Scalloped Potatoes VS Potatoes Au Gratin
For years, I thought that scalloped potatoes were the same as potatoes au gratin. Turns out, there is a technical difference between the two dishes.
Scalloped Potatoes = potatoes cooked in cream.
Potatoes Au Gratin = potatoes baked with cheese.
I like both a milky base AND the slightly crunchy cheese topping. Therefore, I bring you the beautiful baby born from both: Scalloped Potatoes au Gratin!
Dairy Options
Now, even though I'm cutting down on milk and cheese after discovering my body does NOT like dairy, I feel lucky knowing I'm not allergic and it won't kill me to have a little. So when I do have dairy, I want it to be GOOD. This dish makes it totally worth it.
Normally, you'd use full-fat heavy cream in scalloped potatoes. I've made this with heavy cream in the past, and more recently, with 1% milk, and it's truly just as creamy and delicious for me with the 1% milk. So that's why I've used 1% milk in this recipe. If you want to go for full cream,by all means, knock yourself out.
If you are dairy free, you can most definitely make this with dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk or soy milk (I wouldn't use coconut milk in this recipe) and vegan cheese.
Baking dish options
I have made this recipe in one big round baking pan before, but I prefer baking them in smaller individual portion sizes. I feel like this helps give every bite an even amount of layered textures of crisped cheese with soft potatoes. Because trust me: you're going to want that delicious au gratin slight crunch in every bite.
The baking dishes seen here are actually 5" round ramekin dishes at Cost Plus World Market, but you can honestly use almost any shallow, round porcelain baking dish. These round au gratin baking dishes would work well, or these cute creme brulee ramekin sets would do. - and they come in some great colors!
Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease four small baking dishes with butter, set aside.
- Mix together grated mozarella cheese and grated cheddar cheese in a small bowl, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add milk, butter, paprika, ½ tablespoon sage, and garlic. Bring to a low boil, then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, arrange one layer of potato slices so that the bottom of each baking dish is covered, allowing the slices to slightly overlap each other in a fan formation.
- Remove milk mixture from heat. Pour a small amount, about 3 tablespoons, evenly over the first layer of potato slices.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese mixture over each serving.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes, milk mixture, and cheese. Depending on the size of your baking dishes, you may have enough for a third layer.
- Once your potatoes reach the top of the baking dish sides, add your final layer: evenly sprinkle each serving with a layer of parmesan cheese.
- Place the baking dishes onto a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, just until the top layer crisps into a golden color.
- After removing from the oven, allow the potatoes to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
These Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin would go so well with many dishes, including these:
Manchego Cheese-Stuffed Spanish Meatballs
Red Wine-Braised Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Or, with a classic, hearty chicken recipe that I am excited to share with you very soon . . . stay tuned!
How do you like your potatoes?
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Tracy says
Ah, I never knew the difference either - cream versus cheese! Now I know. :)
Melissa Kaylene says
I always make my scalloped potatoes with ham as well...because that's how my mom made them. These look so yummy!!
Danielle says
Could these possibly look more appetizing?? YUM!!
And so, so brilliant for cooking them individually for the added layers of crispy, cheesy crunchiness. Definitely want to try these out. Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says
I didn't know the difference between scalloped and au gratin! Thanks for the info! Looks delicious whatever you might call it :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It is a difference that I think is overlooked a lot of times when people call their dish scalloped or au gratin, and it's all good in my book ;) Thanks, Katie!
Kirsten says
Marlynn,
My grandma used to make the best scalloped potatoes and ham, so I grew up knowing, well, at least what scalloped potatoes were. I think your idea of combining with cheese is an excellent one. These look great--thanks!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ooh I like the addition of ham with scalloped potatoes. Those must have been delicious, Kirsten! Thanks for stopping by!
Monica Louie says
These look so tasty, and I'm sure they won't disappoint! Thanks for sharing!
Catherine says
Lately I just want potatoes because they're good vehicles for ketchup (mm I can't get enough vinegar!) but I'd definitely make an exception for these. :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ahh I love that you use potatoes as a vehicle for ketchup! :) You know, I'd eat these with ketchup too. Think of them as cheesy fries, and it's all good!
Abigail says
And you have combined both cream and cheese into one awesome dish! This is comfort food deliciousness at its best! :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
My life can always use more comfort food :) Thanks for stopping by, Abigail!
kelsey says
yum! this is something i need to do!
http://www.ladiesinnavy.com
Melinda says
Oh, I am SO making this! I love scalloped potatoes au gratin, but have only made them myself out of a box (which was pretty terrible). Thanks so much for the recipe!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Oh, I remember having them from a box before and there is a big difference. Homemade in this case is definitely worth it - so good! :)
Pech says
You make a critical point about the crispy to soft and creamy ratio of potatoes achieved by making lots of thin layering of the potatoes before baking! I always think of these paired with beef as usually I see this dish at steakhouses!
Ali says
Holy cow this looks amazing!