soft and tender when baked. However, russet potatoes are more prone to discolouration than other varieties.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are another recommended option for scalloped potatoes. They have a creamy texture and a buttery flavour that complements the dish well. Like russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are starchy enough to help thicken the sauce and will result in a soft and tender texture.
Thickness and Uniformity
Regardless of the type of potato chosen, it is important to slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and allows them to absorb the flavours of the other ingredients. A mandoline slicer can be a useful tool to achieve consistent thickness. The recommended thickness for scalloped potato slices is typically between 1/8 of an inch to 1/4 of an inch to ensure the potatoes are cooked evenly.
Waxy Potatoes
While starchy potatoes are generally preferred for scalloped potatoes, it is worth noting that waxy potatoes may not be the best choice. Waxy potatoes may not soften as desired during the baking process, resulting in a less tender final dish.
In conclusion, the best types of potatoes for scalloped potatoes are Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes due to their starch content, flavour, and texture. Thinly slicing the potatoes uniformly is crucial to ensuring even cooking and flavour absorption. With the right ingredients and preparation, your scalloped potatoes are sure to be a delicious addition to any meal.
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The best types of cheese for scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic, comforting dish that is often served during holidays and special occasions. While there are many variations of the recipe, most include thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce with cheese. So, what are the best types of cheese for scalloped potatoes?
When it comes to choosing the perfect cheese for scalloped potatoes, the key is to select a variety that melts well. Shredded, melty cheese is a must for this dish. Sharp cheddar is an excellent option, as it has a strong flavour and melts smoothly. However, it's important to avoid aged cheddar, as it doesn't melt as well.
Other cheeses that work wonderfully in scalloped potatoes include mozzarella, gouda, fontina, and gruyere. These cheeses all have unique, subtle flavours that can enhance the dish. Additionally, freshly grated Parmesan adds a delightful savoury note to the potatoes. For those who enjoy a semi-hard cheese crust, sprinkling Parmesan or Romano cheese on top of the potatoes before baking can create a delicious, crispy texture.
When preparing scalloped potatoes, it's recommended to slice the potatoes uniformly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking. By following this tip and choosing the perfect melting cheese, your scalloped potatoes will be creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible!
Whether you decide to use a single type of cheese or a combination, scalloped potatoes are a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. So, go ahead and experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create a mouthwatering treat that your family and friends will surely enjoy!
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How to prepare scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food, often served during holidays like Easter and Christmas. They are creamy, garlicky, and cheesy. While the traditional scalloped potatoes were baked in infused milk without cheese, the lines between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin have blurred over the years, and many recipes now include cheese.
To prepare scalloped potatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, parmesan, or a mix)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken broth (optional)
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare scalloped potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Peel the potatoes, or simply scrub the outsides well and leave the skin on if you prefer.
- Slice the potatoes uniformly into thin slices, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to make a roux, stirring continuously.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously, followed by the chicken broth (if using).
- Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- In a greased casserole dish, arrange the sliced potatoes and onions in layers. You can stagger the potatoes and onions or mix them together.
- Pour the sauce over the potatoes and onions, ensuring it coats all the layers.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is browned.
- Let the scalloped potatoes stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
You can also prepare scalloped potatoes ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe until just before baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, increase the baking time by a few minutes to account for the dish being chilled.
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The history of scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes, a classic potato dish, is often associated with comfort food and is a popular side dish during holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. The dish typically consists of layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce with seasonings. While the traditional scalloped potatoes do not include cheese, many modern variations have emerged that incorporate cheese, resulting in what is often referred to as "cheesy scalloped potatoes" or "potatoes au gratin."
In the traditional preparation of scalloped potatoes, layers of thinly sliced potatoes are arranged in a baking dish, with a creamy sauce poured over them. The sauce is typically made by creating a roux with butter and flour, and then slowly adding milk to create a creamy consistency. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika are added to enhance the flavour.
However, with the emergence of potatoes au gratin, chefs and home cooks started experimenting with adding cheese to the traditional scalloped potato recipe. This innovation resulted in what is now commonly known as "cheesy scalloped potatoes." The addition of cheese involves sprinkling grated cheese between the layers of potatoes, creating a decadent and flavourful dish. Various types of cheese can be used, such as cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, or a combination of different cheeses.
Cheesy scalloped potatoes have become a beloved variation of the classic dish, with many people incorporating it into their holiday meals and family gatherings. The addition of cheese not only enhances the flavour but also adds a creamy texture and a visually appealing browned top to the dish. While the traditional scalloped potatoes remain a classic, the inclusion of cheese has expanded the horizons of this potato dish, offering a heartier and more indulgent option for potato enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
While scalloped potatoes are traditionally made without cheese, potatoes au gratin always contain cheese. Therefore, scalloped potatoes with cheese can be considered a variation of potatoes au gratin.
Cheddar cheese is commonly used in scalloped potatoes, but other types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, fontina, gruyere, and parmesan can also be used.
It typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake scalloped potatoes. However, it is recommended to bake it longer to ensure the sauce is bubbling and the potatoes are tender and creamy.
