Oven Baked Ratatouille – A Colorful & Flavorful Vegetable Medley 🍆🍅🌿
This Oven Baked Ratatouille is a French-inspired celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables—layered beautifully and roasted to perfection with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It’s healthy, vibrant, and a show-stopping side or main for any occasion. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Ratatouille Recipe 💚
- ✅ Visually Stunning: Thinly sliced veggies arranged in a spiral for a gorgeous presentation.
- ✅ Flavor-Packed: Roasted with herbs, garlic, and tomato for a rich Mediterranean profile.
- ✅ Vegan & Gluten-Free: Naturally plant-based and wholesome.
- ✅ Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
🍆 Oven Baked Ratatouille Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant, thinly sliced 🍆
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced 🥒
- 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced 🟡
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌶️
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌶️
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced 🍅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Herbes de Provence 🌿
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish 🌿
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Expanded)
- Preheat oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round or rectangular baking dish with olive oil. - Make garlic herb oil:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, thyme (or Herbes de Provence), salt, and pepper. - Layer the vegetables:
- Arrange alternating slices of eggplant, zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and tomato upright in your baking dish in a spiral or rows.
- Spoon or brush the garlic herb oil over the top of the vegetables.
- Cover and bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until veggies are tender and slightly golden. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving. Delicious hot or at room temperature! 🍆🌿
💡 Tips & Flavor Boosters
- ✨ Add cheese: Top with crumbled goat cheese or Parmesan before the final 10 minutes of baking.
- ✨ Tomato base option: Spread a layer of crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce under the veggie layers for added richness.
- ✨ Roast uncovered for extra crisp: The last 5–10 minutes uncovered creates beautiful caramelization.
- ✨ Serve with: Crusty bread, couscous, or a fried egg for a complete meal.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
This dish is loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants from a medley of vegetables. Low in calories and rich in phytonutrients, it’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Assemble the dish up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- ✅ Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- ✅ Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave. Tastes even better the next day!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes—use thin slices of canned whole tomatoes or layer crushed tomatoes underneath for a saucier finish.
What if I don’t have all the vegetables?
You can substitute with whatever’s on hand—try mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or even thin-sliced carrots.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Ratatouille freezes well! Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Vibrant, Nourishing & Mediterranean-Inspired 💚
Bring the colors of Provence to your table with this oven-baked ratatouille! 🍆🍅💬 Share your veggie arrangements or tag your version on Pinterest!
