Veal parmigiana is an Italian-American classic featuring tender, breaded veal cutlets that are smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s absolutely delicious when freshly made and served right out of the oven. But you may have leftovers that you want to revive and enjoy again later. Reheating veal parmigiana requires some care to keep the veal from drying out and the crust from getting soggy.
In this article, I’ll share my top tips and methods for reheating leftover veal parmigiana to restore it to almost-original tastiness. With the right techniques, you can reheat veal parm in the oven or microwave and serve it again with pride. Let’s bring your leftovers back to their full glory!
How to Reheat Veal Parmigiana in the Oven
The oven is my number one recommendation for properly reheating veal parmigiana. The ambient heat crisps up the breaded exterior and warms the interior without overcooking the veal. Here’s how to do it:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lower heat prevents the cheese from burning or crust over-browning.
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Place the veal parmigiana pieces in a baking dish in a single layer.
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Make sure there is enough tomato sauce on each piece to keep the veal moist. Add more sauce if needed.
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Loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check frequently to avoid burning.
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Uncover and bake 2-3 more minutes to recrisp the crust if desired.
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Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture
The oven balances retaining the crusty exterior of the veal with thoroughly and gently heating the interior Keep a close eye on it as foil can cause steam buildup,
Pro Tip: For extra juicy veal parm, add a splash of water, chicken broth or white wine to the baking dish before reheating. This provides a moist cooking environment.
Reheating Veal Parmigiana in the Microwave
While the microwave won’t make the crust as crispy as the oven, it does quickly bring veal parm back up to temperature. Follow these tips:
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Place veal parm pieces on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
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Cover with a paper towel to prevent splattering and trap some steam.
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Microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals just until heated through, 2-3 minutes.
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Let stand 1-2 minutes before serving.
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Transfer to a hot skillet to crisp the crust again if desired.
Microwaving is fast but can make the crust soggy. Use lower power and short bursts to gently warm without overcooking the veal. A quick pan-fry at the end helps recrisp it.
Storing and Reheating Veal Parmigiana Sauce
The tomato sauce is an integral part of veal parmigiana. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
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Let leftover sauce cool completely before storing.
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Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.
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To reheat, place sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
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Stir frequently until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
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Add splashes of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
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Alternatively, microwave sauce in 30 second bursts, stirring between.
Getting the sauce nicely heated again provides essential flavor and moisture for reheating veal parmigiana.
Serving Reheated Veal Parmigiana
Once you’ve successfully reheated your veal parmigiana, it’s time to serve it with all the classic accompaniments:
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Serve over a bed of hot pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine.
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Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan, and parsley.
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Offer garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.
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Chill a bottle of Chianti or merlot to pair perfectly.
With the right reheating technique, your revived veal parmigiana tastes as satisfying as ever. Now pass me a fork, I’m ready for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Veal Parmigiana
Still have some questions about reheating veal parmigiana? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
How long does it take to reheat veal parmigiana in the oven?
Bake veal parm loosely covered at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Uncover and bake 2-3 minutes more if you want to re-crisp the crust.
Can you reheat veal parmigiana without drying it out?
Yes! Use steam-trapping foil and add sauce or broth to the baking dish before reheating. This keeps the veal juicy. Microwave carefully in short increments.
Is reheated veal parmigiana safe to eat?
Yes, as long as it reaches 165°F internally and is reheated within 3-4 days. Only reheat it once before discarding for food safety.
What is the best way to reheat veal parmigiana?
The oven is best for evenly reheating veal parmigiana and recrisping the crust. The microwave can also work if you re-crisp the crust after.
Can you reheat breaded veal in an air fryer?
Yes, an air fryer is great for reheating breaded veal cutlets. Cook at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until hot, misting with broth to prevent drying out.
Enjoy Twice-Cooked Veal Parmigiana
Now that you’re armed with these handy tips for reheating veal parmigiana in the oven or microwave, you can confidently reheat and enjoy those delicious leftovers again later. With proper storage and the right reheating technique, your revived veal parm will taste nearly as scrumptious as the original.