I love the method in this ratatouille recipe because it is a great way to simplify the process without sacrificing flavor. By roasting everything on sheet pans, the vegetables caramelize beautifully, and the whole dish becomes richer and more cohesive — without being overly oily. It’s the kind of humble dish that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or a cozy dinner party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe was born from practicality but rooted in tradition. Growing up, my mom made a stovetop version every week using produce from our backyard garden. My Aunt Maria, ever the innovator, suggested we try roasting all the vegetables together instead. The result? A healthy summer dinner that’s less labor-intensive and arguably more delicious.
Unlike some versions that drown the vegetables in oil, this one uses just enough cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil to bring out their natural sweetness. A sprinkle of Herbs de Provence (or a mix of marjoram and oregano) adds the signature flavor of the south of France. And yes, I always include plenty of fresh basil — because in my house, it’s practically a rule.
This dish is:
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan
- Packed with fresh produce
- A fantastic main dish or side dish
- Even better the next day
- A nod to both the traditional ratatouille recipe and the modern cook’s need for ease
Early on, I realized this wasn’t just a time-saver — it was a flavor booster. Plus, I’ve since taught this method in my bootcamps, and the rave reviews pour in every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No measurements here — just what to expect!
- Eggplant – Adds soft texture and earthiness. No need to peel — the skin roasts beautifully.
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash – Either or both work. Brings moisture and brightness.
- Bell Peppers – Use a mix of red bell peppers, yellow, or sweet bell peppers for color and balance.
- Yellow Onion – Offers subtle sweetness and structure.
- Garlic – Six cloves. Yes, really. It mellows and sweetens in the oven.
- Tomatoes – Use fresh tomatoes when in season or high-quality canned for convenience. Cherry tomatoes work too.
- Fresh Herbs – A finishing shower of basil, flat-leaf parsley, or even fresh thyme makes the whole dish pop.
- Herbs de Provence – Or a homemade mix using dried oregano and marjoram.
- Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper – Be generous but not excessive. A touch of red pepper flakes is welcome if you like a little heat.
How to Make Roasted Ratatouille
Step 1: Preheat your oven to convection 375°F and line two baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss your chopped vegetables (except tomatoes) with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Spread the mixture out on your sheet pans — no overlapping! This helps the vegetables roast, not steam. You can dab any excess moisture with paper towels.
Step 3: Roast for 30–40 minutes, until everything is golden and starting to caramelize.
Step 4: Add the chopped tomatoes and roast another 10–15 minutes, until they’re soft and jammy. Transfer to a serving dish, adjust seasoning, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve warm, at room temperature, or straight from the fridge.
Tips and Variations
- Perfect for batch cooking. It’s even better the second day and reheats like a dream.
- Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens over time.
- Spoon over crusty bread, fold into an omelet, toss with pasta, or serve with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a scoop of cooked orzo.
- A splash of red wine vinegar brightens everything.
Recipe FAQs
Not quite! That version is more of a “confit byaldi,” where vegetables are layered in a spiral and baked. This is a French vegetable stew, roasted for ease and flavor.
Absolutely — cherry tomatoes roast beautifully and add bursts of sweetness.
No need! The skin softens in the oven and adds texture (and fiber).
Yes — this dish is better the next day. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.
Yes! Naturally so, with no substitutions needed.
This roasted ratatouille recipe is a celebration of fresh herbs, summer vegetables, and time-saving technique. It’s been tested and loved by my students, my family, and (most importantly) me — and I hope it becomes part of your seasonal rotation, too.
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Roasted Ratatouille Recipe (Easy French Classic)
Ingredients
- 2 small-medium eggplants, stem trimmed and cubed into 1 1/2 -inch pieces (do not peel)
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 2 medium summer squash, such as zucchini or yellow summer squash, trimmed and cubed into 1 1/2 -inch pieces
- 2 bell peppers, any color, cut into 1 1/2 -inch pieces
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 6-8 Tablespoons unrefined, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (6 Tbs. will seem like not enough, but it will be fine. 8 Tbs. will make the ratatouille more authentic.)
- 1 Tablespoon Herbs de Provence, or 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano and 1 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
- Sea salt to taste, I usually do about 3/4 teaspoon per sheet pan
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large ripe tomatoes cored and chopped (you can also use jarred whole tomatoes
- chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to convection 375*. Line two large baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the eggplant, onion, squash, peppers, and garlic with the oil and herbs de provence. Spread out evenly on both baking sheets and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes or until everything is softened and starting to caramelize.
- Stir the tomatoes into the vegetables on both sheets and roast for another 10-15 minutes or until the tomatoes become cooked and jammy.
- Transfer to a serving dish and taste for seasoning. Sprinkle with basil and parsley and serve immediately or at room temperature. This can also be made a day or two ahead and reheated. It gets better as it sits.
Notes
- Perfect for batch cooking. It’s even better the second day and reheats like a dream.
- Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens over time.
- Spoon over crusty bread, fold into an omelet, toss with pasta, or serve with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a scoop of cooked orzo.
- A splash of red wine vinegar brightens everything.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Questions:
1. Do you stir the veggies at all during the roasting process?
2. Do you removed the seeds from the tomatoes before adding them to the baking sheets?
1. I only stir when I add the tomatoes. But your oven is different from mine, so be aware of vegetables browning too quickly, especially if your oven runs hot.
2. I did not remove seeds, but feel free to if they bother you.
I never liked ratatouille until we tried this recipe. Now it’s one of my daughter’s favorites!
That’s great to hear!
Made this tonight with a few improvisations based on garden bounty. It was delicious and took it over the top with a drizzle of really syrupy balsamic. Served over farfalle pasta with a simple garden salad. Thank you for the delicious and easy recipe!
Yum! Sounds divine. Thank you for sharing, Shelli.
Delicious! I cut the veggies smaller so they ended up a little too crispy but still delicious. This is a much easier and better way to make ratatouille. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it! Roasting is the way to go. For next time, just keep in mind that the smaller you cut things, the faster they will cook.
i love this recipe! Made it tonight as is–PERFECT. Topped with fresh basil and it was just delish. Served with grouper and sweet potatoes, YUM. Great dish, thanks!!!
Sounds delicious! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you, Pamela, for your very kind reference.
I must say, however, that you have inspired me to go over and above my normal cooking “style,” especially with your fabulous boot camp classes!
Regarding the ratatouille recipe, I often mix the roasted vegetables with cooked farro, sprinkle lots of fresh basil on top and serve it for lunch. At times I also add some garbanzo beans to the mixture.
Keep up the good work!
Auntie M
Love you so much, Auntie. You still continue to inspire me every day!