Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful twist on two classic comfort foods! Imagine a juicy and tender meatloaf filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and served with a creamy Dijon sauce. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a special occasion gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Creative: This recipe combines the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with the comforting familiarity of meatloaf for a unique and satisfying dish.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This meatloaf is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile: Serve this meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• Ground chicken: A lean and healthy protein source for the meatloaf.
• Yellow onion: Finely diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Egg: Binds the meatloaf ingredients together.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated and adds a salty and umami flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the meatloaf to perfection.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that add a light and crispy texture to the crust.
• Black Forest ham: Adds a salty and savory flavor to the filling.
• Swiss cheese: A classic pairing with chicken and ham, it adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
• Melted butter: Used to create a crispy breadcrumb crust.

For the Sauce

• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated and adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of the panko breadcrumbs. Mix well with your hands until evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf mixture onto a rectangular piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Flatten the mixture into a rectangle that’s about 8 by 12 inches. Layer the ham slices evenly over the meat mixture, followed by the Swiss cheese slices. Starting from a short end, tightly roll up the meatloaf using the parchment paper to help lift and shape it.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

Transfer the meatloaf to the prepared loaf pan, seam-side down. Discard the parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining breadcrumbs and melted butter (and a pinch of salt, if desired). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for about 75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F. Start checking the temperature at around 1 hour.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Slice the meatloaf and serve it with the creamy Dijon sauce spooned over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use quality ingredients: For the best flavor, use high-quality ground chicken, cheese, and ham.
• Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture: Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Let the meatloaf rest: Resting the meatloaf allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for meatloaf.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatloaf and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey? Yes, you can! Ground turkey or a mixture of ground chicken and turkey would also work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack.

3. Can I make this recipe without the breadcrumb coating? Yes, you can! The breadcrumb coating adds a nice crispy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the meatloaf mixture? Definitely! Chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, would be delicious additions to the meatloaf mixture.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a creative twist on a classic dish. With its cheesy filling, tender chicken, and creamy Dijon sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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