If you’re ready to discover comfort food with a touch of elegance, you’ll absolutely adore this Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf. This twist on a cherished classic fuses all the flavors you love from cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese—in a form that’s weeknight-friendly and utterly irresistible. Every bite delivers layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of a perfectly seasoned meatloaf. Whether you’re gathering around the table or looking for a show-stopping meal prep dish, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a breeze to pull together, and every ingredient brings something special to the table. This is one of those recipes where simple pantry staples come together to make magic, creating a dish full of comforting flavors and the perfect balance of textures, colors, and aromas!
- Ground chicken (1 1/2 pounds): Lean, mild, and tender—this is the backbone of your meatloaf, soaking up all the flavors beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These act as the glue, binding the meatloaf together while keeping it moist and adding just the right amount of structure.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Softens the breadcrumbs and ensures your meatloaf is juicy and tender, never dry.
- Large egg (1): Holds everything together while lending richness to the mixture.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle zing and classic Cordon Bleu flavor that ties everything together.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle, savory depth that compliments both the chicken and ham.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for brightening all the savory elements in your loaf.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to give a little kick and amps up the overall flavor.
- Deli ham (6 slices): Salty, meaty layers that are at the very heart of this classic hybrid.
- Shredded Swiss cheese (1 cup, or mozzarella): Melty, creamy, and absolutely crucial for that ooey-gooey middle.
- Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A bright finish, adding a pop of color and freshness when serving.
- Additional Swiss cheese for topping (optional): Because a little more cheese never hurt anyone—especially here!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a loaf pan if you prefer classic meatloaf vibes. This way, your Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf won’t stick and you’ll get a beautiful golden crust every time.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—you want everything evenly distributed but don’t overwork it, or the meatloaf might turn out dense.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Loaf
Lay out a piece of wax or parchment paper on your counter and flatten the chicken mixture into a big rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Be patient here—the more even you get it, the easier it is to roll! Arrange the slices of ham evenly over the top, then shower on that glorious shredded Swiss cheese. This is the moment the Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf magic really happens!
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Using the paper to help, gently roll up the chicken mixture just like a jelly roll, tucking as you go to keep all the good stuff inside. Pinch the ends to seal, and carefully transfer your masterpiece seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet or into your loaf pan. This ensures all those wonderful cheesy layers stay put as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). About five minutes before it’s done, sprinkle more Swiss cheese on top if you love extra cheesiness—trust me, it’s a game-changer! Allow the loaf to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing so all the juices settle and slices hold together perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Garnishes
Top your slices with a generous pinch of chopped fresh parsley for a little extra color and brightness, or sprinkle with a dash of black pepper for extra depth. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a scattering of thinly sliced green onions or a handful of crispy fried onions can add even more flavor and crunch!
Side Dishes
This meatloaf absolutely shines alongside classic sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette balances the richness, while garlicky green beans or honey-glazed carrots offer color and a touch of sweetness. Whatever you pair with Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, you’re in for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dinner-party presentation, serve slices fanned out on a platter with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. Or try making individual mini-loaves for personalized portions! Turn leftovers into gourmet sandwiches by layering slices on crusty bread with a smear of Dijon and a handful of baby greens. No matter how you serve it, this dish never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), wrap slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf will keep well for up to 3–4 days, and it holds its flavor beautifully—sometimes tasting even better the next day!
Freezing
For future cravings, this meatloaf freezes wonderfully. Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap individual slices or whole sections in plastic wrap and foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to three months. When you’re ready for a no-fuss meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works great—try covering with a damp paper towel to keep it nice and moist. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh cheese just before serving for that just-baked finish!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the loaf up to the baking stage, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and then bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to get a jump on dinner prep!
What cheeses work best in this meatloaf?
Swiss cheese is traditional for that signature Cordon Bleu flavor, but mozzarella works too if you want a softer, stretchier cheese pull. For even more flavor, try mixing in a little shredded Gruyère or provolone—just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield similar results. Just be sure to use a mix that isn’t too lean so your Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf stays juicy and tender.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and make certain your ham doesn’t contain any gluten additives. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so this dish is easy to adapt for dietary needs.
What’s the best way to shape the meatloaf if I don’t have a loaf pan?
No pan? No problem! Use parchment paper to help shape the mixture into a tight log right on a baking sheet. The meatloaf will hold together just fine thanks to the breadcrumb and egg mixture, and you’ll still get that classic shape and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, you’re in for an absolute treat. There’s just something magical about melty cheese, savory ham, and juicy chicken rolled into one beautiful loaf! Give this recipe a whirl—you may just find it becomes your new go-to comfort food for every season. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in meatloaf form with this Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe. Tender ground chicken rolled up with savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, this dish is a comforting and satisfying twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling:
- 6 slices deli ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Additional Swiss cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet or loaf pan.
- Mix the meatloaf: Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form the loaf: Flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle, layer with ham and cheese, then roll up tightly.
- Bake: Place the loaf on the baking sheet or in a loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes until fully cooked.
- Optional: Add extra Swiss cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For added crunch, consider topping with crushed Ritz crackers or panko.
- Pair this meatloaf with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
