What does finish in oven mean?

"Finish in oven" means to transfer a dish from one cooking method to the oven to complete the cooking process. This is often used in recipes where a dish is initially cooked on the stovetop or in a pan on the grill, then needs a final baking to finish cooking or develop a crispy crust.

Here's a breakdown of why you might "finish in oven":

* To achieve a crispy crust: This is common with casseroles, pizzas, and other dishes where a crispy top layer is desired.

* To cook through the center: Sometimes dishes start on the stovetop but need the heat of an oven to ensure the center cooks evenly, like a large roast.

* To create a golden brown color: The oven's heat can help develop a beautiful golden brown color on dishes like gratins and baked pastas.

Examples of recipes that might involve "finishing in the oven":

* Mac and cheese: The mac and cheese could be cooked on the stovetop and then transferred to the oven to melt the cheese and brown the top.

* Chicken pot pie: The chicken pot pie might be assembled in a pie dish and then finished in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.

* Pizza: The pizza crust might be pre-baked on the stovetop and then transferred to the oven to finish cooking and melt the cheese.

Note: Always follow the specific instructions in your recipe. The temperature and time for finishing in the oven will vary depending on the dish.