Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu. This dish features ground chicken mixed with herbs and spices, stuffed with layers of ham and Swiss cheese, then baked to perfection. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a simple meatloaf format
• Easy to prepare and bake with minimal cleanup
• Juicy, tender meatloaf with a melty cheese center
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• A crowd-pleasing dish with both kids and adults

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf:

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

• 6-8 slices deli ham
• 6-8 slices Swiss cheese

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
3. Form the Meatloaf:
   • On a large piece of parchment paper, press the meat mixture into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
   • Layer the slices of ham evenly over the meat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Top with the Swiss cheese slices.
4. Roll the Meatloaf:
   • Using the parchment paper to help, carefully roll the meatloaf from one short end to the other, jelly-roll style.
   • Press the edges to seal and place seam-side down in the prepared loaf pan or on the baking sheet.
5. Add Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with breadcrumbs.
   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Add shredded Swiss cheese if desired.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. Serve:
   • Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and omit the milk.
• Low-Carb: Swap the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss.
• Herb Crust: Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley and thyme into the breadcrumb topping.
• Mini Meatloaves: Make individual meatloaf portions using a muffin tin for easy serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked meatloaf wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

2. How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well combined and avoid overmixing. Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing also helps.

3. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?

Yes, finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be mixed into the meatloaf for added flavor and nutrition.

4. What sides go well with Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?

Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

5. Can I use different cheese besides Swiss?

Yes, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese are great alternatives.

6. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking?

Make sure the meatloaf is tightly rolled and the edges are well sealed. Baking seam-side down also helps.

7. Can I make this meatloaf dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese and substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative.

8. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

9. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

10. What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover slices make great sandwiches or can be chopped and added to pasta dishes.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a creative and comforting dish that offers all the flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu with a lot less effort. With its tender chicken, savory ham, melty cheese, and crispy topping, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers deliciousness in every bite!

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