What is difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes

What is difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes

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Both scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin consist of sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy crumbs, so you’d be forgiven for mixing up the two. Au gratin, by definition, means “covered with breadcrumbs or cheese and then baked until brown,” while scalloped potatoes refers to tubers that have been baked in a creamy sauce and covered with seasoned bread or cracker crumbs. The big difference between the two, then, is the cheese component.

Tips

When making either scalloped or au gratin potatoes, choose a tuber that holds its shape and firmness when baked in a creamy liquid, such as a red or Yukon gold potato. While many recipes called for russet potatoes, cooking website The Kitchn suggests that this classic 'tater falls apart after being cooked in a scalloped or au gratin dish.

A standard recipe for creamy potatoes au gratin, such as the dish served at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, calls for peeled potatoes combined with heavy cream, milk, flour, garlic, butter, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper, plus a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Create interesting variations on the side dish by varying the cheese used. Options include:

  • Stilton, if you like the strong favor of blue cheese 
  • Gouda, for a smoky flavor 
  • Pepperjack, for a bit of spice.

Add extra intrigue by sprinkling in chopped cooked bacon or replacing half the sliced potatoes with rutabagas or turnips.

Because scalloped potatoes don’t call for any cheese, the recipe is a bit simpler than potatoes au gratin.

Simply combine sliced potatoes with butter, heavy cream, whole milk and a bit of grated nutmeg, plus salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on the top before baking. To add a little more intrigue, try a variation:

  • Replace standard potatoes with sliced sweet potatoes.
  • Add a tablespoon of horseradish to the sauce for a little kick.
  • Sprinkle in diced ham and chopped bell peppers to make it a main dish, whether for breakfast or dinner.

Tips

Although, by definition, scalloped potatoes recipes don't call for cheese, and both scalloped and au gratin potatoes can use breadcrumbs on the top, many recipes add cheese to scalloped potatoes or eliminate the breadcrumbs entirely -- hence perpetuating the idea that the two dishes are interchangeable.

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What is difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes

Scalloped vs Au Gratin Potatoes

Potatoes are plants that have starchy tubers and are consumed in most parts of the world as a major source of carbohydrates. They are considered a staple food by most people similar to rice, corn, and wheat. They originated in Peru and were brought to Europe by Spanish sailors.

Aside from carbohydrates, potatoes also contains phytochemicals such as phenols and carotenoids, potassium, thiamin, folate, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. They are also rich in dietary fiber which protects against colon cancer, lowers cholesterol, and helps reduce fat.

Potatoes are used to make vodka and other alcoholic drinks, and industrial uses have also been found for them. They are most commonly prepared as food, though, whether whole or sliced, peeled or not, seasoned or unseasoned. Two popular ways to prepare potatoes are as scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes.

Scalloped potatoes are a type of casserole which has several different versions including American and Irish ones. These are made with thinly sliced potatoes cooked with cheese, milk, cream, and breadcrumbs. One might think that it contains scallops, which is a type of shellfish, but it does not. The Old English word “collop” from the Old French “escalope” meant “sliced meat” which is how potatoes are prepared in scalloped potatoes.

Some versions of the dish do have meat as ingredients, but they are all baked for an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It is eaten as a holiday meal and can be prepared hours in advance. In France and most French-speaking countries, it is called potatoes au gratin or au gratin potatoes.

“Gratin” is the process of cooking food either heated by a grill, boiler, or baked. The ingredients are mixed together and placed in a gratin dish then topped with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg, and butter for it to have a browned crust.
The term “gratin” comes from the French word “gratter” which means “to scrape” and “gratine” which means “crust or skin.” Aside from potatoes, meat, poultry, fish, pasta, vegetables, and crab meat may also be prepared au gratin.
Whatever ingredients you use for it, and whichever way you cook it, or however you call it, scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes are highly nutritious, very satisfying, and incredibly delicious dishes that holiday meals cannot do without.

Summary:

1.Scalloped potatoes are a potato dish that is similar to a casserole with potatoes, cheese, milk, cream, and breadcrumbs while au gratin potatoes are a term used for a potato dish that is prepared like scalloped potatoes.
2.Scalloped potatoes got its name from the Old English word “collop” which means “to slice thinly” while au gratin potatoes got its name from the French words “grater” and “gratine” which means “to scrape” and “crust or skin,” respectively.
3.Scalloped potatoes are baked and so are au gratin potatoes, but au gratin potatoes can also be cooked on a grill or boiler.
4.Only potatoes are prepared scalloped while meat, fish, vegetables, pasta, and crab meat are also prepared au gratin.

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What is difference between au gratin and scalloped potatoes
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Cite
APA 7
M, E. (2011, July 12). Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/object/comparisons-of-food-items/difference-between-scalloped-and-au-gratin-potatoes/.
MLA 8
M, Emelda. "Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin Potatoes." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 12 July, 2011, http://www.differencebetween.net/object/comparisons-of-food-items/difference-between-scalloped-and-au-gratin-potatoes/.

Which is better scalloped or au gratin potatoes?

Scalloped potatoes are much simpler. Most recipes call for the potatoes to be baked in a basic cream sauce (usually a mix of milk and heavy cream), and that's it. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.

What makes scalloped potatoes scalloped?

The one key ingredient that distinguishes these two potato casseroles? Cheese! Scalloped potatoes consist of thinly sliced potatoes layered in a casserole dish and baked with heavy cream or milk (or a combination of the two).

What makes something scalloped?

Adjective. scalloped (comparative more scalloped, superlative most scalloped) having an edge or border marked with semicircles. cooked gratin; baked in a typical type of sauce, usually with cheese, as a casserole, e.g. scalloped potatoes; scalloped corn. baked in a scallop shell.

What makes a gratin a gratin?

A gratin is a dish that is topped with cheese, or bread crumbs mixed with bits of butter, then heated in the oven or under the grill until brown and crisp. The terms au gratin or gratinée refer to any dish prepared in such a manner.

What is another name for scalloped potatoes?

Gratin Dauphinoise (Scalloped Potatoes)