Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Cordon Bleu Bites! They’re the ultimate party appetizer that always gets rave reviews. Picture this: tender chicken wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all breaded and baked to crispy perfection. Trust me, they’re super easy to make, which is a total win when you’re juggling everything else during party prep! I first made these for a family gathering, and they disappeared in minutes! The combination of flavors is just so delightful—it’s hard to eat just one. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients for Cordon Bleu Bites
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (make sure they’re nice and even for even cooking)
- 4 ounces ham, sliced (I love using a good quality deli ham for extra flavor)
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced (you can also shred it if you prefer that melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works wonders for extra crunch!)
- 2 eggs, beaten (this helps the breadcrumbs stick beautifully)
- 1/2 cup flour (for dusting; it gives that nice crispy coating)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step, it really elevates the flavors!)
- Cooking spray (for a golden finish without the extra oil)
How to Prepare Cordon Bleu Bites
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Cordon Bleu Bites will cook evenly and get that lovely golden color!
- Next, take each piece of chicken and flatten it out gently with a meat mallet. You want them to be nice and thin, about 1/4-inch thick, so they roll up easily. Oops! Don’t pound too hard; we want them intact!
- Now, place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken piece. Wow, the aroma of the cheese is fantastic already!
- Roll the chicken around the ham and cheese tightly, and secure each roll with a toothpick. This keeps all that deliciousness inside while baking.
- Now, we’re going to coat these little gems. First, dip each roll in flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully covered. If you’re using panko, you’ll get extra crunchiness—yum!
- Place the rolled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and give them a good spritz with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Flavor-packed bites that combine tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese.
- Great for entertaining; they’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
- Versatile and adaptable—experiment with different meats and cheeses to suit your taste.
- Baked to crispy perfection, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!
- Perfectly portioned for snacking, making them an ideal appetizer for any occasion.
Tips for Success
To make the best Cordon Bleu Bites, here are my top tips! First, be sure to flatten the chicken evenly; this ensures they roll up nicely and cook uniformly. If you find the filling peeking out while baking, don’t panic! Just gently reshape them as they cool. Also, don’t skip the cooking spray—this is key for that golden, crispy exterior! If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or herbs to your breadcrumbs. And remember, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different!
Variations on Cordon Bleu Bites
One of the best things about these Cordon Bleu Bites is how versatile they are! If you want to mix things up, try using turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. You can also switch up the cheese—Gruyère or even cheddar can add a unique twist. Feeling adventurous? Add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes inside for an extra burst of flavor and color! If you’re a fan of spicy food, throw in some jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover Cordon Bleu Bites, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bite tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat the bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Trust me, this method keeps them tasting just as delicious as when they were first baked!
Nutritional Information for Cordon Bleu Bites
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of these scrumptious Cordon Bleu Bites is packed with flavor and a decent balance of nutrients. On average, you can expect about 320 calories per serving, which includes 15 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein—perfect for a satisfying snack or appetizer! There are also around 20 grams of carbohydrates, making these bites a great option for a well-rounded treat. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust them according to your favorites!
FAQ about Cordon Bleu Bites
Can I make Cordon Bleu Bites ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
What dipping sauces go well with these bites? I love serving them with honey mustard or a creamy ranch dressing. They also pair well with a tangy barbecue sauce for a fun twist!
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar or provolone can give a delicious flavor change!
Are Cordon Bleu Bites gluten-free? If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour, you can easily make these bites gluten-free!
How do I know when they’re fully cooked? They should be golden brown and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole or these Christmas Appetizers!
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Cordon Bleu Bites: 7 Irresistible Appetizers to Try Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cordon Bleu Bites are small, flavorful bites made with chicken, ham, and cheese, breaded and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 ounces ham, sliced
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Flatten each piece of chicken with a meat mallet.
- Place a slice of ham and cheese on each piece of chicken.
- Roll the chicken around the ham and cheese, securing with a toothpick.
- Dip each roll in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
- Can substitute turkey for chicken.
- Adjust cooking time based on size of bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cordon Bleu Bites, Chicken Bites, Appetizer