Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe

This delicious Canadian bacon, potato, and Swiss chard gratin is a delightful fusion of savory and earthy flavors. It's a hearty dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. The gooey melted gruyère cheese, crisp potatoes, and salty Canadian bacon are beautifully balanced by the slightly bitter Swiss chard, creating a gratin that is as comforting as it is satisfying.

Photos of Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe

Swiss chard might not be an everyday ingredient in everyone's pantry. This leafy green vegetable, which is available in most supermarkets, has a unique flavor that's similar to spinach but slightly bitter. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, white, and rainbow. Gruyère cheese, a type of Swiss cheese, is crucial for achieving the creamy texture and nutty flavor in this dish. It's widely available in most cheese sections of supermarkets.

Ingredients for Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin

Butter: Adds richness and helps in cooking the Swiss chard and layering the gratin.

Swiss chard: A leafy green that gives a nice color and slight bitterness to balance the dish.

Garlic: Provides a flavor base for the Swiss chard.

Salt and pepper: Used for seasoning.

Baking potatoes: They form the structure of the gratin and become wonderfully crispy on top.

Gruyère: A Swiss cheese that melts well and has a wonderful nutty flavor.

Canadian bacon: Salty and meaty, it adds a substantial bite to the gratin.

Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture to help cook the potatoes and adds flavor.

One reader, Kristyn Hamel says:

This Canadian bacon, potato, and Swiss chard gratin recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the dish is so comforting. The layers of potatoes, bacon, and cheese create a delightful texture, and the Swiss chard adds a healthy touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious meal.

Kristyn Hamel

Mastering the Techniques for a Perfect Gratin

How to prepare the swiss chard: Remove the stems from the swiss chard and chop the leaves. Rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.

How to layer the gratin: Layer the potatoes, cheese, and canadian bacon in the baking dish, ensuring even distribution for each layer.

How to bake the gratin: Cover the gratin with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

How to let the gratin stand: Allow the gratin to stand for 2 to 3 minutes before cutting to allow the flavors to settle.

How To Make Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin

This loaded swiss chard gratin is packed with hearty flavors of Canadian bacon, tender potatoes, and gooey Gruyère, for a belly-filling dinner meal!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2tbspbutter
½lbswiss chard
1garlic clove
½tspsalt
½tspfresh ground black pepper
1½lbsbaking potatoes,(about 2)
¼lbgruyere
½lbcanadian bacon,sliced
1cupchicken broth,low sodium, canned

Instructions

Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a medium frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over moderately low heat. Add the Swiss chard and cook for about 1 minute until starting to wilt. Stir in the garlic and ⅛ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Cook for about 2 minutes, until no liquid remains in the pan.
Butter an 8×8-inch baking pan or similarly sized gratin dish. Layer ⅓ of the potatoes in the dish and top with ⅛ teaspoon each salt and pepper, ⅓ of the cheese, and half the Canadian bacon.
Spread the Swiss chard in a single layer. Top with half the remaining potatoes and sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spread half the remaining cheese and the remaining Canadian bacon over the potatoes.
Add the remaining potatoes to the dish, sprinkle with the remaining ⅛ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and top with the remaining cheese and 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour the chicken broth over all.
Cover the gratin with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for about 30 minutes longer, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before cutting.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 399.70kcal
Fat: 17.48g
Saturated Fat: 9.79g
Trans Fat: 0.24g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.35g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.22g
Carbohydrates: 36.29g
Fiber: 3.23g
Sugar: 3.25g
Protein: 26.25g
Cholesterol: 75.47mg
Sodium: 883.82mg
Calcium: 347.54mg
Potassium: 1418.29mg
Iron: 2.95mg
Vitamin A: 299.59µg
Vitamin C: 27.06mg

Expert Technique Tip for Achieving Gratin Perfection

When preparing the potatoes for this gratin, it's important to slice them as uniformly as possible. This ensures even cooking and a more consistent texture throughout the dish. A mandoline slicer can be a great tool for this task, but if you don't have one, a sharp knife will do just fine. Just remember to keep your slices thin - about 1/8 of an inch is ideal. This will allow the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the canadian bacon, swiss chard, and gruyere more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful gratin.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Layering: Instead of meticulously layering each ingredient, consider mixing them together in a bowl before transferring to the baking dish.

Thinner slices: Slice the potatoes and Canadian bacon thinly to reduce the baking time and ensure even cooking.

Double batch: Consider making a larger portion and freezing individual servings for quick and easy meals in the future.

One-pot: Try cooking the swiss chard, potatoes, and Canadian bacon in the same pot to minimize cleanup and save time.

Sharp tools: Use sharp knives and a mandoline slicer for efficient and precise slicing of the ingredients.

Pre-measure: Pre-measure all ingredients before starting to cook to avoid interruptions during the process.

Multi-task: While the gratin is baking, use the time to clean up the kitchen and prepare other components of the meal.

Substitute Ingredients For Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe

butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish, while also adding a different depth of flavor.
swiss chard - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for swiss chard, providing a similar texture and earthy flavor to the gratin.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a different dimension to the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and slightly different flavor to the gratin.
baking potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as a substitute for baking potatoes, providing a creamy texture and buttery flavor to the gratin.
gruyere - Substitute with emmental: Emmental cheese can be used as a substitute for gruyere, offering a similar nutty flavor and melting properties.
canadian bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the gratin, while offering a leaner alternative to Canadian bacon.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a different flavor profile while still adding depth to the dish.

Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Gratin Dish

Elevate the layers: Create a visually stunning presentation by carefully layering the potatoes, Canadian bacon, and Swiss chard in the gratin dish, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed and beautifully displayed.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the gratin with freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving. The vibrant green hues will provide a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Utilize precision slicing: Take the time to precisely slice the gratin into uniform portions, ensuring each serving is visually appealing and showcases the layers of ingredients.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Before serving, drizzle a light, artistic design using a reduction or sauce on the plate to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall presentation.
Select the right serving dish: Choose a chic, oven-safe serving dish that complements the rustic yet refined nature of the Canadian bacon, potato, and Swiss chard gratin. The dish should enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Emphasize the golden brown crust: Highlight the golden brown crust of the gratin by ensuring it is perfectly baked and crisped, creating an enticing visual contrast against the creamy layers of the dish.
Consider individual ramekins: For a personalized touch, consider preparing the gratin in individual ramekins, allowing each guest to enjoy their own perfectly portioned and beautifully presented dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Gratin

Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Baking pan or gratin dish: A shallow, ovenproof dish used for baking and gratin dishes.
Aluminum foil: Used to cover and protect the gratin while baking.
Knife: Used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of small amounts of ingredients.
Measuring cups: Used for precise measurement of larger amounts of ingredients.
Spatula: Used for flipping, turning, and serving foods.
Whisk: Used for mixing and blending ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Butter knife: Used for spreading butter or greasing the baking dish.
Foil: Used to cover the gratin while baking.
Oven: Used for baking the gratin dish.
Grater: Used for grating cheese.
Tongs: Used for flipping and serving foods.
Garlic press: Used for mincing garlic.
Potato peeler: Used for peeling potatoes.
Basting brush: Used for applying butter or oil to the baking dish or food.

Storing and Freezing Your Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin

To store leftover canadian bacon, potato, and swiss chard gratin, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate the leftover gratin for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, remove the gratin from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes.
To freeze the gratin, allow it to cool completely before wrapping the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Alternatively, portion the gratin into individual servings and wrap each serving tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or place them in airtight, freezer-safe containers.
Label the wrapped dish or containers with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer. The gratin can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen gratin, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and reheat the gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes. If reheating individual servings, reduce the reheating time accordingly.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated gratin, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating and broil the top until golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the gratin to prevent burning.

How To Reheat Leftover Gratin for Best Results

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover gratin in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the gratin is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the potatoes from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. This will allow the cheese to brown and create a delightful crust on top of the gratin.
For a quicker reheating option, you can use the microwave. Place a single serving of the gratin on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. Be sure to stir the gratin halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a large portion of leftover gratin, you can reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat, then add the gratin. Cover the skillet and let the gratin heat through for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
For a unique twist, try transforming your leftover gratin into a delicious hash. Chop up the gratin into bite-sized pieces and fry it in a skillet with some olive oil or butter. Add some diced onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Serve the hash with a fried egg on top for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Interesting Trivia About Gratin Dishes

Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron. It's a great addition to this gratin recipe, providing a healthy boost to the dish.

Is Making Gratin at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this Canadian bacon, potato, and Swiss chard gratin recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as potatoes, Swiss chard, and Canadian bacon, are generally affordable and readily available. The dish yields a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and flavor, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly yet delicious meal.

Is This Gratin Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Canadian bacon, potato, and Swiss chard gratin recipe is a delicious and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:

The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
Gruyere cheese is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
Canadian bacon, while leaner than regular bacon, still contains a considerable amount of sodium.
Potatoes are a starchy vegetable, and when combined with the other high-calorie ingredients, this dish may contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.

However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as Swiss chard, which is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or a small amount of coconut oil.
Use a lower-fat cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat Swiss cheese, to decrease the saturated fat content.
Replace half of the potatoes with a lower-carb vegetable, such as cauliflower or turnips, to reduce the overall carbohydrate content.
Increase the amount of Swiss chard or add other nutrient-dense vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to boost the vitamin and mineral content of the dish.
Use a low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
Serve the gratin as a side dish alongside a lean protein source and additional vegetables to create a more balanced meal.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Gratin Recipe

The Canadian bacon, potato, and Swiss chard gratin recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The layers of potatoes, savory Canadian bacon, and earthy Swiss chard, all bound together with creamy Gruyere, create a comforting and satisfying dish. The addition of chicken broth adds depth of flavor, while the golden brown crust adds a delightful crunch. This gratin is a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Pairing it with a merlot is a brilliant suggestion, as the wine's plummy notes complement the dish beautifully.

Enhance Your Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the savory gratin

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the richness of the gratin

Cranberry Orange Salad: A refreshing and tangy salad with a citrusy dressing, providing a light and zesty contrast to the hearty gratin

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Gratins

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto rice makes for a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This honey garlic glazed salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky salmon, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert that is perfect for a light and satisfying treat. The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut milk makes for a delicious and guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy anytime.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in this creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a velvety, rich chocolate mousse that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. The smooth and creamy texture of this dessert is the perfect way to end a meal.

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a crispy, buttery topping will make this dessert a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Why trust this Canadian Bacon, Potato, and Swiss Chard Gratin Recipe:

This recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines Canadian bacon, potatoes, and Swiss chard in a rich and flavorful gratin. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious blend of savory and earthy flavors. The use of Gruyere cheese adds a creamy and nutty element, while the addition of low sodium chicken broth ensures a moist and tender texture. The cooking method is straightforward, allowing for easy preparation. Trust in the quality and balance of these ingredients to create a gratifying and satisfying meal.

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FAQ:

What type of potatoes should I use for this gratin recipe?

You can use baking potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, for this gratin recipe. These varieties have a high starch content, which helps to thicken the dish and create a creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Gruyere?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with other cheeses like Emmental, Comté, or even a good quality Swiss cheese. These cheeses have a similar nutty flavor and melting properties that work well in gratin dishes.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the Canadian bacon in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit the Canadian bacon and add in some sautéed mushrooms or even some caramelized onions for a delicious vegetarian version of this gratin.

Can I prepare this gratin in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the gratin ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and the dish is heated through.

What can I serve with this gratin to make it a complete meal?

This gratin pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside a roasted chicken or grilled fish for a satisfying and balanced meal.