Even on warm days, we sometimes crave dishes that bring warmth and comfort to the table. Our hearty Swiss chard casserole is one such dish. It combines tender Swiss chard with a creamy sauce and baked cheese that just seems to always work, no matter the weather and no matter the heat. Find out more about this recipe below.
Easy Swiss Chard Casserole Recipe
In countries like Italy or Switzerland, Swiss chard is a regular on the menu. There, the plant is appreciated not only for its strong leaves and firm stems, but also for its slightly earthy aroma. In Mediterranean cuisine, Swiss chard often replaces spinach because it grows more robustly and has more of a bite to it. In the Alpine regions, too, many families know Swiss chard from Grandma’s garden, where it often thrives right next to potatoes and herbs.
In this delicious casserole, you can’t help but appreciate Swiss chard’s aroma in all its full glory. You’ll be enjoying all this green has to offer, quite literally, as you will be enjoying it from leaf to crunchy stem. For the casserole’s sauce, you’ll keep it nice and creamy by mixing together butter, flour, milk, and cream. Freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of pepper will bring everything to perfection. If you’re feeling extra, add diced smoked ham to give the dish an excellent savory undertone. A thick layer of grated cheese will add a nice twist and a golden, bubbling crown to the casserole.
For those cooking for a family, we maintain that a nice combination of cheese and sauce can encourage even the most timid, or rigid, palates at the table. For a visual highlight, you rainbow Swiss chard will add a breathtaking (and mouthwatering) pop of color.
If you’re on a roll with casseroles, and who wouldn’t be after this recipe, we behoove you to saddle up to our other recipes like our veal schnitzel casserole, bread casserole with bacon, and our cheesy chicken nugget & mashed potatoes casserole recipes.
Swiss Chard Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb Swiss chard fresh
- 1 small onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- salt & pepper
- nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded cheese of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard. Separate the stems from the leaves. Cut the stems into small pieces and roughly chop the leaves.
- Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.
- In a pot, melt the butter. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook briefly. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, then bring to a boil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan. First, sauté the Swiss chard stems for about 3 minutes, then add the leaves and sauté briefly until they wilt.
- Bring the Swiss chard and sauce together, then pour everything into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.