Hotpot vs. Casserole — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 2, 2023
Hotpot is a communal dish of simmering broth for cooking ingredients tableside; casserole is a baked meal of various mixed ingredients.
Difference Between Hotpot and Casserole
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hotpot centers around a simmering pot of broth, with diners adding and cooking ingredients like meats and vegetables at the table. Casserole, conversely, is a one-dish baked meal that typically combines several ingredients like meat, vegetables, a starch, and a creamy or tomato-based sauce, baked together and often topped with cheese or breadcrumbs.
The concept of hotpot is inherently social, often shared amongst many, encouraging a communal dining experience. Casseroles are more self-contained, usually prepared by one person, and can be served to individuals or groups with less interactive dining.
Casseroles have the versatility to act as a side or main dish and are often associated with comfort food. Hotpot requires active participation, with diners engaged in the cooking process, making it a more involved and often festive meal.
In terms of preparation, hotpot demands little pre-cooking, with raw ingredients cooked at the dining table. Casseroles are assembled with ingredients that are either pre-cooked or will cook in the oven, resulting in a dish with melded flavors.
Hotpot's origins are East Asian, with variations seen in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines, among others. Casseroles are rooted in various culinary traditions, but the term is most prominently used in American and European cooking.
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Comparison Chart
Cooking Method
Simmering broth at the table
Baked in the oven
Dining Style
Communal and interactive
Individually served, less interactive
Origin
East Asian cuisines
Western cuisines, notably American
Preparation
Ingredients added raw to broth
Ingredients often pre-cooked, then baked
Typical Ingredients
Meats, vegetables, tofu, noodles
Meat, vegetables, starch, sauce, cheese
Compare with Definitions
Hotpot
A communal meal popular in various Asian cuisines.
The family's tradition was to share a hotpot on New Year's Eve.
Casserole
A baked dish of mixed ingredients.
She prepared a chicken and rice casserole for the potluck.
Hotpot
A pot used for cooking and serving the hotpot meal.
The centerpiece of the table was a steaming hotpot filled with aromatic broth.
Casserole
A meal often associated with comfort food.
On a chilly night, a hearty casserole was their go-to dinner choice.
Hotpot
A social dining experience centered around a shared pot.
The friends enjoyed the interactive nature of the hotpot dinner.
Casserole
A dish suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
The casserole was simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant for guests.
Hotpot
A cooking method involving a simmering pot of broth.
We gathered around the hotpot, ready to cook our chosen ingredients.
Casserole
A dish, usually of earthenware, glass, or cast iron, in which food is both baked and served.
Hotpot
A variety of dishes cooked in a broth at the table.
For dinner, they chose a spicy Sichuan hotpot with an array of meats and vegetables.
Casserole
The food as well as the dish it is baked in.
She inherited her grandmother's casserole dish with the family recipe.
Hotpot
A stew of meat and potatoes cooked in a tightly covered pot
Casserole
A casserole (French: diminutive of casse, from Provençal cassa 'pan') is a variety of a large, deep pan or bowl used for cooking a variety of dishes in the oven; it is also a category of foods cooked in such a utensil. To distinguish the two uses, the pan can be called a "casserole dish" or "casserole pan", whereas the food is simply "a casserole".
Casserole
Food prepared and served in such a dish.
Casserole
(Chemistry) A small-handled, deep porcelain crucible used for heating and evaporating.
Casserole
(countable) A dish of glass or earthenware, with a lid, in which food is baked and sometimes served.
Casserole
Food, such as a stew, cooked in such a dish.
A chicken casserole
Casserole
(by extension) Food that fills the high-walled dish or pan that it was cooked in. en
Casserole
(transitive) To cook like, or as, a casserole; to stew.
Casserole
A small round dish with a handle, usually of porcelain.
Casserole
A mold (in the shape of a hollow vessel or incasement) of boiled rice, mashed potato or paste, baked, and afterwards filled with vegetables or meat.
Casserole
Food cooked and served in a casserole
Casserole
Large deep dish in which food can be cooked and served
Casserole
A versatile dish with numerous recipe variations.
The potluck featured casseroles ranging from vegetarian to meat-lovers' delights.
Common Curiosities
Can a casserole be vegetarian?
Yes, there are many vegetarian casserole recipes.
Is casserole a French word?
Yes, it originates from the French word "casse," meaning a saucepan.
Can hotpot be made ahead of time?
The broth can be prepared in advance, but ingredients are cooked at the moment.
Are casseroles good for leftovers?
Yes, they often taste even better the next day and reheat well.
Are hotpots healthy?
They can be, as they often include fresh vegetables and lean proteins.
Is hotpot eaten year-round?
While particularly popular in winter, hotpot can be enjoyed any time.
What's a typical hotpot broth base?
Common bases include clear, tomato, mushroom, and spicy broths.
Should you stir a hotpot while cooking?
Yes, stirring ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
Is hotpot usually spicy?
It can be, depending on the type of broth used, but there are mild options as well.
Do you need a special pot for hotpot?
A special hotpot pot is ideal, but any deep, wide pot can work.
Can you do a hotpot with just vegetables?
Absolutely, vegetable hotpots are common and customizable.
How long does a casserole take to bake?
Baking times vary, but most casseroles bake for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Can you freeze a casserole?
Yes, most casseroles freeze and reheat well.
How can I prevent a casserole from being too dry?
Ensure adequate sauce or moisture and cover while baking if necessary.
What's the best way to layer a casserole?
Typically, start with a base layer, add your main ingredients, and top with cheese or breadcrumbs.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
