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Breaded Steak Sandwich Recipe (Chicago Style)

Iva Carter
Published by Iva Carter
Last Updated On: May 30, 2025

I have made countless breaded steak sandwiches in my career, but there's something about the crispy, savory crust and tender steak inside that always makes this a crowd favorite.

If you haven't tried it yet, this recipe is a must for anyone who loves a hearty, satisfying sandwich.

I am going to show you how to make this with all the flavors of a delicious breaded steak, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

A steak breaded with a flour mixture
  • 4 round steak cutlets (or any tender Italian beef cut)
  • 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 French rolls (or any sandwich rolls)
  • 1 cup red sauce (optional)
  • Hot giardiniera (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Steaks

Start by preparing the round steak cutlets. If the steaks are thick, lightly press them to flatten. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they stay tender. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Set up your breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs for the egg wash, and one with seasoned Italian breadcrumbs. This creates the perfect coating for a crispy breaded steak sandwich.

The steak coated in a mixture

Step 2: Coat the Steaks

Dip each steak into the flour first, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip the steak into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, lightly coat the steak completely with seasoned breadcrumbs. This step will give the steak its golden, crunchy crust, which is what makes the breaded steak sandwich so irresistible.

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

In a skillet, heat frying oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded steaks. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes until the steaks are deep golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; this ensures the oil stays hot enough to create that perfect crispy coating. If necessary, fry in batches.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the steaks are fried to crispy perfection, place them on the French rolls. Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the hot steak to let it melt into a gooey, cheesy layer. For extra flavor, drizzle some red sauce over the top and add hot giardiniera for that extra kick. This combination makes each bite a flavor-packed experience.

Step 5: Serve

Wrap the assembled sandwiches in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This step helps melt the cheese and heats the sandwich through without drying it out. Serve the sandwich warm and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy breaded steak and gooey mozzarella.

Recipe Notes

A well seasoned steak
  • Season the steaks well: Be generous with the salt and pepper so that the flavor penetrates the meat.
  • Use medium heat: Cooking on medium heat prevents the breadcrumbs from burning before the steak is cooked through.
  • Add cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds a wonderful meltiness, but you can also use provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
  • Customize with toppings: You can add sautéed onions, peppers, or even some fresh lettuce and tomato for crunch.
  • Leftovers: This sandwich is just as delicious the next day, so don’t be afraid to make extra!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 980mg

Secret Tips to Making the Perfect Breaded Steak Sandwich

A breaded steak frying in oil

Here are some of my go-to tips for ensuring that your breaded steak sandwich turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time.

  • Press the steaks lightly: Pressing the steaks slightly helps them cook faster and evenly. Just don't flatten them too much, as you still want to maintain that juicy steak inside.
  • Heat the oil properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading will absorb too much oil, making it soggy instead of crispy. Always check the oil’s temperature by dropping a small amount of breadcrumbs into it; if it sizzles right away, it’s ready.
  • Don’t skip the oven step: Wrapping the sandwich in foil and baking helps melt the cheese perfectly and gives the sandwich a warm, soft texture. This step also helps the breaded steak stay tender without losing moisture.
  • Breading consistency: Make sure the breadcrumbs coat the steak evenly for the best crispy crust. Pat the breadcrumbs onto the steak, pressing them in to ensure they stick well.
  • Use fresh bread: French rolls are ideal, but make sure they are fresh. If they’re too dry, they won’t soak up the sauce and moisture from the steak well enough, making the sandwich less flavorful

“Breaded steak sandwiches are a true crowd-pleaser. Just make sure the oil is hot and don’t rush the frying process to get the perfect crisp!”

– Marco Pierre White, Chef & Restaurateur

Best Side Dishes to Serve With

A caesar salad as a side dish for breaded steak sandwich

When I make this breaded steak sandwich at home, I like to pair it with sides that complement the crispy, savory steak. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes that add a little extra flavor and balance to the meal.

Garlic Fries

Crispy, garlicky fries pair perfectly with the sandwich. To make them, cut potatoes into fries, toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and bake them in the oven until golden brown. Serve them hot, and sprinkle with some parsley for an extra kick.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with fresh greens, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich. The creamy dressing and crispy lettuce give a perfect balance to the savory steak.

Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw gives a crunchy, cool texture that balances the heat of the sandwich. A homemade slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing makes a great pairing.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled zucchini, peppers, and onions add a smoky flavor and a healthy side dish to round out the meal. Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender and slightly charred.

Tomato Soup

A warm bowl of tomato soup is the perfect comfort food side to pair with a crispy sandwich. The rich, velvety texture of the soup contrasts beautifully with the crunchy breaded steak. Dip the sandwich into the soup for a delicious treat.

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FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?

Yes, you can use a different cut of meat. Other tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak, but round steak is the most tender when breaded.

2. Can I Make this Sandwich Ahead of Time?

While the breaded steaks are best fresh, you can prep the breading ahead of time and fry the steaks when you're ready.

3. Can I Bake the Breaded Steaks Instead of Frying Them?

Yes, you can bake the breaded steaks instead of frying them. Bake them at 400°F for 15 minutes for a healthier option, but they may not be as crispy as the fried version.

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About the author

Iva Carter
Associate Editor
Iva Carter is a FBP certified foodie and influencer who loves to share delicious yet quick dinner recipes. When she's not in the kitchen concocting meaty delights, you'll find her playing with her dog, Sylvie.
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