Rustic Garden Gratin is the perfect dish to celebrate the bounty of summer vegetables. With layers of zucchini, eggplant, and ripe tomatoes, baked under a golden blanket of Parmesan and mozzarella, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something beautifully comforting. As the vegetables soften in the oven, their flavors meld together. Meanwhile, the cheese forms a bubbling, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
This dish is visually stunning and incredibly versatile. It works as a hearty vegetarian main course or a rustic side for grilled meats. You can also serve it as a centerpiece for a holiday table. Dishes like this gratin come from the French countryside, where home cooks relied on seasonal produce to create deeply flavorful meals.
Easy to prepare yet elegant on the table, Rustic Garden Gratin brings Mediterranean warmth straight to your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll enjoy rich layers of herbs, cheese, and garden-fresh vegetables. It’s a recipe you’ll return to all season long.
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 medium eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
3 medium tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the vegetables:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes into even ¼-inch rounds for uniform baking.
2. Season and layer:
Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil in a baking dish. Arrange the vegetables in alternating rows—eggplant, zucchini, tomato. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Drizzle remaining olive oil evenly over the top.
3. Bake the gratin:
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the vegetables, and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and vegetables tender.
4. Finish and serve:
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving warm.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Choose Firm Vegetables: Firm eggplant, zucchini, and ripe tomatoes hold their shape better and won’t get mushy during baking.
- Use a Mandoline for Even Slices: Uniform slices ensure the vegetables cook evenly and create a more beautiful presentation.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the gratin to sit for 10 minutes helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
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