What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
casserole
Example
She made a delicious chicken casserole for dinner. [casserole: noun]
Example
They are casseroling the vegetables with cheese and breadcrumbs. [casseroling: verb]
gratin
Example
The chef prepared a delicious potato gratin for the dinner party. [gratin: noun]
Example
They are gratining the cauliflower with cheese and cream. [gratining: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Casserole is more commonly used than gratin in everyday language, especially in American cooking. Casserole is a versatile term that encompasses a wide range of baked dishes. On the other hand, gratin is less common and is often used in the context of French cuisine or when referring to dishes with a specific golden-brown crust on top.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between casserole and gratin?
Both casserole and gratin can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, gratin may sound slightly more sophisticated due to its association with French cuisine.
