10 Days of Thanksgiving: Grateful for Gratins

Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin
Photo: Southern Living

Mention the word "gratin" and the first response is often, "What exactly IS a gratin anyway?" According to Wikipedia, a gratin is "a widespread culinary technique in food preparation in which an ingredient is topped with a browned crust, often using breadcrumbs, grated cheese, egg and/or butter." Sounds good to me!

Think of a gratin like a fancy casserole. The best part about a gratin is the fillings are nearly endless. You can go the decadent route with ingredients like mushrooms and goat cheese or Brussels Sprouts, Beemster cheese and bacon. Or, take the healthy road and opt for swiss chard and leeks, or broccoli and cauliflower. Whatever direction you decide, here are five recipes to get you started.

1. POTATO AND MUSHROOM GOAT CHEESE GRATIN EN CROUTE
The handmade pastry in this decadent gratin takes some time but the result is well worth the effort.

2. SWISS CHARD AND LEEK GRATIN
This gratin combines blanched chard and sautéed leeks, cooked until just tender in a creamy two-cheese sauce made with both Gruyère and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

3. CREAMY LIMA BEAN GRATIN
Not your mother's lima beans. This deliciously rich gratin balances lima beans with leeks, Cremini mushrooms and a grated Parmesan and bread crumb topping.

Swiss Chard and Leek Gratin
Photo: FoodandWine

4. BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
A quick and creamy Dijon-mustard sauce, laced with Parmesan and Cheddar cheese, turns a simple dish of broccoli and cauliflower into company fare.

5. BRUSSELS, BEEMSTER AND BACON GRATIN
Beemster is a Gouda-style cheese similar to butterscotchy aged goudas with little bits of crunch from crystallization that occurs during the cheese-making process. The savory flavor profile is a terrific match for brussels sprouts and Canadian bacon in this creamy gratin. Serve it with pierogies and a salad dressed in a tart vinaigrette to cut through the richness.