This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf takes the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese—and combines them in a juicy meatloaf! It’s a creative twist on the traditional meatloaf, packed with delicious, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- ½ lb ground pork or beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra texture)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup milk
For the Filling:
- 4 oz sliced deli ham (about 4-5 slices)
- 4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced (or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ground pork (or beef), breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and milk.
- Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
- Form the Meatloaf Base:
- Line a baking sheet or a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- On a clean surface or large cutting board, form the meat mixture into a rectangular or oval shape, about the size of a loaf pan. If you’re using a loaf pan, just press the mixture evenly into the pan.
- Add the Filling:
- Lay the slices of deli ham evenly over the center of the meatloaf, followed by the slices or shreds of Swiss cheese.
- You can also spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the ham before adding the cheese for extra flavor.
- Roll the Meatloaf:
- Carefully roll up the meat mixture, folding the sides over the filling as you go to seal it in. Pinch the ends together to secure the filling inside.
- If needed, use toothpicks to hold the edges in place while baking.
- Bake the Meatloaf:
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the meatloaf is baking, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey together in a small bowl.
- After the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the topping mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the topping to set and caramelize.
- Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the meatloaf and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
Tips:
- Variations: You can swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or provolone for a slightly different flavor.
- For Extra Crispiness: Bake the meatloaf on a wire rack over a baking sheet so the bottom doesn’t get soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze this meatloaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a fun, easy-to-make dish!