Ah, Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf! This recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. Whenever I make it, I’m instantly taken back to cozy family dinners, where laughter and chat filled the room, and we all gathered around the table to enjoy something special. I was inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but decided to mix it up with a twist that makes it both hearty and delightful. Just imagining that gooey cheese and savory ham tucked inside a juicy meatloaf makes my mouth water!
What makes this dish unique is its delightful blend of flavors—juicy chicken, smoky ham, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious meatloaf package. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Trust me, it’s a guaranteed winner for any dinner table, whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe!
What’s in Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
Ground Chicken: The star of the show! I like to use lean ground chicken to keep it lighter, but you can use ground turkey if you prefer.
Ham: A nice, smoky sliced ham adds a savory depth to the meatloaf. Make sure to get good-quality deli ham; it really makes a difference!
Swiss Cheese: Oh, the gooey goodness! I always use Swiss cheese because it melts beautifully and lends a lovely flavor that complements the ham and chicken.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together. I suggest using plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a little extra flavor.
Egg: This helps with binding too. It’s essential to hold those delicious ingredients together while cooking.
Onion and Garlic: I love the aromatic kick these two give to the meatloaf. Freshly minced is best, but powdered garlic and onion are fine if you’re in a pinch.
Mustard: A dash of Dijon mustard adds a tangy layer to the flavor profile – trust me, it elevates the dish!
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings bring everything together; I like to keep it simple!
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish can be a lighter alternative to traditional meatloaf while still being satisfying. Here are some notes on the health benefits:
Ground Chicken: Leaner than beef or pork, ground chicken is a good source of protein without the extra saturated fat.
Ham: While it adds flavor, it’s also important to be mindful of the sodium content. Opt for low-sodium ham if you’re watching your salt intake.
Swiss Cheese: It provides calcium and protein, but like all cheeses, it can be high in fat. Using a moderate amount keeps it tasty without overdoing it.
This meal serves a generous portion, so you can enjoy the leftovers too—a great plus for meal prep!
Ingredients
– 1 pound of ground chicken
– 1 cup diced ham (smoked or honey-glazed for extra flavor)
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
– 1 large egg
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnishing
This recipe serves about 6 people, so you can easily share the love!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, mustard, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough!
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, molding it into a loaf shape. If you want, sprinkle additional Swiss cheese on top for that extra gooeyness!
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Once done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle and makes for neater slices.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf!
– For a flavor boost, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even some chopped spinach for added nutrients.
– Serve it with mashed potatoes, sautéed veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
– Don’t forget to make your favorite gravy or a creamy sauce to drizzle on top when serving!
– Leftovers can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or wraps – yum!
I hope you give this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf a try, my friend! It’s a recipe that I promise won’t disappoint—easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress. When you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out, so snap a pic and share your experience! Happy cooking!
