Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing swiss chard to save time and money. Learning how to freeze swiss chard for frittatas, casseroles, and soups is a great way to preserve this healthy garden staple.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Swiss chard is a versatile vegetable that grows easily in most home gardens. When you have more than you can use at once, try your hand at freezing swiss chard for the ultimate meal prep hack.
If you’re already googling things like “can you freeze swiss chard” like a cool kid, check out our posts on Can You Freeze Kale and Freezing Spinach.
Can You Freeze Swiss Chard?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to freeze chard! Having a freezer stash of prepped and ready-to-use frozen swiss chard is a delicious insurance policy for lots of dishes. Throw some into a Gluten-Free Quiche, Instant Pot Tortellini Soup, Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole, or Creamy White Bean Soup, and go live your best life.
I find it easiest to freeze in ice cube trays, on baking sheets, or in silicone trays for smaller and easy-to-use portions. I’ve even used these silicone egg molds that are for making Instant Pot Egg Bites.
Can You Freeze Swiss Chard Without Blanching?
Yes, but it depends on how you want to use it and how quickly. If you plan to use the frozen chard within a few weeks, there is no need to blanch it first.
But unblanched chard left in the freezer too long will turn brown because of enzyme actions which will change the texture, flavor, and coloring.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- There is no need to thaw the frozen chard before adding it to soups or stews.
- Do thaw chard before adding to casseroles and egg dishes.
- I prefer to freeze it in 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions for adding to things like Instant Pot Lentil Soup, Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce, or a Whole30 Frittata. I love the 1/2-cup Souper Cubes for that.
- I really like these silicone freezer bags because they stand upright on their own, making them easy to fill with swiss chard “ice cubes”.
More Helpful How-to Tutorials
- How to Freeze Fresh Produce
- Freezing Peaches
- How to Freeze Peppers
- Freezing Raspberries
- How to Freeze Corn on the Cob
- Freezing Potatoes
- How to Freeze Cranberries
- Freezing Pumpkin
- Freezing Blueberries
- Freezing Tomatoes the Easy Way
- How to Freeze Rhubarb
- How to Freeze Pesto
- How to Freeze Garlic
- Freezing Peas
- How to Freeze Onions
- Freezing Cherries
- How to Freeze Asparagus
Freezing Swiss Chard
Ingredients
- 20 oz swiss chard (~2 large bunches)
Instructions
How to Blanch Swiss Chard
- Wash chard.20 oz swiss chard
- Loosely chop into ribbons.
- Fill a bowl halfway with ice water. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan bring water to a boil. Add chard and cook for 2 minutes.
- Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove chard and add to the ice water. Chill for 3 minutes.
- Transfer chilled chard to a strainer and allow it to drain.
How to Freeze Swiss Chard
- Squeeze excess water out of the chard (I squeeze portions in my hand over the strainer).
- Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment, waxed paper, or a silpat.
- Freeze for 3 hours. Transfer to freezer bags once chard has frozen solid.
Notes
Shop this Post:
(may include affiliate links)
How do you get the swiss chard in an ice cube tray?
Chop it small and pack it in! It works best if you don’t have larger things to freeze in and just need something. It’s not my favorite/go-to method, but it is free and that is ideal for a lot of people.
Thanks for making this available!
Always happy to help! 🙂
Our garden produces a lot of swiss chard and while I could eat it every day in the summer, not everyone can. Thanks to Sarah, I can now stock my freezer and enjoy delicious dark, leafy, vitamin dense greens all year long!!