Description
Craving a pizza that’s loaded with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu? The Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza is your answer! This recipe transforms the elegant dish into a quick, family-friendly pizza with a creamy Alfredo base, tender ham, crispy chicken nuggets, and melty Swiss and mozzarella cheeses
Ingredients
To make Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza for 6 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one brings a piece of the classic Cordon Bleu to the pizza:
- Refrigerated Pizza Crust (1 tube, 13.8 oz): A quick, ready-to-use base for the pizza.
- Alfredo Sauce (½ cup): Creamy, garlicky sauce that replaces traditional tomato sauce.
- Garlic Salt (¼ tsp): Adds a savory, garlicky kick to the base.
- Shredded Swiss Cheese (1 cup): Brings nutty, melty flavor true to Cordon Bleu.
- Cubed Fully Cooked Ham (1½ cups): Adds salty, smoky protein.
- Breaded Chicken Nuggets (10, thawed, cut into ½-inch pieces): Provides crispy, tender chicken flavor.
- Shredded Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey, stretchy texture.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Crust: Swap with homemade pizza dough, flatbread, or a gluten-free crust.
- Alfredo Sauce: Use a homemade Alfredo or a creamy garlic sauce; thin with milk if too thick.
- Ham: Substitute with deli turkey, prosciutto, or bacon for a different flavor.
- Chicken Nuggets: Use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or breaded chicken tenders.
- Cheese: Swap Swiss for Gruyère or mozzarella for provolone.
- Add-Ons: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Vegetarian: Replace ham and chicken with plant-based meat or roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The ham and chicken provide protein, while the cheeses add calcium and richness. The Alfredo sauce brings creamy indulgence, and the crust offers carbs for a satisfying, balanced meal that’s perfect for pizza lovers.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Unroll 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust and press it evenly onto the bottom of the pan, pinching the edges to form a rim if desired.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until the edges are light brown.
Tip: Press the dough evenly to avoid thin spots, and pre-baking ensures a crispy base.
Step 2: Prep the Toppings
- While the crust bakes, thaw 10 breaded chicken nuggets (if frozen) and cut into ½-inch pieces.
- Cube 1½ cups fully cooked ham if not already cubed.
- Measure out 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese and 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Tip: Prep toppings while the crust bakes to save time.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread ½ cup Alfredo sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Sprinkle ¼ tsp garlic salt over the sauce for extra flavor.
- Evenly distribute 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, 1½ cups cubed ham, the chopped chicken nuggets, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Tip: Spread toppings evenly for consistent flavor in every bite, and don’t overload to ensure the crust stays crispy.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check at 8 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking if your oven has hot spots.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes for easier slicing.
- Cut into 6 equal pieces and serve hot.
Tip: Use a pizza cutter for clean, even slices, and serve with a side of extra Alfredo sauce for dipping if desired.