Name: Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small carrot, grated; 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 3 roasted red peppers (from a jar), roughly chopped; 2 teaspoons herbs de Provence; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 Chinese eggplant; 2 zucchini; 1 yellow summer squash; 5 Roma tomatoes; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tender herbs (thyme, basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano, etc.); 3 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavorsome dish that turns humble vegetables into a stunning centerpiece, you’ve got to try this Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh produce perfectly layered and baked to tender perfection, crowned with a fragrant herb drizzle that elevates every bite. This recipe delivers a beautiful balance of textures and rich aromas that bring a rustic French countryside meal right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there is a white bowl filled with bright red roasted red peppers with some char marks. Next to it is a small white bowl holding coarse black pepper and salt. Below these, there is a white small jug filled with golden olive oil. To the right, a glass jug contains crushed red tomatoes. Near the center, a whole white onion with smooth skin rests beside a head of white garlic. Below them, a long, smooth purple eggplant is placed vertically next to three bright red roma tomatoes and a long orange carrot. On the left side, two dark green zucchinis with smooth skin lie next to a large bunch of fresh green parsley and bright green thyme. At the bottom right, a pale yellow summer squash rests near a small white bowl holding mixed dried herbs called Herbs De Provence. The colors are vibrant and fresh, showing rich reds, greens, purples, and yellows, all set on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating its iconic taste and colorful presentation. From the ripe tomatoes that give it juiciness to the medley of squash and eggplant offering a tender bite, every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to complement and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Use high-quality oil for richer flavor and smooth cooking texture.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a savory base when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
Carrot: Grated carrot contributes natural sweetness and slight texture contrast.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a luscious, tangy base sauce that wraps the vegetables beautifully.
Roasted red peppers: Offer smoky sweetness and vibrant color accents.
Herbs de Provence: This classic blend infuses the sauce with an authentic French herbiness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural vegetable flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
Chinese eggplant: Delivers silky texture and absorbs the herb-infused sauce wonderfully.
Zucchini: Mild in flavor with a tender bite, perfect for layering.
Yellow summer squash: Adds bright color and subtle sweetness.
Roma tomatoes: Sliced thinly, they bring juicy freshness and beautiful layering.
Fresh tender herbs (thyme, basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano): Finely chopped to make the herb-infused drizzle that brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Your Base

Start by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet, then add diced onion and grated carrot. Sauté these until they soften and their natural sweetness starts to develop—this foundation is key for the depth of flavor that makes this ratatouille stand out. Toss in minced garlic last to avoid burning and let its fragrance bloom gently in the pan.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

Add crushed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper to the sautéed veggies. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes. This slow melding of ingredients creates a luscious sauce that will envelop your vegetable slices with richness and herbal notes.

Step 3: Thinly Slice Your Vegetables with Precision

While the sauce is simmering, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and Roma tomatoes into thin, even slices. Uniform slices ensure the vegetables cook evenly and look striking when arranged in the baking dish, creating that classic ratatouille spiral everyone loves.

Step 4: Lightly Blend the Sauce

Transfer your simmered vegetable sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to pulse it just enough to combine while still keeping some texture. Pour this flavorful base back into your skillet and spread it into an even layer, forming the perfect bed for your vegetable arrangement.

Step 5: Arrange the Vegetables Elegantly

Arrange the sliced vegetables in a circular pattern over the sauce, alternating colors and types. Moving from the outer edge towards the center in a neat spiral will give your ratatouille that stunning, gallery-worthy appearance that looks so impressive on the table.

Step 6: Drizzle with Herb-Infused Dressing

Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, your choice of fresh tender herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this fragrant herb-infused dressing evenly over the arranged vegetables. This step is crucial as it not only adds flavor but also keeps the veggies moist and shiny while baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Tender and Golden

Cover the pan with a lid or foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. After 40 minutes, remove the cover and bake for another 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender throughout and golden on top. This baking process concentrats flavors and softens the vegetables to perfection.

Step 8: Serve Your Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe

Once out of the oven, let the ratatouille rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or additional herbs for that extra touch of elegance. The vivid colors, tempting aroma, and rich herbed sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe

The image shows thin slices of red tomatoes, yellow squash, green zucchini, and purple eggplant arranged in separate groups on a white marbled surface. The tomato slices are stacked on the top left, the yellow squash slices are at the top right, the zucchini slices are below the yellow squash and spread beside a shiny silver slicer with black handles, and the eggplant slices are at the bottom left in a small stack with some slices spread out. The textures show fresh, moist, and smooth vegetable surfaces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the warm, baked vegetables. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving can add a luscious shine and enhance the herb-infused flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This ratatouille pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or even a light quinoa salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish to balance the garden-fresh vegetables with protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving individual portions in small ramekins or baking the ratatouille in a large, rustic cast iron skillet to let guests admire its beautiful spiral before dishing out. For a stunning visual, plate each serving with a spoonful of extra herb drizzle and a sprig of fresh thyme or oregano.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ratatouille keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent dish to prepare in advance and enjoy later.

Freezing

You can freeze ratatouille by transferring cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for having a homemade vegetable dish ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the vegetables intact. Alternatively, microwave covered to retain moisture. Adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs upon reheating can revive the dish’s fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic medley is traditional, feel free to experiment with bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to customize the dish to your taste.

Do I need to peel the eggplant and squash?

Peeling is optional. The skin adds texture and nutrients, but if you prefer a softer texture, peeling the eggplant and squash before slicing is a good choice.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it’s based on vegetables, olive oil, and herbs. Just be sure your herbs and additional ingredients don’t contain any animal products.

How do I prevent the vegetables from drying out during baking?

The herb-infused olive oil drizzle helps keep the veggies moist, and covering the pan while baking traps steam to prevent drying. Make sure you don’t skip these steps for tender results.

What’s the best way to slice the vegetables evenly?

A mandoline slicer is best for uniform thin slices, which ensures even cooking and an appealing layered look. If you don’t have one, use a very sharp knife and take your time chopping carefully.

Final Thoughts

This Elegant Baked Ratatouille with Herb-Infused Drizzle Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the French countryside. Fresh, vibrant, and deeply comforting, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or impressing at your next dinner. I genuinely hope you give it a try and discover just how spectacular simple veggies can be when treated with a little care and a lot of love.