Dino Nugget Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 box Dino Nuggets (cooked according to package instructions; reserve a few for serving)
• 1 lb macaroni (pasta of choice)
• 1 cup Swiss or Gruyère cheese (grated)
• 1 lb ham (diced into small cubes)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz cans)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1.5 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded; 1 to 2 cups used in layers)
• 0.5 stick butter (melted)
• 1 cup panko (about a cup)
• mustard (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the Dino nuggets according to the package instructions until crispy.

2. 2

   In a separate large pot, boil the macaroni in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.

3. 3

   Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl.

4. 4

   Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, diced ham, milk, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and grated Swiss (or Gruyère) cheese to the pasta. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

5. 5

   Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.

6. 6

   Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the first pasta layer.

7. 7

   Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and spread evenly.

8. 8

   Press a single layer of the cooked Dino nuggets into the top of the pasta, reserving a few nuggets to place on top after baking.

9. 9

   Cover the nuggets and pasta with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

10. 10

    In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the panko crumbs and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.

11. 11

    Scatter the buttery panko mixture over the top of the casserole.

12. 12

    Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the panko is golden brown.

13. 13

    Top with the reserved Dino nuggets and drizzle with mustard before serving.

Notes

You can use either Swiss or Gruyère depending on your preference for a sharper or nuttier flavor. The mustard drizzle at the end is optional but highly recommended to mimic the classic Cordon Bleu flavor profile.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• casserole
• comfort food
• kid-friendly
• baked
• chicken
• pasta