Savory Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe Tasteful
A deliciously different twist of our favourite classic comfort foods: meatloaf, and Chicken Cordon Bleu – this is an easy dinner! This tasty dish combines the flavours of Chicken Cordon Bleu with moist and flavorful meatloaf, courtesy of juicy chicken, delicious ham, and creamy Swiss.
Whether it be for a family dinner or one for the ages, this recipe does not disappoint with its rich flavour and easy preparation.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
Chicken Cordon Bleu in the kitchen is traditionally a yummy French-inspired chicken dish served with chicken breasts with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and either fried or baked to perfection.
So in this version, we have re-created them into a meatloaf…that is full of the ingredients + extra lean ground chicken! The ham and Swiss cheese are put in the middle which makes for a nice surprise when this meatloaf is cut.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for basic ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4-5 slices deli ham
- 4-5 slices Swiss cheese
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
For the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk and Dijon mustard until well combined; season with salt, pepper and thyme. Combine all in a bowl and stir everything together. Just take care to not overmix, or you will end up with a far more dense meatloaf.
Layer the Ham and Cheese
Divide the chicken mixture in half. Prepare a loaf pan by layering one-half of the mixture in an even layer on the bottom Top with ham slices, then Swiss cheese slices. Ham and cheese are evenly in the batter — just make sure not to have the filling on the edges as it will cause sticking.
Add the Top Layer
Add the other half of the chicken mixture, spreading it out as evenly as possible on top of the ham and cheese layers. Evenly spread to smooth at the top and cover the filling.
Make the Topping
Combine the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Evenly distribute this mixture over top of the meatloaf That will give flavour and help produce that golden crust on the outside.
Bake the Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf for 50-60 minutes in a preheated oven, or until it is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Add the shredded Swiss cheese to the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking. Place in oven for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the meatloaf to keep its shape and for the flavours to meld. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
- Use Ground Turkey: If you can’t find ground chicken, not a problem ground turkey is an effective swap-in for this recipe.
- Add a Crispy Coating: If you want a more authentic Chicken Cordon Bleu-style experience, Top the meatloaf with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy crust.
- Try Different Cheeses: Although Swiss cheese is the most classic, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone will give the recipe into a completely different direction.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Make the recipe more tolerable for those who have gluten intolerances by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with a Sauce: Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is delicious and served with a simple creamy Dijon or white wine sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
This hearty meatloaf pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: You can serve this comforting side with the savoury flavours of our meatloaf.
- Steamed Vegetables: Healthy and colourful, combine steamed broccoli or green beans, along with a bunch of carrots or any other vegetable from the greengrocer today
- Salad: After all of that meat, a fresh salad with a slightly tart vinaigrette is just what you need.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Try out sautéed mushrooms with butter, garlic and herbs like thyme for a savoury side. It goes well alongside the cheesy and rich meatloaf that our chef has prepared.
- Coleslaw: The soft coleslaw dressing provides a counterpoint to the cheese-laden meatloaf. The crunchy cabbage and carrots offer an element of surprise
- Dinner Rolls: So then, a further suggestion would be that those soft, warm dinner rolls help to soak up any of that additional sauce or juice that you have left over from your meatloaf.
Conclusion
A blend of the two classic comfort foods that offer a meal spectacular.
This meatloaf is easy to prepare and fill, with its layers of tasty ham and melted Swiss cheese. Whether you’re making a special weeknight meal or have dinner guests to impress, this recipe will be as much appreciated at your dining table as it is delicious.
With simple ingredients that are easy to find in any supermarket and straightforward directions, it’s an adaptable recipe for different tastes and dietary requirements.
This meatloaf recipe is going to become a dining table favourite–if you want a new way of enjoying the flavours in chicken cordon bleu meatloaf, give it a whirl.