Irresistible Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin Recipe

Name: Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium sweet onion, diced; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese; Salt (to taste)

Published: July 22, 2025

by Molly white

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When you think of summer flavors, nothing says “sunshine” quite like a Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin. This dish embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking, bursting with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas that transport you straight to a sun-soaked terrace in Southern France. Greek-style eggplant dish Imagine layers of tender eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, all bubbling away in a cheesy embrace. fried green tomatoes It’s comfort food that feels sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.

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Essential Ingredients
Let’s Make it Together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What can I serve with Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin?
How do I prevent eggplants from becoming soggy?
Can I use other vegetables in this gratin?
📖 Recipe Card

Now let me take you back to the time I first made this gratin. I was hosting friends for dinner, and let’s just say my culinary skills were still in the “let’s microwave everything” phase. As I layered those gorgeous veggies, I felt like Julia Child—until I realized I forgot to preheat the oven! But oh boy, when that dish finally emerged from the oven, golden and bubbly, their reactions were priceless. tomato bacon jam It turned an awkward evening into a memorable feast! You’ll want to whip up this Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin for your next gathering; trust me, it’ll steal the show!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort
The combination of fresh ingredients creates an explosion of flavor in every bite
Its stunning layers make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests
Versatile enough for any occasion, this gratin pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a main event

I remember my friend Sarah’s face when she took her first bite of this gratin—pure bliss!

Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin Recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Eggplant: Choose firm eggplants with smooth skin; they should feel heavy for their size.
Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for their natural sweetness; heirlooms work wonderfully here.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they add depth and aroma to your dish. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Onion: A sweet onion will caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling between layers.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Basil): Fresh herbs give the dish its signature Provençal flair; dried herbs won’t quite do!
Cheese (Gruyère or Parmesan): Grate fresh cheese to sprinkle on top; it melts perfectly for that gooey finish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps develop those delicious flavors while baking.

Slice Those Veggies: Slice your eggplant into thin rounds—about half an inch thick works well. Lay them out on paper towels and sprinkle salt over them to draw out moisture.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. Toss in minced garlic towards the end so it doesn’t burn.

Layer Your Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, layer sliced eggplant and tomatoes alternately. Add sautéed onions and garlic between layers along with fresh herbs for flavor.

Add Cheese & Bake: Generously sprinkle grated cheese over the top layer of vegetables before placing your dish in the oven. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Let it Rest & Serve!: Remove from oven and let your gratin rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring you don’t burn your tongue on that cheesy goodness!

This Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin will have everyone asking for seconds—and possibly thirds! Enjoy every bite as you bask in those Mediterranean vibes right from your own kitchen! comforting tomato lasagna.

You Must Know

Mastering the Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin elevates your culinary skills
The dish combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors, creating a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
Emphasizing seasonal produce ensures the best taste and texture, making every bite memorable

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by slicing the eggplants and salting them to draw out excess moisture. Meanwhile, prep your tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Layer everything beautifully in a baking dish before adding cheese on top for a golden finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in zucchini or bell peppers for added color and flavor. Experiment with spices like oregano or thyme to enhance the dish’s Mediterranean essence, or toss in some olives for a briny twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through, ensuring the cheese stays melty and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh ingredients for better flavor; they make all the difference in this gratin
Consider serving it as a side dish to grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main course
Don’t forget to let it rest before serving; this helps flavors meld beautifully!

Cooking this Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin reminds me of summer evenings spent with friends, sharing laughter and stories over good food. Each bite takes me back to those joyful moments.

FAQ

What can I serve with Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin?

Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

How do I prevent eggplants from becoming soggy?

Salting them before cooking helps remove excess moisture and bitterness.

Can I use other vegetables in this gratin?

Absolutely! Zucchini and bell peppers work wonderfully alongside eggplant for added variety.

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