Definition

Noun 1. A small fireproof dish: A small, oven-safe dish, typically ceramic, designed for baking and serving an individual portion of food. 2. A cheese dish: A specific baked food preparation, typically containing cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs, which is cooked and served in such a small dish.

Usage Examples

• As a container/dish:
  • She baked the crème brûlée in individual ramequins.
  • The soufflé is served in its own ramequin.
• As a food item:
  • The menu featured a delicious cheese ramequin as a starter.
  • He prepared a classic ramequin with Gruyère and a hint of nutmeg.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metonymically, where the name of the dish (container) is used to refer to the food it contains, and vice-versa. For example, "We ate ramequins" typically means you ate the food from them, not the ceramic dishes themselves.
• In professional culinary contexts, the size and shape of a ramequin are standardized for certain recipes, like crème caramel or pot de crème.

Variants and Related Words

• Ramekin: This is a common alternate spelling of the word.
• Cocotte: A similar small, lidded cooking dish, often made of cast iron.
• Custard cup: A general term for a small cup used for baking custards or similar desserts, often synonymous with ramequin in casual use.

Synonyms

• Baking dish (for the container sense, though not necessarily individual-sized).
• Soufflé dish (specifically for dishes used for soufflés).
• Au gratin dish (for a similar small dish used for baked, topped dishes).

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings are closely linked by their function: 1. The object (the ceramic or porcelain dish). 2. The food traditionally prepared and served in that object. The second meaning is less common in modern general English but remains in culinary terminology. The first meaning (the dish itself) is predominant.

Noun

1. a small fireproof dish used for baking and serving individual portions
2. a cheese dish made with egg and bread crumbs that is baked and served in individual fireproof dishes