Here it is — a show-stopping, flavor-packed, veggie-rich lasagna with layers of roasted Mediterranean vegetables and a silky garlic-herb three-cheese drizzle. This dish is vegetarian, comforting, and deeply aromatic!
🍆 Layered Mediterranean Eggplant, Zucchini, Yellow & Red Bell Pepper Lasagna with Creamy Garlic Herb Three-Cheese Drizzle
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 30–40 min
Cook Time: 45–55 min
Total: ~1 hr 30 min
⭐ Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise or into thin rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Tomato Layer
- 3 cups marinara or tomato basil sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Herb Three-Cheese Drizzle
- 3/4 cup ricotta
- 1/2 cup mascarpone OR cream cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced or roasted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 2–4 tbsp milk or cream (to thin to drizzle consistency)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Optional: fresh basil, extra Parmesan
🍽️ Instructions
1. Roast the Mediterranean Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss eggplant, zucchini, and peppers with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
- Arrange on baking sheets in a single layer.
- Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly charred.
2. Prepare Tomato Layer
- Heat marinara in a saucepan with garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes for deeper flavor.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Three-Cheese Drizzle
- Combine ricotta, mascarpone/cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs.
- Add milk/cream a little at a time until it becomes silky, spoonable, and drizzly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if not oven-ready)
- Boil until al dente, then drain.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
Lower oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13 baking dish:
Layer 1:
- Spread thin layer of tomato sauce
- Add lasagna noodles
Layer 2: Roasted Veggies
- Add eggplant
- Add zucchini
- Add roasted peppers
Layer 3: Three-Cheese Drizzle
- Spoon or drizzle generously over vegetables
Layer 4: Tomato Layer
- Add a generous scoop of tomato sauce
Layer 5: Mozzarella
- Sprinkle mozzarella
Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with:
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella
- A final swirl of the garlic-herb cheese drizzle
- A sprinkle of Parmesan
6. Bake
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
- Fresh basil on top
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Serve with garlic bread or a Mediterranean salad
🔥 Optional Add-Ins
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Caramelized onions
- Spinach or kale
- Olives or artichoke hearts
- A layer of béchamel for extra creaminess