Imagine all the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu—savory ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and tender chicken—brought together in a juicy, golden-baked loaf that’s perfect for family dinner or an impressive weekend meal. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf reinvents the beloved French favorite, transforming it into a comforting, sliceable main course that’s every bit as indulgent and twice as easy to make. With its cheesy, bubbly top and hearty texture, this dish is destined to become a new staple at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how each ingredient steps up to create the perfect bite. Every item plays a starring role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that irresistible cheesy pull. Gather these essentials to start your unforgettable Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf adventure.
- Ground chicken (2 pounds): The lean base delivers a juicy, light flavor while keeping the loaf tender.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These keep your meatloaf from drying out, binding it together and adding subtle texture.
- Milk (1/2 cup): For extra moisture and softness in every bite.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs act as glue, holding all the deliciousness together.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives a zippy French twist that balances the richness of the filling.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the loaf with gentle, savory depth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a sweet-savory note without fussing over fresh onions.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick to lift the entire meatloaf.
- Diced ham (1 1/2 cups): Salty and robust, ham is the heart of chicken cordon bleu magic.
- Shredded Swiss cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Some goes inside for gooey pockets, the rest melts lusciously on top.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Fresh parsley adds brightness and gorgeous color as a garnish.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or give it a light grease if parchment isn’t handy. This helps your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf come out effortlessly—and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can toughen the loaf. Aim for a uniform, slightly sticky mixture that holds together.
Step 3: Add the Signature Fillings
Fold in the diced ham and 1 cup of Swiss cheese. These mix-ins are what give your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf its characteristic punch, so make sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every slice.
Step 4: Shape, Top, and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan, patting it gently into a loaf shape. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese over the top—this will create that gloriously golden, bubbly finish as it bakes. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is irresistibly golden.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This is key! It lets the juices redistribute, making slicing clean and easy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving warm.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley instantly brightens the golden, cheesy top of your meatloaf. For an extra-special touch, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika for color. A few slices of extra ham fanned out on the platter wouldn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
The creamy richness of Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is the perfect match for buttery mashed potatoes, crisp steamed green beans, or a vinegary mixed greens salad. Roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, or even a tangy potato salad would make it a complete and comforting meal fit for company.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual thick slices atop toasted rustic bread for a savory sandwich. Or, cut the loaf into cubes and skewer them with pickles and cherry tomatoes for a playful party platter. You can even layer on extra Swiss cheese and slide slices under the broiler just before serving for a dramatic, melty finish that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any remaining Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain their succulence and keep unwanted fridge flavors out.
Freezing
This meatloaf freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil to hold in moisture, until hot through. In a hurry, the microwave works well too—just use a lower setting to avoid drying the meatloaf. Enjoy it as is, or layered in a sandwich or salad.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute and delivers similar results. Just be sure to use ground turkey thigh or a mix of dark and white meat to avoid a dry texture.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
No Swiss? No problem! Gruyere, Jarlsberg, or even a mild provolone can stand in here. They’ll all melt beautifully and complement the ham just as well.
How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
The key is not to skip the eggs and breadcrumbs, which bind everything together. Also, let the loaf rest after baking so it firms up before slicing—this helps those picture-perfect slices hold their shape.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf ahead of time?
You sure can! You can assemble the loaf the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to slice the meatloaf cleanly?
After the meatloaf has rested, use a sharp, serrated knife to cut thick, luscious slices. Wiping the blade between cuts helps achieve those tidy, inviting pieces everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that blends comfort, elegance, and bold flavor, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a must-try. It brings all the classic goodness of cordon bleu to your table in an easy, crowd-pleasing form. Give it a spot in your dinner rotation and see how quickly it disappears!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines ground chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese baked to perfection. It’s a perfect family meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fillings:
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Add Fillings: Stir in diced ham and 1 cup of Swiss cheese. Transfer mixture to the loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the loaf. Bake for 55–65 minutes until cooked through and cheese is golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider layering sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese in the center of the loaf.
- Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
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