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    Home » Side Dishes

    Best Recipe for Swiss Chard

    Published: Oct 26, 2020 · Modified: Apr 29, 2025 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 38 Comments

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    I used to see Swiss chard in the grocery store and admire its beautiful colors but had no idea how to make it. That is, until I figured out how to roast it!

    Roasting the Swiss chard brings out its natural sweetness and creates a delightfully crunchy and flavorful side dish. But there are a few tricks – the stems and leaves need different roasting times. Once I figured that out, it was smooth sailing!

    Follow these easy directions and you’ll find Swiss chard success of your own!

    roasted swiss chard on a white plate ready to eat

    What you'll need for this Swiss Chard Recipe

    • Swiss chard, any variety
    • Onion, yellow
    • Olive oil
    • Parmesan cheese, shredded
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    raw swiss chard in rainbow colors

    How to make this Recipe for Swiss Chard

    Roasting Swiss chard is very straightforward. The only thing to keep in mind is that the stems take longer to cook than the leaves. This recipe, like any recipe using all parts of the plant, involves a 2 step cooking process to accommodate this difference.

    1. To start, chop the Swiss chard, keeping the leaves separate from the stems. Also chop the onion. Toss the stems and onion together in a bowl with a little olive oil. Prepare a baking sheet by greasing with olive oil, or by lining with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place the stem/onion mixture on the baking sheet and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes.
    2. Toss the chopped leaves with a little olive oil and add to the baking sheet. Sprinkle over the half-cooked stems, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
    3. Return to the oven and bake until the stems are tender and the leaves are beginning to crisp. Estimate 15-20 minutes for this. The cheese should be nice and melty as well.
    4. Serve and enjoy!

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    roasted swiss chard on a small white plate with some raw pieces behind

    Once you've tried this roasted Swiss chard, you might want to keep making this colorful and delicious vegetable. Check out this sauteed Swiss Chard recipe I found on Luci's Morsels - it uses ginger to season. Yum!

    Topping Ideas for this Chard Recipe

    • I always sprinkle my Swiss chard with Parmesan, but you could try a little feta or goat cheese for a creamy finish.
    • Try some nuts to add a little crunch. Sunflower kernels or sliced almonds will add the perfect texture and yummy taste.
    • Drizzle the roasted veggies with a little lemon juice or balsamic glaze to brighten the flavor.
    • If you want to make this a complete meal, mix in some protein like roasted chickpeas or shredded chicken.

    Best Swiss Chard Recipe FAQs

    Is Swiss Chard from Switzerland?

    Despite the name, this vegetable does not originate from Switzerland. Instead, it is native to the Mediterranean. It is thought that the adjective “Swiss” may have originated from its initial description by a Swiss botanist. (Wikipedia)

    Is Swiss Chard healthy?

    Like most leafy greens, Swiss Chard is packed with healthy nutrition! It’s low in calories yet delivers an impressive array of vitamins: A, C and K, plus calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium, to name just a few. It is nutrient rich and only 35 calories in a cup of cooked greens – an extremely diet friendly food!

    What other cheese would work for this recipe?

    Feta cheese will work very well for this. Goat cheese is worth trying as well, just keep in mind that goat cheese is less salty than either feta or Parmesan, so your taste buds might want you to add a little more salt with this choice.
    For some more delicious choices, check out this reference on types of Italian cheese. Something for everyone on this list!

    How do you take the bitterness out of Swiss chard?

    Roasting vegetables causes the natural sugars to caramelize, which reduces the bitterness as well as making them incredibly delicious! Roasting will reduce the bitterness of Swiss chard as well as other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.

    When should you not eat Swiss chard?

    Swiss chard leaves should always be firm and bright. Avoid if the leaves are discolored, wilted, or slimy.
    Also, Swiss chard is high in oxalates which can cause issues for anyone with kidney stones or who has difficulty with oxalates.

    pin for roasted rainbow swiss chard

    📖 Recipe

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    roasted swiss chard on a white plate ready to eat
    5 from 85 votes
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    Best Swiss Chard Recipe

    Another way to serve healthy leafy greens!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 192kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch Swiss Chard rainbow - leaves and stems separated and chopped
    • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
    • 2- 3 TB Olive oil
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. (or grease with olive oil)
    • Toss Swiss chard stems and onion in a large bowl with one tablespoon olive oil. Spread onto prepared baking sheet and season lightly with salt and pepper.
    • Bake in preheated oven until the onion is starting to brown and the chard stems have softened, about 10-15 minutes.
    • Toss the chard leaves with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil then add to the baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
    • Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the leaves are beginning to crisp and the cheese is melted.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 783IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    If you enjoyed this roasted Swiss chard, here are some other veggie ideas:

    • Roasted Brussels sprouts
    • Grilled beets
    • Grilled broccoli
    • Microwaved summer squash
    « Keto Taco Casserole
    Chili Lime Shrimp »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth

      May 06, 2023 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious! I had never had rainbow chard before and was very apprehensive. The leaves were my favorite but the stems were good too. The parmesan takes it to the next level!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 07, 2023 at 10:10 am

        I think everyone should try rainbow chard, it has a surprising sweetness to its taste. I'm so glad you love the way I make it, and thank you for the kind review. 🙂

        Reply
    2. GRETA TALAS

      November 06, 2021 at 10:25 pm

      5 stars
      Hmm, looks soo good. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:33 am

        You're very welcome!

        Reply
    3. Jules

      November 06, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      5 stars
      A simply beautiful recipe starring my favorite veggie rainbow chard! I cannot wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:33 am

        It really is pretty, isn't it? And so delicious!

        Reply
    4. Shilpa

      November 06, 2021 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t cook with Swiss chard a lot but this looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:34 am

        I hope you give it a try!

        Reply
    5. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

      November 06, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      I haven't seen a farmer's market in ages:( How wonderful to pick your preferred fresh product and transform it into a beautiful, healthy meal! This salad is moutwatering! I am adding chard to my list to plant next spring at the allotment:)

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:36 am

        I hope you give it a try!

        Reply
    6. Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady

      November 06, 2021 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      What a delightful way to prepare swiss chard. YUM!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:36 am

        Delightful is the right word for it!

        Reply
    7. Heather

      November 06, 2021 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      Just got done Swiss chard in my grocery order this week- can’t wait to try!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:37 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Jean

      November 06, 2021 at 7:30 am

      5 stars
      Kept thinking of ways to cook swiss chard, glad to find this recipe.

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 07, 2021 at 6:37 am

        I think you will love it!

        Reply
    9. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      November 21, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 22, 2020 at 8:39 am

        You're welcome, please enjoy it!

        Reply
    10. Audrey

      November 20, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect recipe for swiss chard!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 21, 2020 at 7:29 am

        Roasting it works so well!

        Reply
    11. Emily Flint

      November 20, 2020 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      This swiss chard was so delicious and I can't wait to try it again with your other cheese suggestions, they all sound so amazing and they get my toddler to eat his veggies!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 20, 2020 at 5:06 pm

        Anything to get the kids to eat veggies!

        Reply
    12. Luci

      November 08, 2020 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love Swiss Chard when I'm looking to make something different! It's delicious and so simple to make! Plus, it's a tasty way to get some greens in!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 08, 2020 at 12:13 pm

        Yes very easy and tasty!

        Reply
    13. Sarah James

      November 08, 2020 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      How delicious, what a great idea to roast swiss chard. Love the sound of the Parmesan cheese on top, thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 08, 2020 at 12:13 pm

        Yes the roasting is huge, it makes all the nice crunchy bits. The cheese really takes it over the top!

        Reply
    14. Dannii

      November 08, 2020 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      I love roasted kale, but I never though to do it was swiss chard. Such a great idea,

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 08, 2020 at 12:12 pm

        Isn't it fun to find a new way to make something?

        Reply
    15. Ashley

      November 08, 2020 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      This is becoming my new go to side dish recipe! It's SO delicious!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 08, 2020 at 12:12 pm

        I'm so glad you like it Ashley and I agree, it is really delicious!

        Reply
    16. Jacqueline Debono

      November 08, 2020 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      I love Swiss chard but have never roasted it! Here in Italy we use it a lot soups, pasta recipes and as a side dish. I have to try roasting it now. Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Sula

        November 08, 2020 at 12:11 pm

        Yes I've always used it in soups and smoothies, but this gave me a whole new side dish!

        Reply
    17. Texasgirl

      October 26, 2020 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      I never knew what to do with Swiss chard, now I do, thank you! Will be looking for some to do this as it sounds so yummy

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 27, 2020 at 8:19 am

        Swiss Chard is so under appreciated - its a really yummy green!

        Reply
    18. Sue Bella

      October 26, 2020 at 9:57 am

      I'm definitely going to make this. I love rainbow chard and have always sautéed it, but baking sounds really good!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 26, 2020 at 10:57 am

        I hope you love it like I do!

        Reply
    19. Big Trouble

      October 26, 2020 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      OMG, this looks AMAZING! So friggin healthy and mouthwatering! I can't wait to try it!!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 26, 2020 at 9:07 am

        You should definitely try it!

        Reply
    5 from 85 votes (67 ratings without comment)

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