Rustic Baked Ratatouille – A Simple, Flavor-Packed Vegetable Medley
Ratatouille: A Classic French Vegetable Dish with Endless Possibilities
Ratatouille is a beloved Provençal dish from the South of France, known for its rustic charm and vibrant flavors. Traditionally, it’s a slow-cooked medley of summer vegetables—eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic—simmered with olive oil and fragrant herbs. Originating in Nice, ratatouille was once considered a humble peasant dish, created as a way to make the most of an abundant vegetable harvest. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide, served as a side, a main dish, or even reinvented in countless creative ways.
My version? It’s a little different—but just as delicious.
This easy baked ratatouille is a celebration of fresh vegetables, layered with a rich tomato base and fragrant herbs. Whether you're using homegrown produce or a mix of what’s in your fridge, this dish is a no-fuss way to enjoy wholesome, garden-fresh flavors. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, and with the right sauce, it can be completely vegetarian!
Ingredients
Quantities can vary based on what you have on hand!
Eggplant – Sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Zucchini (green & yellow) – Sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Tomatoes (any variety) – Sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Onions – Thinly sliced
8 oz tomato sauce – Homemade or store-bought
Olive oil – For drizzling
Salt & Pepper – To taste
Seasonings: Smoked or sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil
Instructions
1. Prep the Eggplant
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with coarse salt and place them on a paper towel-lined tray. Cover with more paper towels and let them rest while prepping the other veggies. This helps draw out bitterness.
2. Slice & Layer
Finely slice the onions, tomatoes, and zucchini. Brush off excess salt from the eggplant.
In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom. Stack and layer the sliced vegetables upright, alternating colors for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and add a little extra tomato sauce on top.
3. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
Why You’ll Love This Ratatouille
✔ No Exact Measurements Needed – Use what you have! Perfect for garden veggies.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – It reheats beautifully.
✔ Customizable – Add parmesan or your favorite cheese for a richer twist.
✔ Healthy & Wholesome – Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly (if using a meat-free sauce).
Serve warm and enjoy a dish that tastes like the heart of Provence!
