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!
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
How to cook Swiss Chard with Parmesan
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve and enjoy!
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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
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)
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!
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!
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.
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.
📖 Recipe
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Best Swiss Chard Recipe
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
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Beth
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!
Sula
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. 🙂
GRETA TALAS
Hmm, looks soo good. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Sula
You're very welcome!
Jules
A simply beautiful recipe starring my favorite veggie rainbow chard! I cannot wait to make this!
Sula
It really is pretty, isn't it? And so delicious!
Shilpa
I don’t cook with Swiss chard a lot but this looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try it.
Sula
I hope you give it a try!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
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:)
Sula
I hope you give it a try!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady
What a delightful way to prepare swiss chard. YUM!
Sula
Delightful is the right word for it!
Heather
Just got done Swiss chard in my grocery order this week- can’t wait to try!
Sula
Enjoy!
Jean
Kept thinking of ways to cook swiss chard, glad to find this recipe.
Sula
I think you will love it!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Sula
You're welcome, please enjoy it!
Audrey
This is the perfect recipe for swiss chard!
Sula
Roasting it works so well!
Emily Flint
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!
Sula
Anything to get the kids to eat veggies!
Luci
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!
Sula
Yes very easy and tasty!
Sarah James
How delicious, what a great idea to roast swiss chard. Love the sound of the Parmesan cheese on top, thanks for sharing.
Sula
Yes the roasting is huge, it makes all the nice crunchy bits. The cheese really takes it over the top!
Dannii
I love roasted kale, but I never though to do it was swiss chard. Such a great idea,
Sula
Isn't it fun to find a new way to make something?
Ashley
This is becoming my new go to side dish recipe! It's SO delicious!
Sula
I'm so glad you like it Ashley and I agree, it is really delicious!
Jacqueline Debono
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!
Sula
Yes I've always used it in soups and smoothies, but this gave me a whole new side dish!
Texasgirl
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
Sula
Swiss Chard is so under appreciated - its a really yummy green!
Sue Bella
I'm definitely going to make this. I love rainbow chard and have always sautéed it, but baking sounds really good!
Sula
I hope you love it like I do!
Big Trouble
OMG, this looks AMAZING! So friggin healthy and mouthwatering! I can't wait to try it!!!
Sula
You should definitely try it!