Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that my family loves. They consist of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until tender and golden brown on top. Delicious, made-from-scratch scalloped potatoes are a huge fan favorite.
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Scalloped or Au Gratin Potatoes
Potatoes are a staple ingredient in my household because they can be prepared in various ways. Two popular potato dishes I have loved are scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes. While both dishes are made with similar ingredients, they differ in their preparation and taste. I want to try to explain the differences between scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes. I always tended to use the names interchangeably.
Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food, with thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter, and sometimes cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Scalloped potatoes are usually served as a side dish and pair well with roasted meats and vegetables. They have a creamy texture and a mild flavor, focusing on the potato itself.
On the other hand, Au gratin potatoes are made with the same ingredients as scalloped potatoes but with the addition of breadcrumbs and cheese. The potatoes are usually sliced a bit thicker, and the dish is baked until the top is crispy and golden brown. The cheese and breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture and a more intense flavor to the dish. Au gratin potatoes are often served as a main dish and can be paired with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. Ham is a popular addition to these.
The difference between the two dishes is the addition of breadcrumbs and cheese to the au gratin potatoes. This gives the dish more texture and makes it a more substantial meal. Scalloped potatoes, however, are a simple, comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
While scalloped potatoes and au gratin potatoes may seem similar, their preparation, flavor, and texture differ. Whether you prefer a simple side dish or a more substantial meal, both dishes are delicious and can be enjoyed in their own way. So why not try both and see which one you prefer? Here is my version of cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Cheesy Scalloped Potato Ingredient Details
Here’s a detailed description of each ingredient and its purpose in the recipe:
- Sliced potatoes: This is the main ingredient of the dish. The potatoes are sliced thinly to ensure even cooking and to create layers of tender, creamy potatoes in the dish.
- Butter: this adds richness and flavor to the dish. It also helps create a creamy, smooth sauce when combined with flour and milk.
- Flour: is used to thicken the sauce.
- Whole Milk: is used to create the creamy sauce that binds the potatoes together.
- Salt: is used to season the dish and enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
- Black pepper: is used to add subtle heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Paprika: adds a slightly smoky flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- Shredded cheese: is a key ingredient in the dish and adds a delicious, melty flavor to the potatoes. You can use either cheddar cheese or a fiesta blend of cheeses, which usually contains a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and/or pepper jack cheese.
- Shredded cheese sprinkled on top: this additional cheese is sprinkled on top of the dish before baking to create a crispy, cheesy crust on top of the creamy, tender potatoes.
Overall, this dish is a classic and delicious comfort food with layers of tender, creamy potatoes coated in a rich, cheesy sauce.
Step-By-Step Photo Guide
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cheddar or fiesta cheese shredded
- cheddar or fiesta cheese sprinkled on top
Instructions
- To prepare the sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan and mix in the flour. Gently brown the mixture while stirring frequently.
- Add milk. Stir with a whisk to alleviate any lumps.
- Sprinkle some salt, pepper, paprika, and cheese. Heat the mixture until it reaches boiling point, then lower it to a simmer. Stir the mixture frequently while cooking.
- After the cheese has fully melted and the sauce has become smooth, you can now add it to the first layer of potatoes.
- Now spray a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray. Next, layer sliced potatoes on the entire bottom of the dish, followed by pouring half of the cheesy sauce on top. Layer the remainder of the potatoes on top and pour the rest of the cheesy sauce on the last layer of potatoes. Finally, sprinkle the desired amount of cheese on top and enjoy your mouthwatering casserole.
- Bake the scalloped potatoes uncovered at 350 degrees for an hour until they bubble and turn slightly golden brown on top.
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