Oh boy, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorites: Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf! This dish perfectly marries the goodness of a classic meatloaf with the delectable flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu. It’s a warm hug for your taste buds and will be sure to impress anyone at your dinner table!
I first stumbled upon this recipe a few years back while on the hunt for something new to cook for my family. I wanted to recreate that comforting feeling of a home-cooked meal, but with a twist. You probably know that warm, cheesy goodness you get from traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu. Well, this meatloaf captures all that flavor and more! It’s fun to make, easy to assemble, and it gives the humble meatloaf a gourmet upgrade. Trust me, the first time I made it, my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was, and now it’s firmly placed on our dinner rotation!
What’s in Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
Ground Chicken: This is the star of our meatloaf! Ground chicken keeps it light and allows the flavors of the fillings to shine through. I prefer using lean ground chicken for a healthier option.
Ham: Thinly sliced ham adds that distinct flavor you associate with Chicken Cordon Bleu. Use a good-quality deli ham—sometimes I go with Black Forest ham for an extra richness.
Swiss Cheese: Ah, the melty goodness of Swiss cheese! It brings that needed creamy texture and flavor. I love using a block of Swiss and shredding it myself; fresh cheese always melts beautifully.
Bread Crumbs: These act as a binder, giving the meatloaf its classic texture. You can use plain or seasoned bread crumbs depending on your preference.
Egg: This acts as a binding agent, combining all the ingredients.
Dijon Mustard: A splash adds a lovely tang and depth to the flavor. Just a touch will enhance everything without overpowering it.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Good for You?
Absolutely! While traditional meatloaf can sometimes be a bit heavy, using ground chicken instead of beef makes this dish lighter.
Ground Chicken: It’s lower in fat and calories compared to beef, making it a great option if you’re watching your diet.
Ham: Of course, ham adds sodium—so if you’re keeping track, opt for lower-sodium varieties to balance out the dish.
Swiss Cheese: While delicious, cheese can add calories, so feel free to use a reduced-fat version if you’re looking to cut back a bit.
Remember, balance is key! It’s all about enjoying your food and combining it with lots of veggies on the side to round out your meal.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1 cup thinly sliced ham
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes, but let’s be honest—you may be tempted to go for seconds!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, get ready to make the magic happen!
2. **In a large mixing bowl**, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. **Shape the mixture** into a rectangular loaf shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten it a bit so it’s ready for the fillings.
4. **Layer the ham and Swiss cheese** on top of the meatloaf, leaving some space to roll it up.
5. **Carefully roll the meatloaf** from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal it to keep all that cheesy goodness inside!
6. **Bake in the oven** for about 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The edges should be golden brown and the cheese might just peek out—yum!
7. **Allow it to rest** for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better while serving.
Wonders of the Meatloaf
– **Serving Suggestions:** Pair this meatloaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a very comforting meal.
– **Variations:** Feeling adventurous? You can throw in some chopped spinach or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added nutrition. You could even swap out the ham for turkey or prosciutto.
I can’t stress enough how I think you’ll fall in love with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf! It’s a delicious, fun, and creative twist on a family favorite. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—so don’t forget to share your experience with me! Happy cooking!
