Description: A delightful twist on a classic dish, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf combines the comforting appeal of meatloaf with the elegant flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu. Tender ground chicken is infused with savory herbs and Parmesan cheese, then layered with thinly sliced ham and melted Swiss cheese. Topped with a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, this meatloaf offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ounces ham, sliced thin
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard-sized loaf pan with olive oil. This prevents the meatloaf from sticking and makes it easier to remove after baking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and eggs. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix all ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
Step 3: Take half of the meat mixture and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even layer. Ensure the meat mixture extends to all corners of the pan.
Step 4: Layer the thinly sliced ham over the meat mixture, covering the entire surface. Then, layer the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, ensuring they also cover the surface completely. The ham and Swiss cheese will create a delicious, melty core.
Step 5: Spread the remaining meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring it fully covers the filling. Gently press down to create a compact meatloaf.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This sauce adds a tangy and savory element to the meatloaf.
Step 7: Spread the Dijon mustard mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze will caramelize during baking, adding a delightful flavor and visual appeal.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature measurement. The top of the meatloaf should be golden brown.
Step 9: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it transforms the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into a convenient and family-friendly format. Instead of individual chicken breasts, you get all those wonderful flavors in a hearty meatloaf.
Second, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of ground chicken, savory herbs, salty ham, and nutty Swiss cheese creates a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate.
Third, this recipe is relatively easy to make. It doesn’t require any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Fourth, it’s versatile. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat mixture, or use different types of cheese.
Finally, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham. If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this meatloaf is a perfect way to give it new life.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf with a variety of side dishes. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are all excellent choices. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed green beans and a side of cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
Tips:
- To prevent the meatloaf from drying out, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking. The steam will help keep the meatloaf moist.
- For extra flavor, sauté some chopped onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe.
- If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use Gruyere or provolone cheese instead.
- For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the Dijon mustard mixture.
- To make cleanup easier, line the loaf pan with parchment paper before adding the meat mixture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Protein: 30-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: 600-800mg per serving
Conclusion
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a delicious and innovative dish that offers a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner option or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its unique combination of textures and tastes makes it a memorable and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
- Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf ahead of time. Assemble the meatloaf in the loaf pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time if baking from cold.
- Can I freeze this meatloaf?
- Absolutely! You can freeze either the uncooked or cooked meatloaf. To freeze the uncooked meatloaf, assemble it in the loaf pan, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap it again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. To freeze the cooked meatloaf, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. These will help bind the meatloaf together and add texture.
- Is it possible to use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
- Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Ensure you choose ground turkey with a similar fat content to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Can I add vegetables to this meatloaf?
- Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the meatloaf. Sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, chopped spinach, or grated carrots are all excellent additions. Just be sure to chop the vegetables finely and sauté them before adding them to the meat mixture to ensure they are cooked through.
