Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (2024)

(updated January 11, 2024) // by Phoebe Lapine // 19 comments

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I’ve been fortunate this fall that thanks to all my recipe development projects, my fridge has been constantly packed to the gills with good food. But that also means that I’m constantly serving my guests leftovers.

My friend Sarah (queen of toast) had a dinner party earlier this week. In the days leading up to it I helped her talk through the menu. There were lots of boys involved, so despite her own vegetarianism, she wanted to serve meat (and ended up making the menu a literal sausagefest).

After the main course was decided, I asked what I could bring. Though I always try to be helpful, my secret goal was to pawn off a rather large bowl of beet and wild rice salad that had been sitting in my fridge since Friday. I tried to finesse this as best I could. But ultimately Sarah said: your rice, your problem. But in a much nicer way.

Since that same rice is still sitting in my fridge, now accompanied by 3 more types of wild rice salads, I got to reflecting on some of the weirder menus I’ve inflicted on my friends in recent months. Which brings me to girls dinner.

Last month, I gathered a random mix of ladies together for a meeting of the minds and stomachs, and to share in the glow of one another. Sarah and I are obsessed with Ann Friedman’s column on NYMag. And her article on Shine Theory has spawned a near daily mention of ways we can shine on one another, or ladies we know who so are or so aren’t shine theory. Look it up.

Anyway, out of shine theory, came this dinner. I agreed to host. And despite the fact that many of the girls involved had never come over before or eaten my food, I decided to serve them 10 different types of casseroles and call it a meal. This swiss chard gratin was among the lot. And like the others, it was delicious. But given most hostess’ attention to dinner party detail and calculated menu planning – things that I’ve always subscribed to – I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about holding people hostage to my hosting by forcing them to eat two types of mashed potatoes and five creamy baked greens.

Girls dinner 2.0 is tonight. In the meantime, I have to finish my project for Food & Wine, which means adding even more wild rice to the mix. I haven’t yet decided what to do about tonight’s menu or those beets in my fridge. Something tells me that serving 10 different types of wild rice might be a little less shine theory than 10 different types of casseroles.

But that’s neither here nor there. What’s on the menu for you guys right now is this gratin. It makes for an especially delicious Thanksgiving side, even if your table might include just as many casseroles as mine did a few weeks ago.

What are you guys making for TDay? Shine on me in the comments section with some inspiration!

xo
Phoebe

Swiss Chard Gratin

Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (8)

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Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Phoebe Lapine

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large sweet onion diced
  • 12 cups thinly sliced chard leaves about 2 large bunches, thick stems removed
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Sea salt and pepper
  • 1 cup coarsely grated gruyere
  • ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the butter. Saute the onion over medium-high heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the chard and cook until wilted and the stems are tender, about 5 minutes.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch. Add to the pan and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with the nutmeg and 1 teaspoon salt.

  • Transfer the greens to a 3-quart ceramic baking dish and sprinkle the cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs. Bake for 15 minutes, until heated through and the top is lightly golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g

Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (9)If you make this, tag @phoebelapine and #feedmephoebe - I'd love to see it!

Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (10)

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Comments

  1. Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (11)Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says

    This looks absolutely lovely! I wish I had more control over Thanksgiving dinner or was able to host. I would so be making this! PS I LOVE the shine theory. I read that whole article. So interesting why women must tear each other down in order to “feel better” about themselves. My friend and I were just talking about that. I can’t wait to email her the article.

    Reply

    • Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (12)Phoebe Lapine says

      I’m so glad you read!! I loved the part that if someone seems super confident but has the tendency to make you feel bad about yourself, she’s probably faking it. Some of the most arrogant people – men too! – are often the most insecure. It’s so important to remember that I think. Cheers to you Stefanie – you are SO shine theory!!!! xxx

      Reply

  2. Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (13)Frankie says

    In my imaginary girls-only Thanksgiving, I’d make a salad of course. Butter lettuce with endive slices and whole-leaf fresh tarragon, and a simple transparent sunflower oil-white vinegar-salt dressing. Since you asked.

    Reply

  3. Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (14)Amy says

    Made this for Thanksgiving. Absolutely wonderful! Have lots of swiss chard growing in my winter garden. This will be making a frequent appearance over the next several months. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (15)Phoebe Lapine says

      That’s so wonderful to heat Amy!! Thank you for making it apart of your special holiday meal and for reporting back!

      Reply

  4. Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (16)Heather says

    I have never had swiss chard before, and got some in my farm share. I made a version of this with what I had onhand and really enjoyed it! Very tasty! Thanks for the idea!

    Reply

    • Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (17)Phoebe Lapine says

      so glad you liked it heather! chard is one of my favorites. Try the green or regular shakshuka next time! xo

      Reply

Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe | Feed Me Phoebe (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 ways you can eat Swiss chard? ›

Chard can be steamed or sauteed, and it's great in soups, stews, casseroles, frittatas and quiches. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads.

Does Swiss chard taste like spinach? ›

What does chard taste like? Similar to spinach, most varieties of chard are earthy and pleasantly bitter when eaten raw. While it is not as bitter as kale, the bitterness in chard also diminishes as the leaves are cooked, giving them a milder and sweeter flavor and tender texture.

Is Swiss chard fodmap friendly? ›

If you have IBS, the great news is that chard is a low FODMAP food. This means you can eat it freely. Since it can be used either cooked or raw in a variety of dishes, this is a healthy way to increase the non-starchy vegetables on your plate while on all phases of the low FODMAP diet.

Do you have to cook Swiss chard to eat it? ›

Swiss chard leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Raw Swiss chard is less bitter than cooked. A bunch of raw Swiss chard will cook to a much smaller amount. The stalks are thicker than the leaves so they take longer to cook.

When should you not eat Swiss chard? ›

Kidney stone:

As a result, anyone with kidney stones should avoid Swiss chard because oxalates may increase symptoms in certain people.

Is chard healthier than spinach? ›

While both are high in vitamins A and K, magnesium, and iron, spinach is much higher in calcium — providing 24 percent of your recommended daily intake compared to chard's 10 percent — and in vitamins B, particularly folate (via SF Gate). In fact, spinach has 10 times the amount of folate than chard.

How do you get the bitterness out of chard? ›

Cooking Styles I most often see:

My suggestion for when you encounter a really bitter green that you are not ready to eat just sauteed: Blanch in boiling water – this helps to remove the bitterness and soften the greens, Blanch THEN saute with bacon and onions, etc.

Why is Swiss chard a super food? ›

Swiss chard is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin K and a good source of vitamin C and magnesium. Swiss chard also contains the antioxidants beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Vitamin A plays a significant role in normal formation and maintenance of many organs including the heart, lungs and kidneys.

Can you eat Swiss chard raw? ›

Swiss chard can be enjoyed raw in salads or on sandwiches or wraps, braised, boiled, sautéed or added to soups and casseroles. Here are some tips to incorporate more Swiss chard (leaves and stems) into the daily routine: Add a handful of fresh Swiss chard leaves to an omelet or scrambled eggs.

Is Swiss chard anti-inflammatory? ›

chard is also has an abundance of antioxidants as well as phytonutrient antioxidants. Why are these phytonutrient antioxidants so special? These antioxidants have been shown to have great anti-inflammatory properties. These phytonutrients can be found in the plant's leaves, and colorful stems.

Is Swiss chard hard on stomach? ›

Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage are among the most challenging to digest due to their complex fibers, which tend to ferment in the gut, causing gas and bloating. Alternative nutrient-rich foods that are easier on the gut include dark leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard.

Is Swiss chard good for anxiety? ›

Share on Pinterest Swiss chard contains magnesium, which may help ease anxiety. It is best to eat a varied and balanced diet that includes high quality, nutrient-dense carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

What is the healthiest way to eat Swiss chard? ›

Boil Swiss chard for a healthier side dish.

Add the chopped stems from 3-4 leaves, and cook for 2-4 minutes until they're mostly tender. Place the leaves in the pot, and cover for 1-2 minutes. The leaves should be wilted. If they're not, cook them another 1-2 minutes.

Can you eat chard every day? ›

Can you eat too much Swiss chard? Although Swiss chard is extremely healthy, it should be eaten in moderation. Eating too much can lead to side effects such as: Kidney stones: Swiss chard contains antinutritive oxalates, which may increase urinary oxalate excretion and increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.

Can I freeze Swiss chard? ›

The best time to enjoy chard (sometimes called Swiss chard) is spring and summer, when the plant is at peak availability and most affordable. But you don't have to limit your chard consumption to that window. You can preserve these hardy, healthy greens by freezing them.

Is it better to eat chard raw or cooked? ›

You can eat these greens both raw or cooked. However, cooking chards improves not only the nutrient availability, but also the taste. Swiss chard is susceptible to foodborne pathogens, like other leafy greens, so be careful about washing this veggie thoroughly before preparing it.

How do you cook chard so it is not bitter? ›

The flavor of Swiss chard mellows once it's cooked. Adding onions and garlic will impart a sweet flavor, or pair with salty bacon, white beans or creamy cheese to offset the bitterness. I love adding a touch of spice and squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright pop of flavor.

How do you harvest and eat Swiss chard? ›

Begin harvesting when the plant reaches 9 inches tall, though the tender baby leaves can be used in fresh salads. Once a leaf is cut, a new one grows in its place. Harvesting can be done be cutting off the individual leaves or cutting the entire plant at its base, about an inch above soil.

Do you eat all of chard? ›

The leaves and stalks should be cooked separately, or the stems cooked a few minutes longer than the leaves, as they are firmer. Wash then cut the stalks from the leaves and leave whole or chop, as required. On some older leaves, you may need to cut out the ribs too. Leaves can be left whole or chopped, as required.

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