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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Cook the bacon (sliced or whole, your choice) in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 10-12 minutes.
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Meanwhile, start on the bread.
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To prepare the bread, slice the entire baguette in half lengthwise and lay it on a large cookie sheet, cut-side up.
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Drizzle olive oil over the bread and bake for about 5 minutes until it just begins to crisp up on the edges and turn golden brown.
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(Itll go back in the oven later, so you dont want it too crispy right now.)
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Remove from the oven.
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While the bread is still hot, carefully rub the insides of the halved garlic clove over the toasty bread.
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It wont look like anything is happening, but the garlic is going in there, trust me.
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Set aside until the filling is ready.
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When the bacon is finished, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Remove all but about 2 Tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan and return the pan to medium heat, and add the onion.
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Cook for about 10 minutes, then add the chopped chard stems.
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Cook another 10-12 minutes or until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized.
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Reduce heat if the onions begin to get too dark too fast.
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Add the 2 cloves of sliced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute or so.
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Then add the chopped chard leaves.
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Cook for about 5 minutes or until wilted and tender.
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Stir in balsamic vinegar, the reserved bacon, and add salt and pepper to taste.
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Remove from heat and let it cool off for a couple of minutes.
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Spoon filling evenly onto garlicked baguette halves.
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Cut provolone slices in half and distribute evenly over the filling.
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Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes or so until the bread has toasted and the cheese is melted.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing into 3-4 inch pieces.
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Makes about 12-15 appetizers or dinner for 4 with a green salad.
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Nats Notes: 1.
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You could substitute another type of greens, but discard the stems if you do.