Veal Parmigiana
Veal Parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender breaded veal cutlets topped with rich spaghetti sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it offers a comforting, flavorful experience perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the veal cutlets until they reach 3 x 3-inch size.
- Dip each meat cutlet into the egg and milk mixture, then coat with 3/4 cup dry seasoned bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the breaded cutlets generously with grated Parmesan cheese and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Saute the breaded veal in butter or oil until crisp, about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
- Place the cooked veal cutlets on a baking sheet, top with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a crispy coating, use fresh seasoned bread crumbs and let the breaded veal sit for 15 minutes before frying. If you don't have veal, chicken cutlets can be a great substitute. For a lighter option, consider using olive oil instead of butter when sautéing. Don't skip the generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve veal Parmigiana with a side of spaghetti or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread or a light Italian bread pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. For more Italian recipes, consider exploring options like Pizzacato Pizza Casserole for another family favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover veal Parmigiana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the breading while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veal Parmigiana contains roughly 773 calories, with 14g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 599mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make veal Parmigiana ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the breaded veal cutlets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a day before cooking. Just remember to cook them just before serving to keep them crispy. If you need to prepare the entire dish ahead, consider baking it and then reheating it when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella cheese, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a similar melt and flavor. For a lower-fat option, try part-skim mozzarella, which will still provide a nice texture without compromising much on taste.
Can I bake the veal instead of frying it?
Absolutely! To make a healthier version, you can bake the breaded veal cutlets instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. This method reduces the amount of oil used and still yields delicious results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).