Layered Ratatouille Bake is a vibrant and colorful dish that showcases a medley of vegetables, including zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, layered with a rich tomato sauce and topped with cheese. This hearty bake is perfect as a main course or a side dish and is ideal for showcasing seasonal produce!

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant (sliced into thin rounds)
• 2 medium zucchini (sliced into thin rounds)
• 2 medium yellow squash (sliced into thin rounds)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Timing

Making Layered Ratatouille Bake takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Prepare Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Layer the Bake

1. Spread Sauce: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Layer Vegetables: Begin layering the sliced eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers in an alternating pattern, creating a visually appealing arrangement. Continue layering until all vegetables are used.
3. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the layered vegetables, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 3: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve your Layered Ratatouille Bake warm as a delicious main course or side dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Layered Ratatouille Bake (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	10g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	23g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage between the layers for added protein.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Options: Substitute with goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

Layered Ratatouille Bake is a delicious and visually stunning dish that highlights the flavors of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this bake is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this delightful recipe!