Ina Garten’s vegetable casserole is a layered bake made with sliced zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and eggplant, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked until tender and slightly crisp on top. The dish is inspired by French tian-style casseroles, where vegetables are arranged vertically and roasted with olive oil and herbs until deeply flavorful.
1 medium eggplant, thinly sliced
2 zucchini, thinly sliced
2 yellow squash, thinly sliced
4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Alternately layer the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes vertically (or in a circular pattern) on top of the onion base. Overlap the slices slightly for a beautiful presentation.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme evenly over the top. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the vegetables to help them roast and brown.
Combine Parmesan cheese and panko in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the vegetables to create a golden, crispy topping.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and vegetables are fork-tender.
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for extra color and flavor.