Chickpea Cordon Bleu Skillet

Name: Chickpea Cordon Bleu Skillet (Vegetarian)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g); 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (20 g); 2 cups milk (2%, whole, or plant-based, warmed, 475 mL); 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (30 g); ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (50 g); 2 15-oz cans chickpeas (drained, 425 g cans); 1 5.5 oz package vegan ham-style slices (chopped, some brands to look for include Simple Truth, Lightlife, and Tofurky, 155 g); 3 slices Swiss cheese (torn into large pieces); 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, 14 g); 1 cup panko (50 g); ½ tsp ground black pepper

By Sarah Bond, BS Nutrition, MS Sensory Science, Published Dec 27, 2024

5 from 9 ratings

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45 minutes

Serves 6 servings

21 Comments

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Introducing chickpea cordon bleu: the cheesy, high-protein vegetarian casserole that’s about to be your new weeknight go-to. Packed with hearty chickpeas and creamy layers baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this is pure comfort food bliss, folks. (Bonus: it’s ready in under 45 minutes!)

Who else grew up on those frozen chicken cordon bleu dinners? Well, friends, this vegetarian casserole version is here to give you all the nostalgic feels (minus the meat!).

Packed with tender chickpeas and creamy layers of sauce, it’s basically the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just dabbling in meatless meals, chickpea cordon bleu has you covered!

Who Needs Chicken?

Big on Protein: Chickpeas bring a hearty punch, making this high-protein vegetarian casserole dish equally as filling as the original.
Gooey Deliciousness: Layers of melty cheese will take you to cozy, creamy food heaven.
Ridiculously Easy: With 10 ingredients and minimal hands-on effort, this cheesy chickpea bake tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t!).

Reader rating

★★★★★

“SO good. I made this the other night and it came out perfectly. I’m excited about the leftovers.” —Alexis

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Here’s what goes into this

This chickpea cordon bleu calls for super easy-to-find ingredients (seriously, you probably have most of them)! Jump to the recipe card for exact measurements.

Roux: We’ll use butter and flour to create a roux, which thickens the sauce to creamy perfection. Opt for unsalted butter for better flavor control.
Milk: Forms the sauce’s liquid portion. Feel free to use 2%, whole, or even plant-based milk (like almond or oat) for a dairy-free option.
Sauce Flavors: Parmesan gives the sauce an ultra-rich, nutty flavor (freshly grated is best for meltability, but pre-grated works in a pinch). And Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to balance the richness of the cheese.
Chickpeas: Since they’re packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas make this dish hearty and filling. (You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, or try cooking your own chickpeas for a creamier texture!)
Vegan Ham Slices: Add a smoky flavor (reminiscent of classic cordon bleu). Brands like Simple Truth, Lightlife, or Tofurky are great options here.
Swiss Cheese: To complete the dish, we’ll tear this creamy, melty cheese into pieces and add it on top before baking.
Crispy Topping: We’ll use more melted butter, panko, and black pepper to give the topping that classic golden, crispy finish.

Chickpea Tip

Canned chickpeas are a total time-saver and perfect for this recipe, but don’t just drain them—give them a good rinse! Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and helps them absorb the sauce better.

Ingredients needed to make chickpea cordon bleu.

It goes like this

Can you believe this easy chickpea dinner idea comes together in under 45 minutes? For the full printable recipe, jump to the recipe card.

Make the sauce by whisking warm milk, melted butter, all-purpose flour, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan in a skillet until thick and melty.
Add the fillings (chickpeas and vegan ham-style slices).
Top it with Swiss cheese pieces, then the crispy topping.
Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly
Serve warm!

Go Extra Crispy

For an extra golden, crispy topping, try broiling this chickpea casserole recipe for the last 2-3 minutes of baking (but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!).

Cooking chickpea cordon bleu in a skillet. — When making the sauce, cook the butter and flour for around 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste before whisking in the milk.

Make It Ahead

If you want to prep your chickpea cordon bleu in advance, just assemble the casserole in the pan without adding the breadcrumbs, then cover and refrigerate it.

When you’re ready, sprinkle on the breadcrumbs and bake just before serving. The unbaked casserole stays fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties!

Pairs Well With

Every great casserole deserves a sidekick! Here are a few flavor-packed ideas.

Boursin Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes and all that cheesy, saucy goodness = a match made in comfort-food heaven!
Kale Chickpea Salad: The perfect way to use up leftover chickpeas while making this meal feel a little lighter and healthier.

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