Let me tell you about one of my favorite little kitchen secrets—Swiss Chard Fritters. These golden, crispy bites are the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve just unlocked a hidden gem in the world of vegetables. I first stumbled upon them while trying to use up a big bunch of leafy greens from the farmer’s market, and let me just say… game-changer. With their earthy depth, whisper of parmesan, and that satisfying crunch from the pan-fry, they’ve become a staple in my home.
There’s something quietly magical about transforming humble greens into something that feels indulgent and snackable. Whether you’re serving them up as a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a veggie-forward side, these fritters have a way of charming just about anyone.
Why You’ll Love Swiss Chard Fritters
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Swiss Chard Fritters recipe for you? Let’s see. Swiss Chard Fritters are…
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—a texture lover’s dream.
- Savory and cheesy with a subtle nuttiness from the parmesan.
- Packed with greens, but still feel indulgent and snack-worthy.
- Perfect for dipping in aioli, yogurt sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Easily customizable—add herbs, swap cheeses, or use different greens.
Quick tip: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before frying. It helps the flour hydrate fully for a better fritter texture.
Ingredients in Swiss Chard Fritters
Here’s the beauty of these fritters—simple ingredients that come together for a seriously crave-worthy result:
Swiss Chard: The leafy base of our fritters. When cooked down, it becomes tender and flavorful, with a slightly earthy profile.
Eggs: These help bind everything together and give the fritters structure.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the body of the fritters, soaking up moisture from the chard.
Baking Powder: Adds a bit of lift to keep them from being too dense.
Water: Just enough to loosen the batter to the perfect consistency.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavor of the greens.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness, umami, and a savory punch.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying—canola or sunflower oil work great too.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Chard: Start by washing and trimming the chard. Remove the tough stems, then chop the leaves. Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out as much water as possible. Chop finely.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, water, salt, and parmesan cheese. Add the chopped chard and mix until well combined. Add a splash more water if the batter seems too thick.
Heat the Oil: In a non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Fry the Fritters: Spoon the batter into the pan, pressing down gently with a spatula to flatten. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Drain and Cool: Transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own. They’re just as good at room temp!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
How to serve Swiss Chard Fritters?
Fresh Salads: These fritters love a tangy, fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. Think arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
With Dips: Serve with a side of garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or even spicy sriracha mayo.
As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish.
For Brunch: Top with a poached egg and a drizzle of hollandaise for a next-level brunch moment.
On the Go: Pop a few into a container for a satisfying lunchbox treat.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop and blanch the chard in advance. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Add Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped dill, parsley, or chives adds a fresh twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour with a gluten-free blend.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to crisp them up again.
Freeze Friendly: These freeze well! Just separate layers with parchment and reheat straight from frozen.
Tips & Variations
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the batter.
Cheese Swap: Try feta or shredded cheddar instead of parmesan.
Mix Up the Greens: Kale or spinach can also work if chard isn’t available.
Zucchini Add-In: Grate in a little zucchini for extra moisture and depth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute Swiss chard with kale or spinach?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and drain thoroughly before adding to the batter.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes. You can make the batter a few hours in advance or fry the fritters and reheat them later.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or toaster oven to bring back the crisp.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely! Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Use a skillet over medium heat or a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! This recipe is super scale-friendly. Just make sure your pan isn’t overcrowded when frying.
Trust me, once you make these Swiss Chard Fritters, they’ll become one of those recipes you keep coming back to. Whether it’s the crispy edges, the tender middle, or the satisfying way they make you feel like you’re eating something both nourishing and fun—it’s a total win.
Swiss Chard Fritters
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard 8–10 leaves, about 10 cups loosely packed before cooking
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup water or more as needed
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 –3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola or sunflower oil
Instructions
- Wash Swiss chard thoroughly. Trim the stems, then boil or steam leaves for 3–4 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out excess water, then chop finely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, water, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in chopped Swiss chard and Parmesan cheese. Adjust water if needed for a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spoon batter into the skillet, flattening slightly. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
Notes
- You can use kale or spinach in place of Swiss chard.
- Add minced garlic or herbs (like dill or parsley) for extra flavor.
- These fritters freeze well—reheat in the oven or air fryer.
