A definitive ranking of our schnitzel recipes

Schnitzel is proof that simple food can still be wildly exciting. Crispy on the outside, juicy in the middle, and dangerously easy to eat straight from the pan, it is a dinner classic that never lets you down. Whether you are cooking for the family, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, a good schnitzel recipe has serious main character energy.

But not all schnitzels are created equal. Some are golden and glorious. Some bring big flavour twists. Others quietly surprise you and then demand a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. So we did what had to be done for the good of dinner everywhere and ranked our schnitzel recipes from good to absolutely cannot stop thinking about it.

This is your definitive guide to the best schnitzel recipes on recipes.co.nz, packed with crispy coatings, clever flavour upgrades and plenty of reasons to put schnitzel back on the menu. Grab your crumb tray, warm up the pan and prepare to have a favourite or three.

12. Parmesan and herb-crusted lamb schnitzels

This schnitzel recipe has a lot going for it, the flavours pair really well together and it's the quickest to whip up out of all our schnitzel recipes with just 20 minutes from the kitchen counter to the dinner table.

11. Beef roulades with crunchy honey pumpkin

This recipe would absolutely be climbing higher if it was a classic schnitzel, but technically it is a roulade made with beef schnitzel. Rules are rules. That said, it is a seriously special dish, with crunchy honey pumpkin doing some truly heavy lifting in the flavour department.

10. Cheese and mushroom stuffed beef schnitzels

Don't judge a book by its cover because while the recipe image could use an update, there's nothing about this recipe that needs to change. I'm a huge fan of blue vein cheese and mushroom, and even more so when it's stuffed into crumbed schnitzel.

9. Beef schnitzel

If you're after a schnitzel recipe that tastes good but is ready in under 15 minutes, then this is the one for you. It's simple enough that the kids can help with the prep.

8. Italian beef parmigiana

We love this recipe because it offers a really good way to jazz up your everyday beef schnitzel and use up that courgette crop too. Our top tip if budget-permitting, using balls of fresh buffalo mozzarella.

7. Beef olives

Firstly, this recipe doesn't feature any actual olives, rather beef olives are an old dish dating back to medieval times. The ‘olives’ are little parcels of stuffed schnitzel which are then cooked in the slow cooker. It's at number six because these are delicious.

6. Melting Mediterranean lamb rolls

These little lamb rolls are absolutely packed with flavour, with prunes, pistachios, mozzarella, capsicum and lemon zest all showing up and showing off. It is bold, a bit unexpected and seriously satisfying in the best possible way.

5. Beef schnitzel

Think schnitzel only belongs on a plate? Think again. It makes an incredible burger, bringing big crunch and even bigger texture. Add shredded cabbage or coleslaw if you must, plus punchy cauliflower pickles, and you have a schnitzel burger that seriously delivers. Honestly, what is not to love?

4. Cheesy crumbed beef schnitzel

This cheesy crumbed beef schnitzel is pure comfort food and a total crowd pleaser. It comes together in about 30 minutes so you get dinner on the table fast and everyone asking for seconds. Seriously tasty and easy family dinner energy.

3. Lamb parmigiana

While you might not often see lamb schnitzel in restaurants, this Italian-inspired dish demonstrates why the rich meat is made even better when breaded and fried!

2. Beef schnitzel with dill and avocado slaw

This beef schnitzel is the cheffy glow up your family favourite did not know it needed. The beef brings the goods, but the real showstopper is that next level crumb with panko, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds and poppy seeds for maximum crunch.

1. Crumbed beef schnitzel with creamy cheese sauce

Some things are popular for a reason, and this classic crumbed beef schnitzel proves it. It has been one of the most cooked recipes on our site for years and honestly, we get why. Tender beef, golden crunchy panko crumbs and a creamy cheese sauce that ties it all together.