Barefoot Contessa Bruschettas With Sautéed Chard

Barefoot Contessa Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard is made with fresh green or rainbow chard, country bread, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe creates a warm, savory bruschetta topped with garlicky greens and bright citrus flavor. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

Barefoot Contessa Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard Ingredients

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 pounds fresh green or rainbow chard (4 bunches)
• Good olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 round country bread, halved and sliced crosswise ½-inch thick
• 1 garlic clove, cut in half
• 1 lemon
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fleur de sel, for serving

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard

1. Boil the Chard: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt. Trim and wash chard. Boil leaves for 3 minutes, then drain without squeezing out liquid.
2. Sauté the Greens: In a sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add sliced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add chard, season with salt and pepper, and sauté 3 minutes, tossing frequently.
3. Toast the Bread: Toast or grill 8 slices of country bread until golden. Rub one side of each slice with cut garlic clove.
4. Assemble the Bruschettas: Place 2 slices of toast on each plate, garlic side up. Top with sautéed chard. Finish with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, grated Parmesan, fleur de sel, and a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Serve Warm: Let the chard juices soak into the bread for best flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Chard: Look for vibrant, unwilted leaves for best texture.
• Zest Before Juicing: It’s easier to zest the lemon while it’s whole.
• Choose Sturdy Bread: A hearty country loaf holds up to the moist greens.
• Don’t Overcook Garlic: Keep it golden, not brown, to avoid bitterness.
• Prep in Advance: Chard can be sautéed and stored in the fridge up to a day ahead.

What To Serve With Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard

These bruschettas pair well with a bowl of lentil or tomato soup, a chilled white wine, or a light salad with vinaigrette. They’re also great as part of an appetizer spread or vegetarian meal.

How To Store Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard

Refrigerate:
Store sautéed chard in the pan, covered, for up to 24 hours. Assemble fresh when ready to serve.

Freeze:
Not recommended; the texture of the greens and toast will not hold up well.

Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 550mg

FAQs

Can I use kale instead of chard?
Yes, kale works well but may need a slightly longer cook time.

Is this dish vegan?
Omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to make it vegan.

How can I keep the bread crisp?
Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature.

What if I don’t have fleur de sel?
Use any flaky sea salt as a substitute.

Try More Recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata
• Barefoot Contessa Garlic Toasts
• Barefoot Contessa Spanish Tapas Peppers