Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

There's nothing quite like the indulgent flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, reimagined in the comforting form of a meatloaf. This dish brings together the classic combination of chicken, ham, and gooey cheese in a way that's both hearty and elegant.

this Recipes

I first tried this twist on a traditional meatloaf when I was looking for a creative dinner idea that felt a little more special. Now, it's become a go-to recipe for family dinners and even casual dinner parties. Let's dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Get ready to elevate your meatloaf game with this delightful twist on a classic. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf delivers all the elegance of the original dish, with the convenience of a one-pan meal.

First off, it's a breeze to prepare. While traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu can involve tedious breading and rolling, this meatloaf comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.

The flavors are absolutely irresistible. Juicy ground chicken is seasoned and mixed with diced ham and Swiss cheese, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The topping, a creamy Dijon glaze, adds a tangy finish that ties everything together beautifully.

This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable. You can make it with ingredients you likely already have on hand, and it's easy to adjust for dietary preferences or what's in your fridge.

Finally, this meatloaf is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and you've got a show-stopping main course that's sure to impress.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the rich, balanced flavor and moist texture of the final dish.

Ground chicken forms the base of this meatloaf. It's a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatloaf but still hearty enough to satisfy. Be sure to use a mix with some fat for extra juiciness.

Diced ham is the star of the show here. It brings a salty, savory punch that complements the mild chicken perfectly. Use good-quality ham for the best results – leftover slices work wonderfully.

Swiss cheese adds that signature gooey, melty goodness you expect from Chicken Cordon Bleu. Shred it fresh if possible; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

The creamy Dijon glaze takes this meatloaf to the next level. Made with Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and a touch of honey, it’s tangy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

You'll also need breadcrumbs to bind everything together. I recommend panko for a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too. Don’t forget an egg to help hold the mixture together.

If you have a loaf pan, it’ll give your meatloaf a perfect shape. However, you can also form it by hand on a baking sheet if needed.

How To Make This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Creating this delicious meatloaf is simple and straightforward. With just a little preparation, you'll have a dish that's as beautiful as it is tasty.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a loaf pan or baking sheet. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, and your choice of seasonings. Mix until just combined – overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to ensure an even shape. If you're shaping it by hand, form it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.

While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey. After about 30 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top.

Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Total time for this recipe is around 50 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Storage Options

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

To store, wrap the meatloaf tightly in foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

Reheating is simple – pop a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

For a different flavor profile, try using Gruyère or cheddar cheese in place of Swiss. Both options melt beautifully and add a unique twist.

If you’re avoiding breadcrumbs, almond flour makes an excellent low-carb substitute. It provides the same binding effect without the carbs.

Swap out the ham for cooked and crumbled bacon for a smokier flavor. Turkey bacon works too if you prefer a leaner option.

Add a handful of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for extra veggies. They’ll add a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Don’t have Dijon mustard? Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Experiment and make this recipe your own – it's hard to go wrong with such a winning combination of flavors. Happy cooking!

Print