Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Extravaganza
Cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor — a creative twist on a French classic.
Introduction
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved dish that originated in Switzerland and became a staple in French cuisine. Traditionally, it features chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded, and fried or baked. But here’s the twist: instead of individual portions, we’re transforming it into a hearty meatloaf that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Extravaganza layers ground chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard into one irresistible loaf. It’s comfort food elevated, combining the nostalgia of meatloaf with the elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Ingredients Breakdown
1 ½ pounds ground chicken – Lean protein base.
1 cup bread crumbs – Adds structure and texture.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty depth.
½ cup milk – Moisture and tenderness.
1 egg – Binds ingredients.
1 tsp garlic powder – Savory flavor.
1 tsp onion powder – Aromatic balance.
½ tsp salt – Essential seasoning.
½ tsp black pepper – Mild heat.
6–8 slices ham – Classic Cordon Bleu filling.
1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese – Melty richness.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard – Sharp, tangy kick.
¼ cup chopped parsley (optional) – Fresh garnish.
Step‑by‑Step Directions
Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease loaf pan or line with parchment.
Mix Meatloaf Base: Combine chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer Filling: Press half mixture into pan. Add ham slices, 1 cup Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard.
Seal: Top with remaining chicken mixture, pressing edges to enclose filling.
Bake: 45–50 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining ½ cup Swiss cheese. Bake 5–7 minutes until bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and slice.
Cooking Science
Ground chicken is lean, so milk and cheese add moisture.
Egg proteins coagulate, binding loaf together.
Swiss cheese melts smoothly, creating gooey layers.
Dijon mustard cuts richness with acidity.
Tips for Success
Use lean ground chicken but not extra‑lean — prevents dryness.
Line pan with parchment for easy removal.
Rest loaf before slicing to keep layers intact.
Add extra Dijon for more tang.
Variations
Turkey Cordon Bleu Meatloaf: Swap chicken for ground turkey.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Gluten‑Free: Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs.
Mini Loaves: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or roasted peppers to filling.
Serving Ideas
Pair with roasted vegetables or green beans.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.
Add a side salad for freshness.
Drizzle with creamy mustard sauce for extra flair.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~18g
Carbs: ~10g
Why Meatloaf Works So Well
Meatloaf is hearty, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Combining it with Cordon Bleu flavors makes it both comforting and elegant.
Pairing Suggestions
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay complements creamy cheese.
Beer Pairing: Belgian ale balances richness.
Tea Pairing: Earl Grey enhances savory notes.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of Swiss? Yes, but flavor will be milder.
Can I make ahead? Yes, assemble loaf and refrigerate before baking.
Can I skip ham? Substitute turkey or prosciutto.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Extravaganza is a bold, flavorful twist on two classics. With its cheesy layers, savory filling, and comforting texture, it’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or weeknight indulgence.