Cheese Choices For Cordon Bleu Perfection

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that traditionally consists of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and pan-fried or deep-fried. The most popular type of cheese used in this dish is Swiss cheese, but Gruyere, goat's cheese, Camembert, Saint Agur, Pié d’Angloys, Provolone, and Cheddar cheese are also used as substitutes.

Swiss cheese is the most popular choice

When making chicken cordon bleu, Swiss cheese is typically paired with cooked ham and chicken cutlets, then breaded with dried breadcrumbs and seasoned with simple spices. The dish is usually baked in the oven, though it can also be pan-fried or deep-fried.

While Swiss cheese is the classic option, other varieties such as Gruyere, sharp white cheddar, or provolone can also be used. These cheeses offer a similar melting quality and depth of flavour that complement the other ingredients in the cordon bleu.

The key to a successful cordon bleu is to ensure the cheese is securely contained within the meat to prevent it from melting out during the cooking process. This can be achieved by rolling the meat and cheese snugly or folding over the edges of the meat to enclose the cheese. Chilling the rolled meat for at least 30 minutes before cooking can also help it hold its shape.

Gruyere is a good alternative

Cordon bleu is a classic family favourite, loved by everyone. But the question remains: which cheese should you use?

Hard cheeses traditionally form the succulent centre of a cordon bleu. With a depth of flavour and satisfying melt, they result in a tender and delicious dish.

French and Swiss Gruyere have a unique blend of fruity and woodland flavours, and is an ideal cheese to use in a cordon bleu. With a hint of tart and saltiness, they can give a full-bodied flavour to the meat.

Gruyere is a hard cheese with a unique blend of flavours that can add depth to the dish. It has a hint of tart and saltiness, which can give the meat a full-bodied flavour. Gruyere is a good option for those who want a cheese that will not overpower the other ingredients in the cordon bleu. It has a subtle flavour that complements the other ingredients well.

In addition, Gruyere cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It also has a relatively long shelf life compared to other types of cheese, so it can be a cost-effective option for those who want to make cordon bleu in bulk.

When making a cordon bleu with Gruyere, it is important to consider the other ingredients that will complement the cheese. Black forest ham, for example, is a good option as it has a tangy flavour that pairs well with the Gruyere. Fresh thyme and parsley can also add a nice touch of flavour to the dish.

Overall, Gruyere is a good alternative to Swiss cheese in cordon bleu. It has a unique blend of flavours that can add depth to the dish, and it is a good source of protein and calcium. When paired with the right ingredients, Gruyere can make a delicious and satisfying cordon bleu.

Goat's cheese is a milder option

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Goat Cheese: A Milder Option

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French dish that has delighted families for generations. While the traditional recipe calls for Swiss cheese, you can put your own twist on it by using goat cheese as a milder option. This substitution will give your cordon bleu a unique flavour that everyone is sure to enjoy.

The Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that traditionally consists of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and either pan-fried or deep-fried. The classic French recipe calls for chicken cutlets, cooked ham, Swiss cheese, bread crumbs, and simple spices. It is usually topped with a rich cream sauce, often spiked with a hint of Dijon mustard.

A Milder Option: Goat Cheese

For those who prefer a milder taste, goat cheese is a perfect substitute for Swiss cheese in Chicken Cordon Bleu. Chavroux's goat's cheese log, for example, has a soft and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with a tender turkey breast, smoked ham, and fresh herbs. The subtle flavour of goat cheese also goes well with a colourful, crispy salad of cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

Preparing the Chicken

When preparing the chicken, start by choosing smaller chicken breasts, preferably about 5 to 6 ounces each. If you can only find larger chicken breasts, you can cut them in half cross-wise to create thinner cutlets. Pound the chicken to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch using the flat side of a meat mallet or tenderizer. Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap to keep the juices from splattering. Be gentle yet firm when pounding, so the chicken thins out without tearing or falling apart.

Assembling the Dish

Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to assemble the dish. Layer thin slices of deli ham and goat cheese on each breast. Roll each chicken breast jelly roll-style, securing it with a toothpick if needed. You can also try wrapping the chicken around the ham and cheese, rolling it snugly, and folding over the edges to prevent the cheese from melting out during baking.

Breading and Baking

After assembling, it's time to bread and bake your Chicken Cordon Bleu. First, dip the rolls in melted butter, and then coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, Panko, crushed Ritz crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. Transfer the breaded rolls to a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

The Perfect Sauce

While your Chicken Cordon Bleu is baking, you can prepare a delicious sauce to go with it. A creamy Dijon cream sauce, made with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese, is an excellent option. Alternatively, you can make a honey mustard sauce by melting butter, adding garlic, and pouring in chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and reduce the broth, then stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and cornstarch broth mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Provolone is a tangy swap

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish with Swiss origin that is a derivative of schnitzel. It traditionally consists of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and either pan-fried or deep-fried. Chicken cordon bleu specifically is made of chicken that has been pounded thin, layered with ham slices, and topped with Swiss cheese. However, you can swap Swiss cheese for provolone to add a tangy twist to your dish.

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. When melted, provolone becomes gooey and stretchy, making it an excellent choice for dishes like chicken cordon bleu.

When using provolone in your chicken cordon bleu, follow the same steps as you would with Swiss cheese. Pound your chicken breasts to a thin, even thickness, then layer with slices of ham and provolone. Roll the chicken up snugly, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to help it hold its shape. Chill the rolled chicken for at least 30 minutes before breading and baking.

For the breading, you can use a mixture of flour, egg, and dried breadcrumbs, or try something different like crushed cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs. Bake your chicken cordon bleu until it is cooked through, and serve it with a creamy sauce, such as a Dijon cream sauce or a honey mustard sauce.

Remember, the key to a successful chicken cordon bleu is to prevent the cheese from melting out during baking. Make sure to fold the ham and chicken edges up around the cheese as you roll it up, and don't skip the chill time before baking. With these tips and the tangy twist of provolone, you'll have a delicious and impressive dish to serve to your family and friends.

Cheddar is another substitute

Cheddar is a hard cheese that melts well, so it will work well as a substitute. It has a tangy, sharp flavour that will add a nice kick to the dish. If you want to use a cheddar with a particularly strong flavour, try an aged cheddar. This will give the cordon bleu a more intense flavour.

When substituting cheddar for Swiss cheese in a cordon bleu recipe, it is important to consider the other ingredients being used. For example, if you are using a smoked ham, you may want to choose a sharper cheddar to stand up to the smoky flavour. If you are using a milder ham, a milder cheddar may be a better option.

Additionally, consider the sauce you will be using. If you are making a creamy Dijon sauce, a sharper cheddar may be a better complement to the tangy flavour of the mustard. If you are making a white wine sauce, a milder cheddar may be preferable so that it does not overpower the delicate flavour of the wine.

Finally, think about the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. If you are looking for a more indulgent and pungent taste, a sharper cheddar will help to achieve that. If you prefer a milder taste, a milder cheddar or even a cheddar cheese spread could be a better option.

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