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Ina Garten Vegetable Casserole Recipe

Ina Garten Vegetable Casserole

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

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.

Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables

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.

Step 4: Season and Drizzle with Olive Oil

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme evenly over the top. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the vegetables to help them roast and brown.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs

Combine Parmesan cheese and panko in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the vegetables to create a golden, crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender and Golden

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.

Step 7: Let Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for extra color and flavor.