Croatian Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

While the Swiss Cordon Bleu traditionally uses Swiss cheese and ham, the Croatian version incorporates local ingredients. Instead of Swiss cheese, we use Croatian cheese such as Dalmatian or Pag cheese, which have a similar texture and flavor. Additionally, we add a hint of Mediterranean herbs and spices to enhance the taste. We alse have the original recipe for Cordon Bleu, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken breasts 4 chicken breasts
• 4 slices of Croatian ham 4 slices of Croatian ham
• 4 slices of Croatian cheese (Dalmatian or Pag cheese) 4 slices of Croatian cheese (Dalmatian or Pag cheese)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 20g (8g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently to flatten to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. 3.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika.
4. 4.
   Lay a slice of Croatian ham and a slice of Croatian cheese on each chicken breast.
5. 5.
   Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
6. 6.
   Secure the rolls with toothpicks to hold their shape.
7. 7.
   Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip it in beaten eggs, and then coat it with breadcrumbs.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. 9.
   Fry the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Transfer the fried rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
11. 11.
    Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Pound them gently to ensure even cooking and tender results.
• Croatian ham — Choose a high-quality ham with a good balance of saltiness and smokiness.
• Croatian cheese — Opt for Dalmatian or Pag cheese for an authentic Croatian flavor.
• Breadcrumbs — Use fresh breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor.
• Toothpicks — Make sure to remove them before serving to avoid any accidents.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier coating, you can double coat the chicken rolls by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
• Experiment with different Croatian cheeses to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Serve the Croatian Cordon Bleu with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
• If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the chicken rolls instead of frying them.
• Pair this dish with a side of Croatian potato salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian Cordon Bleu hot, straight from the oven. Accompany it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To present the Croatian Cordon Bleu beautifully, slice each chicken roll diagonally and arrange the pieces on a plate. Place a small bowl of dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or tomato salsa, on the side for added flavor.