Veal Parmesan
Tender veal cutlets, breaded and fried to a perfect golden crisp, then baked with a rich marinara sauce and bubbly melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A quintessential Italian-American comfort food classic.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Veal and Breading Station
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet.
- c.Place veal cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- d.Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs with a tablespoon of water. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bread the Veal Cutlets
- b.Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
- c.Next, dip the floured cutlet into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip back into the dish.
- d.Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's completely coated on both sides. Place the breaded cutlet on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining veal.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Cutlets
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F or 175°C).
- c.Carefully place two cutlets in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- d.Transfer the fried cutlets to the prepared wire rack to drain. This keeps the bottom crispy. Repeat with the remaining cutlets, adding more oil if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Bake
- b.Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- c.Arrange the fried veal cutlets in a single layer in the dish.
- d.Top each cutlet with 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- e.Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and lightly browned.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- d.Serve immediately with a side of spaghetti, a fresh salad, or garlic bread.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest crust, fry the cutlets immediately after breading. Don't let them sit.
- 2Pounding the veal to an even thickness is crucial for tender results and even cooking.
- 3Use a wire rack to drain the fried cutlets instead of paper towels to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. Cook in batches to maintain the oil temperature for a perfect golden crust.
- 5Freshly grated cheese melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.
- 6Use a high-quality marinara sauce, as it is a key flavor component of the dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with thinly pounded chicken breasts (Chicken Parmesan) or thick slices of eggplant (Eggplant Parmesan) for a vegetarian option.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Incorporate other cheeses like provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella for a more complex and nutty flavor profile.
Herb InfusionHerb Infusion
Add fresh chopped basil to the marinara sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little heat.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a less heavy dish, you can bake the breaded cutlets instead of frying. Spray them with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, before assembling and baking with sauce and cheese.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Veal is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
This dish provides significant amounts of B vitamins, particularly B12 and niacin, which are crucial for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell formation.
Provides Essential Minerals
Veal is a good source of essential minerals like zinc, which supports immune function, and phosphorus, which is vital for bone and tooth health.
Calcium for Bone Health
The generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese contribute a good dose of calcium, which is critical for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Veal Parmesan contains approximately 600-750 calories, depending on the size of the cutlet, the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and the quantity of cheese and sauce used.