As a longtime food blogger and home cook, I’m always on the lookout for new and delicious recipes to try in my kitchen. Recently, I discovered that breaded veal patties cooked in the oven can be just as tasty (if not more so!) than frying them on the stovetop. Not only is oven-cooking healthier, but it also frees up valuable stovetop space when you’re juggling multiple dishes for dinner.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through my easy, foolproof method for cooking breaded veal patties in the oven to crispy golden brown perfection every time. Whether you’re prepping a quick weekday meal or hosting a special dinner party these savory patties are sure to satisfy. Let’s get breaded and oven-baked!
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
Before we begin breading and cooking we need to gather our ingredients
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Veal patties – I prefer using thin, evenly sized patties to ensure even cooking. Purchase them premade from your local butcher or grocery store.
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All-purpose flour – For dredging the patties before breading.
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Beaten eggs – For adhering the breadcrumbs to the patties.
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Breadcrumbs – I use Panko for extra crunch but plain dry breadcrumbs work too.
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Grated parmesan cheese (optional) – For added flavor.
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Fresh parsley and lemon wedges – For serving.
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Olive oil – For brushing onto the breaded patties.
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Salt, pepper, garlic powder – For seasoning the patties.
Prep the Patties for Breading
Start by taking the veal patties directly from the fridge and patting them dry with paper towels. Place them on a large plate or cutting board. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Allow them to come closer to room temperature as this helps the breading stick better later on.
Set Up Your Breading Station
Now we’ll prep our ingredients for breading the patties:
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Spread some flour out onto a plate.
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In a shallow bowl, beat 1-2 eggs together until smooth and uniform.
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On another plate, mix together the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese (if using).
You’ll dip each veal patty into these three stations before baking.
Bread the Patties
One by one, pick up a veal patty and coat it completely in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press both sides of the patty into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Place each breaded patty onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Don’t overcrowd them – leave at least 1 inch between patties.
Once all patties are breaded, lightly brush the tops with olive oil. This gives them a nice sheen and extra crispiness.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once hot, place the baking sheet with the breaded patties directly on the center rack.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, then flip each patty over using a spatula. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until the breading is crispy and browned. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 160°F when done.
Allow the baked veal patties to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain their ultra-crisp coating.
Garnish the patties with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Handy Tips for Oven-Baked Perfection
Follow these tips to ensure your breaded veal patties turn out perfect every oven-baked batch:
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Use fresh breadcrumbs rather than panko for a softer texture. Panko makes them extra crispy.
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Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Too many patties steaming will make the breading soggy.
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Brush lightly with oil before baking. Olive or grapeseed oil gives the best crispy results.
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Bake at a high temperature (400°F) to crisp the coating. Lower temps will make it limp.
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Flip the patties halfway during baking to evenly brown both sides.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This sets the breading so it stays ultra-crispy.
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Bake frozen patties directly from the freezer. Just extend cooking time by 5 minutes.
Try These Delicious Ways to Serve Oven-Baked Veal Patties
Breaded veal patties aren’t just for Italian-style parmesan! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these oven-baked beauties:
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Veal Burger – The quintessential sandwich! Pile breaded veal patties high on toasted buns with all the fixings.
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Veal Parm – Serve breaded patties atop a mound of pasta drenched in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
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Veal Quesadillas – Stuff breaded patties in a tortilla with peppers, onions, cheese for a tasty Mexican-Italian mashup!
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Veal Lettuce Wraps – For a lighter option, wrap sliced patties in lettuce leaves with ranch dressing and pickles.
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Veal and Waffles – Top waffles with breaded patties and country gravy for a downhome taste treat.
With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored with oven-baked breaded veal! Let your imagination run wild.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Veal Patties in the Oven
If you’re new to oven-baking breaded veal patties, chances are you have a few questions. Here I’ll answer some of the FAQs I hear the most:
How long should I bake veal patties in the oven?
Bake small, thin patties for 12-15 minutes total, flipping halfway. Larger, thicker patties will need 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Test for doneness by cutting into a patty – internal temp should reach 160°F.
Can you bake veal patties without breading?
Absolutely! Simply brush unbreaded patties with oil and season as desired. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs to coat veal patties?
Good alternatives include panko crumbs, crushed crackers, cornflakes, crushed potato chips, or a blend of flour and spices.
Do the patties need to be fully thawed before baking?
Nope, you can bake frozen veal patties straight from the freezer! Just increase cook time by 5 minutes or so. The breading may soften a bit.
Why are my baked veal patties soggy?
Soggy breading is usually from overcrowding or cooking at too low of a temperature. Be sure to space patties apart on the baking sheet and cook at 400°F.