Gratin is a French culinary term that refers to a dish made with a savory custard or sauce, combined with breadcrumbs and/or cheese, then baked in an oven until golden brown. The name comes from the French verb “grater,” meaning to grate, which describes the process of layering the ingredients in a dish before baking it. Gratin dishes are typically served as a side or main course and can include various ingredients such as potatoes, cheese, vegetables, meat, or seafood. Some popular examples of gratin dishes include scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and au gratin vegetables.