It’s easy to fall for the charms of a delicious gratin, especially if you’re a fan of potato-based dishes. But one of the best things about this dish is how easy it can be to make—assuming you have an au gratin pan, of course.
What sets gratin apart from other casserole dishes is the crispy crust that tops it. The best way to ensure you get that perfect top layer of bread crumbs or cheese is with an au gratin pan. Made of materials like stainless steel, enameled cast iron and stoneware, this oval-shaped piece of cookware is typically no more than 1.5 inches thick, and has handles on either side so that it can easily be maneuvered. That’s important, because you’ll be placing it under a hot broiler for the final part of the cooking process. Of course, you’ll also want a pan that looks nice, since you’re most likely going to be placing it directly on your dinner table.
So, if you’re ready to start preparing gratins on a regular basis, then the time is right to invest in a dedicated pan. Here are four of the very best on Amazon.
1. Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Au Gratin Dish
Le Creuset’s stoneware has developed a strong reputation for two simple reasons: It looks and works great. And its au gratin pan is no different. The dish features a traditional look that’s been given a slightly modern makeover thanks to a two-tone color scheme and scalloped handles that are easy to grip. It’s also an ultra-durable pan that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit while still evenly distributing heat. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, which makes for easy cleaning.
Amazon
Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Au Gratin Dish: $45.00
2. All-Clad Stainless-Steel Gratins
When you think of an au gratin pan, chances are you think of one made of enameled cast iron or glass. But, as All-Clad’s offering proves, stainless steel works just as well. The company’s pan isn’t the biggest, but it makes up for that by coming in a set of two. Made of heavy-gauge, polished stainless steel, it evenly spreads heat and can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, its large handles make it easy to move around.
Amazon
All-Clad Stainless-Steel Gratins: $42.45
3. Anolon Vesta Ceramics Au Gratin Pan
Sometimes it doesn’t matter what a piece of cookware looks like, as long as it works. That’s not really the case with Anolon’s au gratin pan, though, because you’ll frequently put it on your dinner table so that guests can serve themselves. That’s why the ceramic 3-quart pan really stands out. Solid and durable, it’s also one of the better looking on the market. And if blue isn’t the color for you, no worries—it’s also available in red and orange.
Amazon
Anolon Vesta Ceramics Au Gratin Pan:
4. Newanovi Au Gratin Pan Set
Are you finding it hard to find the exact right size au gratin pan? Newanovi has you covered with this set of three pans. The collection includes an 11-inch, 8.7-inch and 6.3-inch dish so you never end up with too many cheesy potatoes leftover. The brand’s ceramic bakeware also feels solid, comes in a striking orange and blue color scheme and is easy to clean. The two smaller pans also fit inside the largest one so you don’t have to worry about the set taking up too much space, either.
Newanovi Au Gratin Pan Set:
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Bryan Hood
Senior Staff Writer
Bryan Hood is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Before joining the magazine, he worked for the New York Post, Artinfo and New York magazine, where he covered everything from celebrity gossip to…
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FAQs
By opting to make them in a sheet pan, rather than in a baking dish, the potatoes get perfectly crisp and come out of the oven with a beautiful, golden, cheesy crust.
What pan is best for au gratin potatoes? ›
By opting to make them in a sheet pan, rather than in a baking dish, the potatoes get perfectly crisp and come out of the oven with a beautiful, golden, cheesy crust.
How deep is a gratin pan? ›
It can be round, oval or rectangular, and most commonly it is about an inch and a half deep.
What is gratin cookware? ›
The Au Gratin dish gets its name from the French technique where the dish is topped by a brown crust, usually with grated cheese, butter, or breadcrumbs. The Au Gratin is an oval, stoneware dish that is suited for gratins, roasting, and even baking recipes.
What is the cooking technique of gratin? ›
Derived from the French verb gratiner — to broil — gratin is a process that involves topping a dish with either cheese or buttery breadcrumbs and baking or broiling until crispy.
Why are my au gratin potatoes hard? ›
Potatoes or rice can remain rock-hard after prolonged cooking. Starch will not swell if it is acidic. If you have a lot of sour cream in your scalloped potatoes or add something acidic, your potatoes may not soften. You can cook the potatoes with heavy cream or milk and then, after they soften, stir in sour cream.
Which is better scalloped 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 au gratin and gratin? ›
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 is my au gratin watery? ›
If you stored the sliced potatoes in water to prevent discoloring, but didn't drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the baking dish, you may have added extra water to the dish. You could have also used the wrong kind of potato, as some waxy potatoes can release more water than starchier potatoes.
Why are my au gratin potatoes watery? ›
If you used a pre-prepped potato from the refrigerator section instead of slicing your own, they can have preservatives that make them a bit watery. If you stored your potatoes in water to prevent discoloring, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding to your casserole.
Butter a gratin dish (which should be long and large and about 5 cm (2 in) deep) and sprinkle 2 chopped garlic slices on the bottom, a pinch of salt and pepper and more nutmeg.
Are scalloped and au gratin the same? ›
The difference comes down to cheese. Scalloped potato recipes are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.
Why did my au gratin curdle? ›
Scalloped or au gratin potatoes are so simple. But it can be frustrating when the creamy sauce and cheese separate or look curdled. The good news is that the dish tastes just fine, even when it looks a little strange. The curdling is caused by high heat, which is hard to avoid in an oven.
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."
Can you slice potatoes ahead of time for au gratin? ›
This is possible and I will outline a few tricks you'll need to know. To cook the potatoes, slice them thin for the casserole and add to a pan with cold water, bring to a boil and then simmer the potatoes. They will be fully cooked when you can easily pierce them with a sharp knife or mush with the tines of a fork.
What pan is best for cooking potatoes? ›
The Best Skillet for Fried Potatoes
I love using my cast iron skillet for fried potatoes because it retains heat so well, but a nonstick pan works just as well. If you're using a cast iron skillet, give it plenty of time to heat up and use the full amount of oil — you want the potatoes to sizzle when they hit the pan.
What is the best potato choice for pan frying? ›
The best kind of potatoes to pan-fry:
Use baby Yukon gold if you can! If not, choose another creamy variety instead of a starchier choice like russets—if so, you might end up with soggy results.
What's the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes? ›
The difference comes down to cheese. Scalloped potato recipes are usually baked in a basic cream sauce until soft and tender, with no cheese topping. Potatoes au gratin are a bit more decadent. They are made with lots of cheese sprinkled in between the layers of potatoes and also on top of the casserole.
