Name: Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs turkey cutlets; 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs; 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss, you’re going to love this Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe. I absolutely love how the crispy, golden crust pairs with the juicy turkey inside — it’s one of those dishes that always manages to impress, yet comes together quickly. You’ll find that this recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting but not heavy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples come together for big flavor.
Crispy & Juicy: The parmesan crust seals in moisture for tender turkey every time.
Easy Prep & Cleanup: Baked, not fried, so less mess and healthier too.
Crowd-Pleaser: Family and guests always ask for seconds — it’s that good!

The image shows a white plate with three golden brown breaded cutlets, each with a crispy texture and some darker toasted spots, topped with small green herb leaves scattered around. Next to the cutlets on the plate is a small white bowl filled with thick, smooth red sauce. In the background, more breaded cutlets sit on a baking tray that rests on a soft white marbled surface. The colors vary from the warm tones of the cutlets to the vibrant red of the sauce and the fresh green herbs, making the dish look appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients balance flavor and texture beautifully — the parmesan and breadcrumbs form a crispy coating that sticks well to the turkey cutlets. When shopping, look for fresh turkey cutlets and high-quality parmesan to make the most of this recipe.

Turkey cutlets: I prefer lean turkey for a tender, juicy meal without extra fat.
Panko bread crumbs: They give the crust a great crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Freshly grated parmesan melts perfectly into the crust and adds that savory depth.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Dried basil: A little hint of herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish.
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs beautifully with parmesan.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors — don’t skip this.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spicy bite that wakes up the palate.
Olive oil: Used to grease the baking sheet, it adds a bit of richness and helps crisp the crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe to keep it exciting. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a spicy kick! Trust me, making this dish your own only adds to the fun and flavor.

Add heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the breadcrumb mix for a little zing — I did this once and it quickly became a family favorite.
Swap herbs: Try fresh rosemary or thyme instead of basil and oregano for an earthy twist.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing crunch.
Cheese variations: Mixing parmesan with a little asiago or pecorino gives a deeper cheesy flavor.

How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always grease my baking sheet with olive oil first — this not only prevents sticking but helps the crust get that beautiful golden brown color. Set the pan aside so it’s ready for the cutlets.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Crust

In a large shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, finely grated parmesan, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. I like to mix these well so every bite gets that herby, cheesy punch. Pro tip: tasting a bit of the crumb mixture before coating helps you adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 3: Coat the Turkey Cutlets

Pat the turkey cutlets dry with paper towels — this is key for the crumb mixture to stick nicely. Press each cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. You’ll notice the parmesan helps bind everything together perfectly. Don’t rush this step; pressing firmly makes a big difference.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your breaded turkey cutlets on the greased baking sheet spaced evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy. I use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F — it gives me peace of mind, and ensures juicy results.

Pro Tips for Making Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe

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Dry Turkey Cutlets Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness — pat dry to get the crust to stick and stay crunchy.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that impact melt and texture.
Press Crumbs Firmly: This ensures the crust won’t fall off during baking or serving.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each cutlet enough space for air to circulate so they bake evenly crisp.

How to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe

Three pieces of crispy baked chicken with a golden brown crumb coating are arranged on a white plate with a beaded rim. The chicken is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and grated cheese, adding texture and color. On the top-left side of the plate is a small white bowl filled with thick red marinara sauce, swirled smoothly. In the background, a white baking tray holds more pieces of the baked chicken. The plate sits on a folded green and blue checkered cloth over a white marbled surface, with some scattered green herbs around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine off with a little fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving really brightens the flavors — I discovered this trick when I wanted to cut through the richness of the cheese crust.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a light summer pasta tossed with peas and parmesan — a fresh, simple side that complements the savory turkey beautifully. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad are also great for keeping it balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to slice the cutlets and arrange them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, drizzling a little pan sauce or herb oil on top. It makes the dish look fancy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I usually store mine separated by parchment paper if stacking, so the crust doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap each cutlet individually and freeze in a sealed bag. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend baking the cutlets in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to help maintain that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken cutlets work great with this recipe and the same breading will create that delicious crispy crust. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as chicken may cook faster or slower depending on thickness.
How can I make sure the crust stays crunchy after baking?

The key is patting your turkey dry, pressing the breading firmly, and using panko crumbs. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so the heat circulates well. If you need to reheat leftovers, use the oven rather than microwave to keep the crust crisp.
Is it necessary to use dried herbs, or can I use fresh?

You can definitely swap dried for fresh herbs, but remember fresh herbs are less concentrated, so you might need about three times the amount. Fresh herbs will add a brighter flavor but won’t stick as firmly to the crust, so press the crumbs carefully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the turkey cutlets ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge up to a day before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before putting them in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan-Crusted Baked Turkey Cutlets Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something quick but unforgettable. The blend of crunchy, cheesy coating and tender turkey is a combo I always find myself craving. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family and I do — it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Happy cooking!