Prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! Classic Veal Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender veal cutlets with a crispy, golden crust and a luscious marinara sauce topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 veal cutlets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the veal cutlets by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the cutlets with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, beat the eggs until well combined. In another shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each veal cutlet first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Then carefully coat the cutlet in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the breading adhere firmly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded veal cutlets into the hot oil and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the browned cutlets to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, ensuring they are evenly covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of each cutlet.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the veal is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Veal: Opt for fresh, high-quality veal cutlets for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for meat that is pale pink and has a fine grain.
- Pound the Cutlets: For an even more tender texture, consider gently pounding the veal cutlets to about 1/4 inch thickness before seasoning.
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: If possible, use fresh breadcrumbs made from day-old bread for a superior crunch and flavor. You can easily make your own by pulsing stale bread in a food processor.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the breaded cutlets to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Adding a blend of mozzarella and provolone or even a sprinkle of fontina can elevate the dish.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the veal rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this classic Italian dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 180mg
