Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
If you're a fan of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, this meatloaf version will blow you away! It's got all the components you love—succulent chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese—packed into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf that's perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.
🍽️ Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground chicken 🐔
- 1 large egg 🥚
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko) 🍞
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley 🌿
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper 🌶️
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese 🧀
- 4-6 slices deli ham, thinly sliced 🍖
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (or more Swiss cheese) 🧀
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey 🍯
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🔪 Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, black pepper, salt, and Dijon mustard. Use clean hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything until fully combined.
3. Layer the Cheese & Ham:
On a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, spread the meatloaf mixture into a large rectangle (about ½ inch thick). Lay the slices of ham evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top of the ham. Gently roll the meatloaf mixture into a loaf, sealing the edges to keep the filling intact.
4. Transfer to Loaf Pan:
Carefully place the rolled meatloaf seam-side down in the prepared loaf pan. If any cheese spills out, just tuck it back in—this adds extra flavor! 😉
5. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil. Brush about half of this glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). About halfway through the cooking time, brush the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices intact and ensures a moist meatloaf.
8. Slice and Enjoy:
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad! 🥗
💡 Pro Tips:
- Cheese Choices: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Provolone for a twist!
- Ham Options: Deli ham works great, but you could also use prosciutto or even leftover baked ham for extra flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This meatloaf is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead, freeze, and reheat when needed.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a light green salad for a balanced and comforting meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with a light white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling water infused with lemon.
📖 FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and gives a slightly different flavor but is still delicious.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this meatloaf.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the best elements of a classic with a modern twist. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! 👩🍳💫
