This chicken schnitzel roll is what I make with leftover schnitzel, and it’s become one of those meals I look forward to almost more than the schnitzel itself. It’s simple — a toasted roll loaded with crispy schnitzel, a spoonful of rosé sauce, soft buffalo cheese and a drizzle of pesto. That’s really all there is to it, and it’s exactly why I make it so often.
What’s more, every element here already lives on the site, so you can pull it together with things you’ve made ahead, or lean on a few good store-bought shortcuts when you’re short on time. I use my Chicken Schnitzel Siciliana, my rosé sauce, and my Walnut Basil Pesto, but a good jarred pesto and a store-bought rosé sauce will get you there just as easily. As a result, this one comes together in the time it takes to toast a roll.
Best of all, it’s endlessly forgiving. Make a batch of schnitzel, pesto and rosé sauce ahead and freeze them in portions, and this roll becomes a five-minute meal any night you need one.
Step 1. Toast the Roll
Drizzle both cut sides of the roll with olive oil, then toast lightly until warm and golden.
Step 2: Layer the Schnitzel and Sauce
Arrange the schnitzel pieces over the base of the roll, then spoon the rosé sauce generously over the top.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Pesto
Tear the buffalo cheese over the rosé sauce, then drizzle the pesto over the top and finish with a grate of parmesan.
Press the top half of the roll on and serve straight away while the schnitzel is still warm.
A FEW THINGS YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW
Can I use store-bought sauce and pesto?
Yes — this roll is just as good built with a good-quality jarred pesto and a store-bought rosé sauce. It's a great shortcut when you don't have either made from scratch.
Can I make the components ahead?
Definitely. The schnitzel, rosé sauce and pesto all freeze well on their own, so you can make a batch of each and simply build the roll fresh whenever you want one.
What's the best bread to use?
A crusty sub or Italian-style roll holds up best — something sturdy enough to take the sauce and cheese without falling apart.
Can I use a different cheese?
Bocconcini or fresh mozzarella both work well in place of buffalo cheese if that's what you've got on hand.
Crispy schnitzel, rosé sauce, buffalo cheese and pesto — all piled into a toasted roll
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