Swiss Chard Casserole dish is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy Swiss chard. This is a recipe from Farmer Fred’s family—a favorite of Farmer Fred from his childhood.
This dish takes the natural flavors of Swiss chard and with cheese it elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The tender leaves of the Swiss chard are cooked to perfection and then smothered in a cheese sauce.
Not only is this casserole incredibly flavorful, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free indulgence. So go ahead, give this Swiss chard casserole a try, and prepare to be amazed by the amazing combination of flavors and textures. This low-carb and delicious Swiss Chard Casserole recipe will work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and this meatless dish is also gluten-free.
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This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Key Takeaways:
- Flavorful and Nutritious: The Swiss Chard Casserole combines the natural flavors of Swiss chard with a rich cheese sauce, creating a delicious and wholesome dish packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile Meal Option: This low-carb, gluten-free, and meatless recipe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Brain-Boosting Benefits: Swiss chard supports cognitive health with nutrients like vitamin K and folate, essential for mood, memory, and brain cell integrity.
- Simple Preparation: Use fresh or frozen Swiss chard, blanch it along with the stalks, and pair it with an easy-to-make cheese sauce for a quick and satisfying casserole.
- Farmer Fred’s Family Favorite: A cherished recipe, passed down through generations, showcasing the comforting flavors of Swiss chard in every bite.
- Sustainability Tip: Preserve surplus Swiss chard by blanching and freezing it for use during the winter months.
Sis Tip - Simple is Smart Tip for Swiss Chard Casserole
Swiss chard is one of the few greens where the whole stalk is edible. Cut the stalks into pieces and blanch them along with the leaves. If Swiss chard is in season and you have more than you can eat, blanch them and freeze them for use over the winter.

Neuro Nutrition Nuggets for Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can boost brain health with its bright colors and flavors.
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this leafy green vegetable has been linked to improved cognitive function and protection against age-related cognitive decline. Its high levels of vitamin K promote brain health by aiding in the production of sphingolipids. Sphingolipids are a type of fat crucial for brain cells’ structural integrity.
Furthermore, Swiss chard contains folate, which plays a vital role in synthesizing neurotransmitters helping improve mood and memory. So, next time you’re looking for a brain-boosting food, don’t forget to include Swiss chard in your diet!

Ingredients for Swiss Chard Cheddar Casserole Recipe
Flour: Use unbleached, all-purpose flour for the rue.
Butter: margarine or vegetable oil will all work for the rue.
Cheddar Cheese: use grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Milk: use either 2% milk or full fat milk.
Fresh organic Swiss chard is best. However, I also use a frozen one. I freeze Swiss chard at the end of summer, then defrost, drain, and use it in a casserole.
Salt: sea salt.

Casserole Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut up the Swiss chard into one-inch pieces. Include the stems and leaves.
Blanch the Swiss chard in a large kettle with a strainer basket of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain well.
Add the blanched Swiss chard to a 9 X 11-inch oval baking pan.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Make a rue by combining the flour and butter in the bottom of a medium kettle.
Cook until lightly browned.
Whisk in the milk. Continue to whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
Add the grated cheddar cheese and salt to taste.
Pour the Cheese sauce over the Swiss Chard in the baking dish
Bake for 30 minutes until the center is hot and the top lightly browned.
Serve hot.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook chard so it is not bitter?
Cooking chard in a way that eliminates its bitterness is not as challenging as it may seem. You can transform this leafy green into a delicious and enjoyable dish with a few simple techniques. One method is to blanch the chard before cooking. This involves briefly boiling the leaves in salted water and then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Blanching helps to remove some bitterness, allowing the natural flavors of the chard to shine through. Another option is to sauté the chard with garlic and lemon juice.
The combination of these ingredients adds a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing out any bitterness that may be present. Experimenting with different cooking methods and flavor combinations can help you discover a way to cook chard that suits your taste buds perfectly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
Who should not eat Swiss chard?
Swiss chard is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed by most people. However, a few groups of individuals may want to exercise caution when consuming this leafy green. If you have kidney stones or a history of oxalate-containing kidney stones, it is advisable to limit your intake of Swiss chard. This is because Swiss chard contains oxalate, which can contribute to forming these types of stones.
Additionally, if you have a known allergy or sensitivity to chard or related vegetables, it is best to avoid consuming it. For everyone else, Swiss chard is a fantastic addition to a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and well-being.
Why does my Swiss chard taste bitter?
Sometimes, you may notice that your Swiss chard tastes bitter. Don’t worry; there are a few reasons why this might be happening, and there are solutions to help improve the taste. Firstly, the bitterness in Swiss chard can be caused by environmental factors such as extreme heat or lack of water. Ensuring your plants are properly hydrated and providing shade during hot days can help mitigate the bitterness.
Additionally, the age of the Swiss chard can also affect its taste. Younger leaves tend to be sweeter, while older leaves can develop a bitter taste. Harvesting your Swiss chard when still tender can help ensure a milder flavor. Lastly, some people have a higher sensitivity to bitter flavors. If you’re finding Swiss chard too bitter, consider pairing it with other ingredients that can balance the bitterness, such as garlic or lemon juice.
Swiss chard growth
Swiss chard is a fantastic vegetable to grow in your garden. It adds a pop of vibrant color to your landscape and provides a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. The growth of Swiss chard is relatively easy, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
With its large, leafy greens and colorful stems, Swiss chard is a visually appealing plant that will surely impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for your diet. So, don’t hesitate to start growing Swiss chard and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful vegetable in your backyard!
Is it safe to eat raw chard?
Absolutely! Eating raw chard is not only safe, but it can also be incredibly nutritious and delicious. Chard is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. Raw chard has numerous health benefits and can be incorporated into meals in various ways, including in salads, wraps, and smoothies. So enjoy raw chard’s crisp and refreshing taste while reaping its numerous nutritional advantages.
Why is Swiss chard a superfood?
Swiss chard is a super food that deserves a place in your diet. This leafy green vegetable contains essential nutrients and offers many health benefits. Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense green leafy vegetable that is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. These vitamins are essential for maintaining a strong immune system and healthy bones.
Additionally, it contains high levels of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect the body against harmful free radicals. Furthermore, Swiss chard is low in calories and fiber, making it a great choice for weight management and promoting digestive health.
Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used in various recipes, such as sautés, soups, and salads. So why not try this super food and start reaping its many benefits?
Is chard healthier cooked or raw?
Chard is an incredibly nutritious leafy green vegetable that can benefit your health whether it is cooked or raw. When consumed raw, chard retains all of its natural enzymes and vitamins, making it a great addition to salads or smoothies. Eating chard raw also ensures you get the maximum amount of antioxidants and phytochemicals.
When you cook chard, it can improve the absorption and utilization of certain nutrients like iron and calcium. Cooking also helps soften the chard’s tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to consume.
Whether you prefer it raw or cooked, incorporating chard into your diet can greatly improve your overall health and well-being.
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Swiss Chard Casserole
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- salt to taste
- 2 lbs fresh swiss chard
Instructions
- Clean, cut up, and blanch the swiss chard. Use the stems and the leaves.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Make the cheese sauce.
- Melt the butter on medium heat in the bottom of a medium saucepan.
- Add the flour to the butter and whisk in. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Whisk vigorously while adding the milk to the saucepan. Whisk vigorously until combined and free of lumps.
- Cook until hot and slightly thickened.
- Add the grated cheese, whisk in and set aside.
Make the Casserole
- Remove any excess water from the blanched Swiss chard and add the chard to the baking pan. If you don't have the oval pan, use a 9 X 9-inch baking pan.
- Pour the cheese sauce on top of the casserole. The cheese sauce may be very thick. That's ok and it will thin out during baking as it mixes with the extra moisture in the Swiss chard.
- Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes or until the center is hot and the edges are lightly browned.
- Serve immediately;
- Cover and refrigerate leftover casserole for up to 3 days.