gratinate
Crust under heat
To gratinate is to brown the top of a dish under high heat, creating a crisp, golden crust.
This is typically done in an oven or under a broiler, often with cheese or breadcrumbs on top: gratinate the potatoes until bubbly and golden.
The related noun is gratin, as in potatoes au gratin.
Cook with direct heat
- brownDark earth tone
- caramelizeCook until golden-brown
- crispFirm and breakable
- glazeThin lustrous coating
Bright yellow, or precious
- crispyBrittle and snapping
- brownedCooked until darker
- caramelizedBrowned through sugar heating
- bubblyFizzy or cheerfully animated
charred · blistered · crusty · toasted · glazed · singed · crackled · lacquered
Nutty Swiss cheese
- parmesanGranular Italian grating cheese
- emmentalNutty holed cheese
- cheddarFirm aged English cheese
- mozzarellaMild Italian cheese
fontina · pecorino · raclette · manchego · gouda · provolone · asiago · cheese sauce
Pasta in cheese sauce
- moussakaLayered eggplant casserole
- lasagnaBaked layered pasta dish
- French onion soupBroiled, cheese-topped broth bowl
- croque monsieurFrench grilled ham-and-cheese
broil
Cook with direct heat
- brownDark earth tone
- caramelizeCook until golden-brown
- crispFirm and breakable
glaze · toast · sear · char · roast · bake · finish · top · melt · bubble
golden
Bright yellow, or precious
- crispyBrittle and snapping
- brownedCooked until darker
- caramelizedBrowned through sugar heating
bubbly · charred · blistered · crusty · toasted · glazed · singed · crackled · lacquered · gratinéed
gruyère
Nutty Swiss cheese
mozzarella · fontina · pecorino · raclette · manchego · gouda · provolone · asiago · cheese sauce · béchamel
macaroni cheese
Pasta in cheese sauce
- moussakaLayered eggplant casserole
- lasagnaBaked layered pasta dish
- French onion soupBroiled, cheese-topped broth bowl
croque monsieur · lobster thermidor · oysters Rockefeller · shepherd's pie