Best The Delicious Difference Between Potatoes Au Gratin And Dauphinoise Recipes, News, Tips And How-Tos (2024)

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Best The Delicious Difference Between Potatoes Au Gratin And Dauphinoise Recipes, News, Tips And How-Tos (1)

There’s something irresistible about a dish of creamy, bubbly potatoes. And while we enjoy scalloped potatoes as much as the next carb-lover, we can’t help but wonder if the mouthwatering layers of taters au gratin are really just dauphinoise potatoes in disguise. Gratin potatoes – Dauphinoise potatoes, they’re the same thing, right? Wrong.

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Gratin is a French word that means the crust that forms on top of a dish when you brown it in the oven or under the broiler. The term originally comes from the French word “gratter” (to scrape) which refers to the need to scrape the crunchy bits of cooked food off the bottom of a dish so as not to waste it. In the case of a potato dish, the crunchy topping is usually from breadcrumbs or cheese and nowadays, “au gratin” is often used to refer to a dish topped and broiled until crunchy. Potatoes au gratin are slices of pre-cooked (usually boiled) potato cooked in cream and topped with cheese which makes the gratin.

Gratin Dauphinoise, on the other hand, is a dish made of thinly-sliced (not pre-cooked) potatoes that cook in cream. Dauphinoise traditionally does not contain any cheese. The starches in the potato mix with the cream to thicken the creamy sauce which contrasts with the crispy topping that comes from finishing the dish in a hot oven or a broiler.

Whichever way you cook your crunchy-topped potatoes, with cheese or without, it’s the perfect dish to ease into the cooler weather – the side dish that goes with absolutely everything! Here are a few different variations on creamy and/ or cheesy potatoes that will see you through the winter!

Best The Delicious Difference Between Potatoes Au Gratin And Dauphinoise Recipes, News, Tips And How-Tos (3)Get the recipe for Cheesy Potato Gratin

Looking for more tasty sides? Try more of our Perfect Potato Side Dishes.

Best The Delicious Difference Between Potatoes Au Gratin And Dauphinoise Recipes, News, Tips And How-Tos (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between gratin and dauphinoise? ›

Potatoes au gratin are slices of pre-cooked (usually boiled) potato cooked in cream and topped with cheese which makes the gratin. Gratin Dauphinoise, on the other hand, is a dish made of thinly-sliced (not pre-cooked) potatoes that cook in cream. Dauphinoise traditionally does not contain any cheese.

Are dauphinoise potatoes the same as scalloped potatoes? ›

They appear to share French origins; potato gratin is the Americanization of the French potatoes au gratin, and in American English gratin de pommes de terre Dauphinoise has become dauphinoise potatoes. Scalloped potatoes generally do not have cheese, whereas potato gratin and dauphinoise potatoes do.

Which is better, scalloped potatoes or au gratin? ›

Scalloped potatoes also won't be as crispy in texture as au gratin. Both are golden brown and creamy, but if it's crispiness and crunchiness you're after, au gratin will probably be your best bet. Either one is sure to be a hit with your dinner guests, but it just depends on what sort of vibe you're going for!

What is the difference between potato pave and dauphinoise? ›

Potatoes dauphinoise is made with thicker slices of potatoes arranged in a shallower baking dish and has a larger proportion of liquid to the potatoes. Potato pavé uses very thin slices of potato and layers them in a precise manner in a loaf pan so the dish is taller and the slices almost melt into one another.

Why are they called dauphinoise potatoes? ›

Potatoes dauphinoise, on the other hand, is named not after a person (or a sea mammal), but after the Dauphiné region itself where the local cuisine is known, among other things, for featuring a wide variety of gratin-style dishes.

Can dauphinoise potatoes be reheated? ›

One of the best things about Potatoes Dauphinoise is that if there's any left over it keeps well in the fridge for several days and it reheats beautifully in the microwave (unlike roast potatoes which can taste a bit floury when reheated).

Why did the cream curdle in my dauphinoise potatoes? ›

The curdling is caused by high heat, which is hard to avoid in an oven. So to keep the sauce together, tackle it before the dish goes in the oven. Instead of simply layering grated cheese and milk or cream with the potatoes, you need to make a smooth cheese sauce.

Why are my dauphinoise potatoes runny? ›

If your roasting tray is too small the liquid won't reduce as quickly, so be sure to pick a large one. Also, don't forget to simmer on the hob for 5 minutes (step 4) before baking. If your dauphinoise is too watery, pop the pan back onto the hob after baking and simmer to reduce to your desired consistency.

What does au gratin mean in French? ›

The phrase au gratin literally means "by grating" in French, or "with a crust," from the verb gratter, "to scrape, scratch, or grate."

Why do my scalloped potatoes taste bland? ›

My scalloped potatoes are bland

They are also in need of serious seasoning to ensure deliciousness. Make sure your sauce is well-seasoned, but also, season each layer of potatoes with salt and pepper before adding the sauce, to make sure they are as flavorful as you want them!

Why did potatoes au gratin curdle? ›

High heat will cause the milk to curdle. Use milk or cream with higher fat content. Whole milk, half-and-half, or cream and full-fat cheeses are necessary. Skim milk and reduced-fat products will not be your friend in this dish.

What are Yankee potatoes? ›

In the 1800s “Yankees” in the Northeast enjoyed large. cut potatoes roasted- with crispy pan marks on the. outside and a luscious earthy center. Guests near the. kitchen could hear the slang “yanks” being yelled to.

What's another word for dauphinoise? ›

Potato Gratin is often a term used interchangeably with dauphinoise potatoes. Any baked dish of thinly sliced vegetables cooked with cheese and butter is generally a gratin. Potato gratin can be made with a creamy sauce, sometimes with the inclusion of onions, garlic and/or breadcrumbs.

Can you buy dauphinoise potatoes? ›

Buy Dauphinoise Potatoes online | Donald Russell.

What makes a dish 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 does gratin mean in French cooking? ›

A “gratin” is any dish that is topped with cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with butter, then heated in the oven or under the broiler until brown and crispy, according to The Food Lover's Companion. The term au gratin or gratinée just refers to anything prepared in that manner.

Why does cream split in dauphinoise potatoes? ›

Recipe Tips

Check the potatoes after half an hour, if the cream looks like it's splitting, your oven is too hot, so turn it down a bit. If you cook dauphinoise potatoes at a high temperature the cream will split, so this recipe cooks them low and slow for the best results.

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