Oh, you are going to LOVE this Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie! Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that just makes weeknights so much better. I stumbled upon making this when I had a bunch of Swiss chard from the farmer’s market and wasn’t sure what to do with it all. Turns out, it’s a total winner! It’s hearty, cheesy, and that flaky crust just makes it feel so special, even though it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Perfect for a light dinner or even a brunch dish!
Why You’ll Love This Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Seriously, this pie is a game-changer! It hits all the right notes, making it a regular in my rotation. You’ll be so happy you tried it, I promise. It’s the kind of dish that feels impressive but is actually super chill to make.
Quick and Simple Preparation
First off, the prep time is a dream – only about 15 minutes! Most of that is just chopping. The steps are so straightforward, you can practically make it with your eyes closed after the first time. No fancy techniques needed here, just simple, wholesome cooking.
Flavorful and Satisfying
The taste is just wonderful. You’ve got that slightly earthy Swiss chard, which gets this lovely richness from the creamy ricotta and salty Parmesan. All of that goodness gets hugged by a perfectly flaky pie crust. It’s comforting, delicious, and just so satisfying. It’s not heavy, but it definitely fills you up in the best way.
Healthy Vegetarian Option
And the best part? It’s a fantastic vegetarian main dish. Swiss chard is packed with vitamins and minerals, so you’re getting a good dose of healthy greens without even realizing it because it tastes so good. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your body!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row and gather everything we need for this amazing Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie! Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes the whole cooking process so much smoother, trust me. It’s like setting the stage for a delicious performance! For this pie, we’re keeping it simple but focusing on ingredients that really shine. Freshness is key here, especially with the Swiss chard – you want those leaves vibrant and crisp. And the cheeses? Oh, they’re the stars that bring all the creamy, savory goodness together, making this pie truly special and why I love it so much.
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Okay, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need for this fantastic Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie. These are the building blocks for pure deliciousness! Make sure you have these on hand:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to get things started in the pan.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – it adds that sweet aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 pound fresh Swiss chard, washed and roughly chopped – get the freshest you can find!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – this is what makes it so creamy and dreamy.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that salty, nutty punch of flavor.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten – it helps bind everything together beautifully.
- Salt, to taste – season it up just how you like it!
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – a little pepper goes a long way.
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust – you can totally use store-bought to keep it super easy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Alright, get ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen! This Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie comes together so easily. We’re talking about a total time of about 55 minutes from start to finish, with only about 15 minutes of active prep. The rest is mostly hands-off baking time, which means you can actually relax for a bit!
Preparing the Filling
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften for about 5 minutes until it’s looking nice and translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma – careful not to burn it! Now comes the star, the Swiss chard. Throw it into the skillet and let it cook down until it’s nicely wilted, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. It’ll look like a lot at first, but it shrinks up like crazy! Once it’s wilted, make sure to drain off any excess liquid; you don’t want a watery pie. In a separate bowl, mix together your ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, the beaten egg, and then season generously with salt and pepper. Give that a good stir until it’s all combined. Finally, gently fold in that cooked Swiss chard mixture. Make sure it’s all nicely incorporated.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Now for the assembly! Grab your unbaked pie crust – seriously, using a store-bought one makes this SO much easier. Carefully pour all that delicious Swiss chard and cheese filling into the crust. Spread it out evenly so you get that yummy goodness in every slice. Pop that pie into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the filling looks set – kind of firm, not jiggly. Keep an eye on it, ovens can be a little different!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to cut into it immediately! Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This is super important because it allows the filling to set properly, making it much easier to slice and serve without falling apart. Slice it up into wedges, and there you have it – your gorgeous, homemade Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie is ready to be devoured!
Expert Tips for a Perfect Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Want to make this Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie absolutely perfect? I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference. These little tips will help ensure your pie turns out beautifully every single time!
Choosing the Best Swiss Chard
When you’re picking out your Swiss chard, look for bright, crisp leaves with vibrant stems. Avoid any that look wilted or have yellowing spots. Give the chard a good wash under cold water, paying attention to the leaves and stems, as dirt can sometimes hide there. Chop it up, and you’re good to go!
Achieving the Perfect Crust
Using a pre-made pie crust is a lifesaver for this recipe, but make sure it’s thawed properly if it’s frozen. If you’re worried about the bottom getting soggy from the filling, you can blind bake the crust for about 5-10 minutes before adding the filling. Just prick the bottom with a fork and bake it until it’s lightly golden. It’s a little extra step, but it guarantees a perfectly crisp bottom crust!
Flavor Enhancements
Don’t be afraid to play with the seasonings! A pinch of nutmeg can really complement the earthy chard and creamy cheeses. If you like a little kick, a tiny dash of red pepper flakes is wonderful. You could also sauté some mushrooms along with the onions for some extra depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley stirred into the cheese mixture are also a fantastic addition!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Got questions about whipping up this Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a little extra guidance. Here are some common things people ask, and I’m happy to share my thoughts!
Can I use frozen Swiss chard for this pie?
Yes, absolutely! If you can’t find fresh Swiss chard, frozen works just fine. Make sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is to put it in a colander in the sink and let it thaw, then really squeeze out as much water as humanly possible. Seriously, get it as dry as you can. You might need to cook it for a minute or two longer in the skillet to get rid of any extra moisture after thawing and squeezing, but it’s totally doable!
What are good variations for this Swiss chard pie?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a huge ricotta fan, cottage cheese or even a creamy goat cheese would be delicious in place of it. For extra flavor, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. Fresh dill or a bit of lemon zest stirred into the cheese mixture adds a lovely brightness. You could even swap out some of the Swiss chard for spinach or kale if you have them on hand!
How should I store leftovers of this Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie?
Leftovers are the best! Once the pie has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It should keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat a slice in the oven or even in the microwave for a quick snack. It’s still just as tasty the next day!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
This Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie is pretty fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few simple sides really makes it a complete meal. I love pairing it with a light, fresh green salad – something with a zesty vinaigrette works wonders to cut through the richness of the pie. A simple side of roasted cherry tomatoes or some crusty bread for dipping into any extra filling is also absolutely delicious. It’s hearty enough for a main course, but these accompaniments just elevate the whole experience!
Nutritional Estimate for Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie
Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional info you see for this Easy and Delicious Swiss Chard Pie is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the brands you use and the exact ingredients you put in. So take it as a general guide – it’s more about the deliciousness than counting every single calorie!
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Delicious Swiss Chard Pie in 55 Mins
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and tasty pie featuring Swiss chard.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Swiss chard, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add Swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked Swiss chard mixture.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swiss
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Swiss chard pie, easy pie, vegetable pie, cheese pie, vegetarian pie