Sauteed Swiss Chard with Bacon
Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible Sautéed Swiss Chard with Bacon, a perfect fusion of earthy greens and savory indulgence. Tender Swiss chard is paired with crispy bacon and sautéed garlic, creating a harmony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This quick and easy recipe perfectly balances the chard’s delicate bitterness with smoky, salty bacon, all brought together in under 30 minutes. A hint of optional red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while the bacon grease infuses every bite with rich, deep flavor. Serve it as a standout side dish, or spoon it over grains like quinoa or farro for a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's a nutritious and flavorful way to showcase fresh, leafy greens with a delicious twist. Keywords: sautéed Swiss chard, bacon, easy side dish, leafy greens recipe, quick dinner ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 bunches Swiss chard
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Wash both bunches of Swiss chard thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Separate the chard stems from the leaves. Thinly slice the stems and roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Keep them in separate piles as they cook at different rates.
Cut the bacon into small pieces (about 1/2-inch wide).
Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy, stirring occasionally, about 5–7 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. If needed, add the olive oil to supplement.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pan with the bacon grease. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the sliced chard stems to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Add the chopped chard leaves to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the leaves are wilted and tender.
Return the crisped bacon to the pan and toss to combine with the Swiss chard.
Remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish or over cooked grains for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
434 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.6 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 2737 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.0 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 23.3 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 199 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1606 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
