Name: Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 192 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dish that celebrates the bounty of summer vegetables, the Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. This beautifully layered vegetable medley bakes to tender perfection, infused with rich tomato sauce and a fresh, aromatic herb dressing that makes every bite sing. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a soul-warming dish that brings a touch of rustic French charm to your table. Whether served as a main or a side, this recipe shines with simplicity and flavor, capturing the essence of Provençal cooking in a way that feels both timeless and inviting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with four groups of thinly sliced vegetables arranged around a stainless steel mandoline slicer. At the top left are bright red tomato slices with visible seeds and juicy texture. To the top right, there are pale yellow squash slices with a soft, smooth look stacked loosely. Below the squash, light green zucchini slices with darker green edges form a small scattered pile. At the bottom left, there are purple eggplant slices with light inner flesh and small seeds, layered in a neat stack. The mandoline slicer lies diagonally on the right side with a shiny metal body and black handles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the silky eggplant and sweet tomatoes to the fragrant herbs in the dressing. These essentials work together to create a dish that is colorful, balanced, and irresistibly tasty.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: The key to a rich, silky base and for sautéing the vegetables gently.
½ yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the vegetables perfectly.
1 small carrot, grated: Introduces natural sweetness and soft texture in the sauce.
1 (14.5-ounce can) crushed tomatoes: The vibrant heart of the sauce, full of acidity and sweetness.
3 roasted red peppers, roughly chopped: Adds smoky sweetness and color to the sauce.
2 teaspoons herbs de Provence: A classic French herb blend that brings fragrant floral and savory notes.
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough subtle heat and earthiness.
1 Chinese eggplant: Offers a creamy texture and tender bite when baked.
2 zucchini: Adds freshness and slight crunch contrast.
1 yellow summer squash: Brightens the dish with a touch of mild sweetness.
5 Roma tomatoes: Juicy and firm slices that roast beautifully without falling apart.
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (for dressing): Holds and spreads the fragrant herbs in the dressing.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs: Use a medley of thyme, basil, parsley, tarragon, or oregano for vibrant flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced (for dressing): Adds an aromatic boost in the herb dressing.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper (to taste for dressing): The final seasoning touch to pull everything together.

How to Make Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Carrot

Start by heating the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and grated carrot, stirring them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness comes alive. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant — this little step builds the flavorful base that sets the tone for the entire dish.

Step 2: Add More Veggies and Simmer the Sauce

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes. This simmering melds the ingredients into a luscious, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the roasted vegetables.

Step 3: Slice the Vegetables

While the sauce simmers, grab your mandoline to thinly slice the Chinese eggplant, zucchini, yellow summer squash, and Roma tomatoes. Thin slices ensure that the veggies cook evenly and create that signature layered look that makes ratatouille so visually stunning.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

After simmering, transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the skillet to pulse the mixture lightly. You want it to be smooth but still retaining some texture. Pour it back into the skillet and spread it evenly in a flat layer — this will be the flavorful base for your ratatouille.

Step 5: Arrange the Vegetables

Here’s where the magic happens: alternate the sliced vegetables in a circular pattern around the skillet, working your way toward the center. This beautiful arrangement not only looks elegant but ensures every bite bursts with a variety of textures and flavors.

Step 6: Drizzle the Herb Dressing

Mix together olive oil, fresh chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Then generously drizzle this vibrant herb dressing over the arranged vegetables, bringing a fresh, bright contrast to the warm roasted flavors.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover your skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the top turns slightly golden. This slow baking makes every vegetable melt into mouthwatering deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Right before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or plate individual portions with a few spoonfuls of the sauce. You can also channel that iconic scene from the movie Ratatouille for a stunning presentation that wows guests every time!

How to Serve Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe

The dish shows a white skillet filled with a colorful spiral of thin yellow squash, green zucchini, red tomatoes, and purple eggplants layered closely and evenly standing up. The vegetables sit on a thick bright red tomato sauce base that reaches the edge of the skillet. The vegetables are topped with sprinkled herbs and small pieces of garlic for texture and green leaf garnishes scattered on top. A silver spoon rests inside the skillet, scooping part of the vegetables and sauce, showing the layered colors and moist texture clearly. The skillet is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, with some thyme sprigs and a white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few sprigs of fresh thyme or basil on top add a pop of color and an herbal brightness that complements the deep roasted flavors. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving can also enhance the richness and mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, fluffy couscous, or creamy polenta. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or a simple fried egg for brunch-style indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the ratatouille in individual ramekins for a charming touch or layered in a clear baking dish so the beautiful vegetable pattern is on full display. You can even stuff it inside puff pastry for an elegant twist that transforms this humble vegetable dish into showstopping fare.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables will continue to soften as they sit, especially when reheated, but the flavors only deepen and blend over time.

Freezing

This Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe freezes beautifully. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven with foil to maintain moisture, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat. The microwave works well too but reheating slowly preserves the tender textures and herb freshness best.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this ratatouille?

Absolutely! While the Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe highlights specific veggies, feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even thinly sliced potatoes to customize it to your liking.

Do I have to blend the sauce completely?

Nope! The sauce should be lightly blended to keep some texture. This rustic finish gives the ratatouille its signature character without becoming a smooth soup.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free as written. Just ensure any added sides or garnishes also meet your dietary preferences.

What’s the best way to slice vegetables for even baking?

Using a mandoline is ideal for getting even, thin slices that cook uniformly and look elegant when arranged in the skillet.

How can I make the herb dressing ahead of time?

You can mix the herb dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the herbs and garlic to infuse the olive oil beautifully, making the flavors even more intense when drizzled on the ratatouille.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Classic Oven-Baked Ratatouille with Herb Dressing Recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and timeless flavors that always impress. Whether you’re making it for a casual family meal or an elegant dinner party, it’s bound to become a favorite you turn to again and again. So grab your mandoline and get ready to savor a taste of Provence in your very own kitchen!