Welcome to our delicious recipe for French Scalloped Potatoes, an easy and creamy potato gratin that is a staple in French cuisine. These thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter, and cheese create a traditional French potato dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for the best scalloped potatoes or a potato au gratin recipe, this homemade scalloped potatoes is the perfect choice for a creamy potato casserole.
Key Takeaways:
- French Scalloped Potatoes, also known as potato au gratin, is a traditional French potato dish.
- This easy scalloped potatoes recipe yields creamy and cheesy potatoes with a golden crust on top.
- It is the ideal side dish for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.
- Choose starchy potatoes like Sebago, Russet, King Edward, or Maris Piper for the perfect texture.
- Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this delicious and authentic French scalloped potatoes.
What is the difference between Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes au Gratin?
Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes au Gratin are both delicious potato dishes, each with its own unique preparation method and flavors.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes are made with a flour-butter-milk roux, which forms the creamy base of the dish. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with the roux, creating a velvety texture. The dish is then baked until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender. Scalloped Potatoes have a lighter and more delicate taste.
Potatoes au Gratin
Potatoes au Gratin, on the other hand, are made with a rich combination of cream, butter, and cheese. The cream adds a luxurious and indulgent flavor to the dish, making it creamy and savory. The potatoes are layered with the cream mixture and topped with cheese, creating a golden and cheesy crust when baked. Potatoes au Gratin are known for their richness and decadence.
While both Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes au Gratin are delicious and comforting potato dishes, the choice between the two depends on your preference for either a lighter, roux-based sauce or a creamy, cheese-infused indulgence.
| Scalloped Potatoes | Potatoes au Gratin |
|---|---|
| Uses a flour-butter-milk roux for the sauce. | Uses a combination of cream, butter, and cheese for a rich and creamy sauce. |
| The sauce has a lighter and more delicate flavor. | The sauce is rich, indulgent, and savory. |
| The texture is velvety. | The texture is creamy and cheesy. |
Both Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes au Gratin are excellent options for a comforting and satisfying potato dish. The choice between the two depends on your preference for the sauce’s flavor and texture. Whether you prefer the lighter and delicate flavors of Scalloped Potatoes or the creamy, rich indulgence of Potatoes au Gratin, both dishes are sure to please your taste buds.
The Perfect Potatoes for French Scalloped Potatoes
To achieve the best texture and taste for French Scalloped Potatoes, it is important to choose the right type of potatoes. Starchy potatoes like Sebago, Russet, King Edward, or Maris Piper are ideal for this dish. These potatoes break down and become soft during baking, creating a creamy and velvety texture. Other starchy potatoes like Dutch creams or red delight can also be used successfully. It is important to avoid using waxy potatoes, as they do not break down and can result in a less desirable texture.
In the world of potatoes, not all varieties are created equal when it comes to making French Scalloped Potatoes. The key to achieving the perfect texture and taste lies in choosing the right type of potatoes. Starchy potatoes, as opposed to waxy potatoes, are the preferred choice for this dish. Starchy potatoes have a higher starch content and lower moisture content, making them ideal for creating creamy and velvety potatoes. Here are some starchy potato varieties that work well for French Scalloped Potatoes:
- Sebago
- Russet
- King Edward
- Maris Piper
- Dutch creams
- Red delight
These varieties of potatoes have a fluffy and mealy texture that breaks down when baked, resulting in a luscious and creamy interior. They also absorb the flavors of the cream, butter, and cheese, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It’s important to note that waxy potatoes, such as New Potatoes or Red Bliss, should be avoided as they tend to hold their shape and don’t break down as well during baking, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Comparing Starchy Potatoes for French Scalloped Potatoes
| Potato Variety | Texture | Flavor | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebago | Fluffy and light | Mild and buttery | Widely available |
| Russet | Fluffy and dry | Mild and nutty | Readily available |
| King Edward | Floury and soft | Buttery and earthy | Commonly found |
| Maris Piper | Fluffy and creamy | Buttery and smooth | Widely cultivated |
| Dutch creams | Soft and creamy | Rich and buttery | Less common |
| Red delight | Fluffy and tender | Subtle and sweet | Seasonal availability |
How to Make French Scalloped Potatoes
Making French Scalloped Potatoes is a straightforward process that yields a creamy and cheesy potato dish. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious side dish that will impress your guests.
- Thinly slice the potatoes and layer them in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cream, garlic, and thyme.
- Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, making sure each layer is well-coated.
- Sprinkle cheese between each layer for added flavor.
- Cover the dish and bake at the appropriate temperature for approximately baking time, or until the potatoes are soft and the top is golden.
- Uncover the dish for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to become beautifully golden.
And that’s it! You can serve your homemade French Scalloped Potatoes as a delightful and indulgent side dish alongside your favorite main course. The creamy potatoes, infused with the flavors of garlic and thyme, combined with the melted cheese, create a truly irresistible dish. Bon appétit!
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 6 large |
| Cream | 2 cups |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Thyme, fresh or dried | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheese, grated (e.g., Gruyere, cheddar) | 1 cup |
The Authenticity of Gratin Dauphinois
Gratin Dauphinois, also known as Dauphinoise Potatoes, is a traditional French potato gratin from the Dauphiné region of France. The original version of this dish does not include cheese, but many modern recipes, including the one shared here, add Gruyere cheese for extra flavor and richness. While the addition of cheese may not be traditional, it has become a popular variation of the dish that many people enjoy. Whether you choose to make it with or without cheese, Gratin Dauphinois is a delightful and indulgent potato side dish.
| The Authentic Gratin Dauphinois | Modern Variation with Gruyere Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Buttery and savory flavor with hints of garlic and herbs | Rich and creamy taste with the added savory and nutty flavors of Gruyere cheese |
| Texture | Smooth and velvety texture with tender potato slices | Velvety and gooey texture with melted Gruyere cheese complementing the soft potatoes |
| Authenticity | The authentic version of Gratin Dauphinois does not include cheese | The addition of Gruyere cheese is a modern variation, not part of the traditional recipe |
| Versatility | Can be served as a side dish for various mains or enjoyed on its own as a comforting casserole | Similarly versatile, pairs well with a wide range of main dishes and can be a stand-alone indulgence |
Conclusion
French Scalloped Potatoes, also known as potato au gratin, is a timeless and beloved dish that brings comfort and indulgence to any meal. With its creamy and cheesy layers of thinly sliced potatoes, it is a crowd-pleasing favorite. This easy recipe allows you to recreate the flavors and textures of a traditional French potato gratin in your own kitchen. Whether you serve it as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a comforting casserole on a weeknight, French Scalloped Potatoes are sure to satisfy your cravings for a creamy and cheesy potato gratin.
FAQ
What is French Scalloped Potatoes?
French Scalloped Potatoes, also known as potato au gratin, is a classic and indulgent French dish made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, butter, and cheese, baked to perfection.
What is the difference between Scalloped Potatoes and Potatoes au Gratin?
Scalloped Potatoes are made with a flour-butter-milk roux, while Potatoes au Gratin are made with a combination of cream, butter, and cheese. The cream-based Potatoes au Gratin is considered more decadent.
What type of potatoes should I use for French Scalloped Potatoes?
Starchy potatoes such as Sebago, Russet, King Edward, Maris Piper, Dutch creams, or red delight are ideal for French Scalloped Potatoes as they create a creamy and velvety texture when baked.
How do I make French Scalloped Potatoes?
Thinly slice the potatoes and layer them in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together cream, garlic, and thyme. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes, making sure each layer is well-coated. Sprinkle cheese between each layer for added flavor. Cover the dish and bake for approximately 75 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the top is golden.
Is cheese a traditional ingredient in Gratin Dauphinois?
Gratin Dauphinois, a traditional French potato gratin, originally does not include cheese. However, many modern recipes, including the one shared here, add Gruyere cheese for extra flavor and richness.
What is the best occasion to serve French Scalloped Potatoes?
French Scalloped Potatoes can be served as a side dish for any occasion, from holiday feasts to weeknight dinners. Its creamy and cheesy layers of potatoes are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
