What Size Are Gratin Dishes? [Inc. Invidual Ones]

Gratin dishes are excellent for preparing traditional French cuisine, like Gratiné or Gratin, and other oven-baked favorites. If you enjoy these recipes, you probably have wondered what sizes are gratin dishes? We've researched this question and have discovered well-researched information to share with you!

Gratin dishes are available in various sizes, ranging from an eight oz to a three-quart dish capacity. 

Are you interested in learning more about the different sizing of gratin dishes available? Or which baking pan to use if you don't have a gratin dish stored in your kitchen cabinets? Please continue reading; there is much to learn about this exciting topic!

Potato gratin in baking dish over wooden background. Top view, flat lay - What Size Are Gratin Dishes [Inc. Invidual Ones]

What sizes are gratin Dishes?

Gratin dishes are aesthetically pleasing oval baking dishes typically used for Au Gratine or gratin recipes because the shallow pan allows the surface to brown and crisp quickly in the oven. Also, a favorite go-to dish for oven baking casseroles, fruit cobblers, and baked veggie medleys.

  • 8ox
  • 10 oz
  • 18 0z1
  • 20 oz
  • 24 oz
  • 1 quart
  • 2 quart

The popular gratin dishes are available in several sizes, ranging from individual portions of eight to ten oz capacity to medium size which is 20 oz to one quart, which will feed three to four people. Moreover, when preparing a dish for a gathering, select two-quart or larger gratin dishes that will hold eight or more servings.

Are you wondering which baking dishes are essential for a productive home kitchen? Click here to read "25 Types Of Baking Dishes You Need In Your Kitchen."

How much does a gratin dish hold?

Baked broccoli casserole

The amount the gratin dish will hold depends on the size of the dish. For example, an au gratin dish that measures  8.7 x 5.2 x 1.61 inches will hold eight oz., which is about one serving. Another example is a gratin dish 10.75 x 2 x 2.5 that offers 24 oz. capacity, which is about three servings.

What shape is a gratin dish?

The traditional gratin dish design is shallow and oval, which allows the crust and top layer to crisp evenly. However, not all gratin dishes are oval; there are rectangular, round, and square-shaped gratin dishes on the market.

Click here to view the Dowan square gratin dish at Amazon. 

Click here to view the Staub rectangle gratin dish at Amazon. 

Are you interested in a round gratin dish?

Click here to view the Sur La Table round gratin dish at Amazon. 

Potato gratin in baking dish over wooden background. Top view, flat lay

What can I use if I don't have a gratin dish?

Several other types of bakeware will work well for a gratin recipe. Please note only use bakeware or pans that are oven safe!

  • baking pans
  • bread pans
  • cast iron skillets
  • Dutch ovens
  • shallow stainless-steel saucepans
  • pie plates

Pro tip: any oven-safe pan with dimensions that provide enough surface area will work in place of a traditional gratin dish.

Click here to view the NJ gratin dishes at Amazon. 

What does gratin mean in cooking?

The term gratin is the compounding of the two French verbs, gratiner—to broil and gratter to scratch or scrape, which is an accurate visual description of nearly any gratin recipe.

According to BBC Good Food, a gratin is a dish topped with bread crumbs, butter, cheese, and eggs, and then baked until the surface is delightfully golden brown with crispy goodness. Moreover, the terms au gratin or gratinée refer to any dish prepared and baked with this method in gratin pans or any flat and shallow baking pan.

Not only are gratin recipes time-honored, but the recipe is versatile; gratins work well for gluten-free and vegan recipes. Substitute the butter and cheese with plant-based options and the bread crumbs with a gluten-free option for a diet restriction-friendly comfort food.

What makes a dish gratin?

For any dish to be considered a gratin, the dish is always baked or boiled in a flat and shallow dish with breadcrumbs or cheese.

Delicious homemade italian gratin dish with home cooked bolognese sauce and bechamel sauce topped with mozzarella cheese and served in a white baking dish on rustic table background.

What is a gratin bowl?

The only difference between a gratin bowl and a gratin dish is the depth and shape. Gratin bowls offer much more depth than the traditional shallow gratin dish.

Typically, the gratin is recommended for preparing oven-baked favorites like casseroles, chili con carne, mac and cheese, and onion soup.

Many cooks will prepare gratin bowls for the freezer with hearty soups, vegetable medleys, and other staples. That way, there is always a homemade meal in the freezer.

Although most gratin bowls are freezer safe, please note that not every gratin dish is compatible with the freezer. Double-check your instruction manual or manufacturer's website to check if your gratin dish is freezer safe.

Click here to view an Emile Henry gratin bowl at Amazon. 

Fun fact! The Emile Henry company offers home cooks a ten-year guarantee for each gratin bowl. The company has manufactured gratin dishes from quality ceramic since 1850, and their longevity is a testament to quality craftsmanship.

How deep is a gratin dish?

Generally, gratin dishes are shallow, and the depth ranges between one inch and  1 1/2; the most common depth is 1 1/4. Furthermore, not every manufacturer will have the exact same depth. There are variations from brand to brand. If there is a specific depth you are looking for, be sure to read the dimensions listed in the product description before purchasing.

How to clean a gratin dish?

Always allow the gratin dish to completely cool before scraping the dish or placing it in water. If there is a lot of food debris baked onto the sides of the dish, it can soak in soapy water for 30 minutes. If the burned debris is exceptionally stubborn, add a 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the soapy water.

Do not allow the dish to submerge for longer than 30 minutes; prolonged water exposure can damage the materials. Although, most gratin dishes are dishwasher safe. It is always best to check the dish for a dishwasher-safe seal located at the underside of the dish.

Choosing the correct bakeware for the recipe is essential to avoid a shattered mess in the oven. Click here to read, "Should You Reduce Oven Temp When Baking In Glass?"

Basic safety precautions for oven baking

Baking Traditional Shepard`s Pie in the Oven

Ensuring food and kitchen safety does need to be a priority to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Keep the following in mind for a happy and healthy kitchen!

  • Keep kitchen countertops clean and use antibacterial cleaners
  • Clean the oven regularly to avoid food debris burning in the oven
  • Always check to ensure that your kitchenware is oven-safe
  • Do not eat raw dough or any foods before checking the temperature
  • Thoroughly wash hands before each task
  • Always bake and cook foods to the correct temperature, consult your cookbook and use a thermometer
  • Always wear oven mitts to prevent burns
  • Keep hair tied back or under a cap
  • Keep small children and pets out of the kitchen when using a knife or operating hot ovens
  • Be mindful when preparing eggs, meat, milk, and poultry-these foods are highly susceptible to food-borne illnesses
  • When baking for others, double-check if there are any allergens concerns

Click here to view silicone oven mitts at Amazon. 

We are wrapping up!

This article discussed the sizes of gratin dishes and how many servings those will hold. Also, which pans to use if you do not have a gratin dish in your kitchen? We certainly hope this article has helped educate you about gratin dishes and provided a good reminder of a few safety precautions to keep in mind when baking.

Please visit Kitchenseer.com soon for more informative and helpful content! Check out some of our other posts before you go to help further your knowledge regarding cookware!

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