What is Gratin?

Gratin — A gratin is any dish that's topped with cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with knobs 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 this way. Special round or oval gratin pans and dishes are ovenproof and shallow, which increases a dish's surface area, thereby ensuring a larger crispy portion for each…