Swiss Chard Mornay
A creamy Swiss chard Mornay with tender greens, rich cheeses, and a buttery breadcrumb topping, perfect for a comforting vegetarian main or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and drain the Swiss chard.
- Cut off stalks and cut into one-inch pieces.
- Coarsely chop the leaves.
- Bring one inch of water to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat.
- Add Swiss chard stalks and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped leaves.
- Cook covered for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually stir in milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Cook, stirring, until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the cooked chard and cheeses.
- Turn the mixture into a 2-quart casserole sprayed with nonstick coating.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Dot with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. If you're short on Swiss chard, you can substitute with spinach or kale. Make sure to drain the chard thoroughly after cooking to avoid a watery dish. Remember to check the seasoning before baking, as cheese can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Swiss Chard Mornay as a delightful side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It also pairs beautifully with Potato Pancakes (Latkahs) for a comforting meal. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider adding a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side. This dish is perfect for brunch or as a light dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Swiss Chard Mornay can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swiss Chard Mornay contains roughly 818 calories, with 21g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Swiss Chard Mornay ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella are great alternatives. They will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor. For a sharper taste, consider using aged cheddar, but keep in mind it will alter the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Can I freeze Swiss Chard Mornay?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the texture of the chard and the creamy sauce may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chard and sauce separately, then combine and bake when you're ready to enjoy it. Just be sure to use them within 2 months for the best quality.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).