How to Make Swiss Chard Patties
Whether you call these Swiss chard patties, cakes, or fritters, they make amazing appetizers or sides. This recipe is simple and easy, yet versatile enough to be served with any meal, from breakfast to dinner. You can serve them on their own, as a snack, or in sandwiches, too.
One of my challenges with the family is leaves! Getting my kids, including my husband, who is the bigger kid when it comes to eating leaves. They don’t want leaves on their plates. My husband gets cheeky and says, ‘Do I have a substitute for the leaves? ‘ Often I say, ‘Who doesn’t eat leaves doesn’t get dessert,’ but then again, you want kids to eat their veggies and enjoy them – food should never be a punishment.
So that’s where I have to think about how to get these brats to eat their greens. Don’t get me wrong – they do eat veggies well, including their broccoli and eggplant. We just don’t want leaves.
Why make these patties?
- It’s both healthy and tasty! Swiss chard is one vegetable you must try and add to your diet, no matter what your age. Read more about Swiss chard here.
- The recipe is simple, easy, and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Also, these can be served as appetizers or a side dish with any main course.
- If you like Swiss chard, also try my Crustless Swiss Chard Quiche, as well as Crustless Kale Artichoke Ricotta Quiche.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Swiss chard – I love Swiss Chard, but you can also use spinach or kale in this recipe.
- Parsnip – A great way to eat those veggies you see in the supermarket. However, an equal amount of potato also works a treat in this recipe.
- Parmesan – You can omit it, but it adds a sweet, nutty, and salty taste to the patties.
- Cheddar – I love cheese in these patties – makes them sweet and creamy, but on a diet? Go ahead and omit it – you won’t miss it much.
- Eggs – We need the eggs to blend the mixture, but if you prefer an eggless version, you can also substitute with two tablespoons of yogurt.
- Onions – I love using fresh veggies when possible, but if you prefer, you can also use one tablespoon of onion powder as a quick substitute.
Step-by-step: Swiss Chard Patties
- Prepare Vegetables: Clean, wash, and pat dry the Swiss Chard. Next, chop it into small, thin strips. Then, clean, peel, and grate the parsnip or potatoes using the thick side of the grater.
- Veggies mixture: Add all ingredients to a bowl, starting with the finely chopped Swiss chard and grated parsnip or potato. Followed by the onion, garlic, herbs, and grated cheese. Next, add the flour. Season with salt and pepper. Then, add the eggs. Combine well.
- Shape the patties—Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, golf-size balls. Make a ball, then flatten it on the palm of your hand. Carefully place them in the hot, oiled frying pan.
- Cook the patties– Add a tablespoon of oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. You want to cook them on medium for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Remove them from the skillet and put them on a clean paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Yogurt dip: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until combined. Keep chilled in the fridge until needed.
Frequently asked questions
These patties will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. They even freeze beautifully for up to a month. I like to thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results.
If you don’t finely chop the Swiss chard and parsnips, they will be too bulky to shape into patties. You can try chopping them roughly again. Alternatively, you can also give it a few pulses in the food processor.
Yes, you can use the stems, just ensure they are chopped finely so they are not too bulky when shaping into patties. Stems do make it difficult to hold the shape, so one boiled mashed potato works great to hold it together.
You can substitute the eggs with 1 cup of mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes do a great job of binding everything together and taste delicious, too.
Swiss Chard Patties
Whether you call these Swiss chard patties, cakes, or fritters these make amazing appetizers or sides. This recipe is a simple and easy recipe but so versatile it can be served with any meal from breakfast to dinner. You can serve them on their own, as a snack or in sandwiches too.
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups (4 cups) Swiss chard finely chopped
- 2 cups (2 cups) Parsnip or potato finely grated
- ¼ cup Onion finely chopped
- ½ tsp Garlic minced
- ¼ cup Parsley or Cilantro finely chopped
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan grated
- ¼ cup (30 g) Cheddar cheese grated
- ½ tsp Salt or to taste
- ½ tsp Pepper
- 2 Eggs large
- 4 tbsp (60 g) All purpose flour
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Oil to shallow fry
- ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Mustard paste
- 1 tsp Honey
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
Method
- Prepare Vegetables: Clean, wash, and pat dry the Swiss Chard. Chop it into small, thin strips. Clean, peel, and grate the parsnip or potatoes using the thick side of the grater4 cups Swiss chard, 2 cups Parsnip or potato
- Veggies mixture: Add all ingredients to a bowl, starting with the finely chopped Swiss chard and grated parsnip or potato. Followed by the onion, garlic, herbs, and grated cheese. Next, add the flour. Season with salt and pepper. Then, add the eggs. Combine well.¼ cup Onion, ½ tsp Garlic, ¼ cup Parsley or Cilantro, ¼ cup Parmesan, ¼ cup Cheddar cheese , ½ tsp Salt, ½ tsp Pepper, 2 Eggs, 4 tbsp All purpose flour
- Shape the patties – Using your hands, shape the mixture into small golf-size balls. Make a ball, then flatten it on the palm of your hand. Carefully place them in the hot, oiled frying pan.
- Cook the patties– Add a tablespoon of oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. You want to cook them on medium for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Remove them from the skillet and put them on a clean paper towel to absorb any excess oil.¼ cup Oil
- Yogurt dip: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Keep chilled in the fridge until needed.½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Mustard paste, 1 tsp Honey, ¼ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Pepper
Notes
- Chop the Swiss chard and parsnips finely. The food processor does a great job of chopping finely.
- If you don’t want to use an egg, try using a boiled and mashed potato.
- Like crispy edges? Use a cast-iron skillet. Start on high, then lower the temperature so it cooks evenly.
- If you like leaves, these are great in sandwiches and wraps. Make extra and save them in the freezer.
- To make this gluten-free, add one boiled, mashed potato and a tablespoon of cornstarch to hold the patties together.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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Tried these and loved them & also put some in the fridge & loved them the next day. I was wondering if I could make more and freeze them. Would they freeze well?
Cher. I believe these should freeze well. I have never tried though. I always make them fresh
Hi, I was wondering if I could assemble tonight and cook tomorrow?
Yes, Kathleen – you can, keep them wrapped well in the fridge. Thanks
It was excellent! Easy and delicious.
Thank you , Bertha
This was a hit. Thank you!
Thank you, so much Hana. So happy that you enjoyed this recipe
Can you make these ahead and refrigerate and then warm in the oven? I’m part of this year’s garden walk in our area and everything in my garden is edible. I want to serve food that highlights some of what I’m growing and would like to serve these to guests.
Hey Jody, Yes you can make these ahead of time and then warm them up in the oven. I do that when I make this for guests over as well. I usually don’t use the oven just make them hot on the stove top because the oven is usually occupied but I’m sure it’s just the same. I think it is a great idea to serve food made in your own garden. I wish I had such fresh produce.
I’ve never used chard very much and not sure why but I bet it would be delicious in these cakes. Good way to get kids to eat more vegetables also.
Thank you Linda.. I know what you mean. THere are some veggies that just don’t happen to make it home with me.
I admit I don’t really use Swiss chard, I think I get so used to only using certain green leaves, that I tend to use them over and over again. But I am all for patties, they are easy to make, and make a great bite whenever you need somethig quick and yummy. A total winner!
That is true Darniela – it’s very easy to make things we are familiar often. I tend to do the same sometimes
That’s a cute story. We mothers certainly do have to be creative to get stubborn eaters to eat what we know is good for them. That includes husbands!! Your recipe sounds delicious. I would eat that for a snack — of course, I love chard. I’m anxious to try out your recipe.
Thank you Marisa.. I love chard too!
ha ha it is the same in all the houses, my elder one is ok with greens, my lil is always a NO No! But when i mash and include it in poori or patties or pancakes, i call them hulk pancake/poori, so he happily munches off!
Love the ingredients in the patties, easy and delicious way to get some healthy meal on their plates!!!
Oh I like the sound of that Hulk pancakes.. Must try that – might just work.. ha! Thanks Priya
Love the idea of using swiss chard in patties. I’m always looking for ways to sneak these leafy veggies in even adults meal 😉 and these would be absolutely loved.
I think they definitely would be loved. My kids including the big one enjoys them lol