Involtini di Vitello (Veal Rolls with Prosciutto and Fontina)

Italian involtini turn thin slices of meat into neat, quick-cooking rolls, usually filled with something savoury and served with the pan juices. In this veal version, prosciutto seasons the meat from within while fontina melts into a soft, creamy centre. A brief sear gives the rolls colour without drying them out, then white wine lifts the browned bits from the pan before butter rounds the sauce into a glossy finish. The result is a compact but generous dinner: tender veal, salty cured ham, stretchy cheese and a simple sauce that suits potatoes, greens or bread for mopping.
Cuisine style Italian home cooking
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Layered savouriness: Prosciutto seasons the veal from the inside, while fontina adds gentle richness and the wine lifts the pan sauce.
  • Fast cooking: Thin veal escalopes cook quickly once rolled, making this a practical dinner with a polished finish.
  • Glossy pan sauce: Deglazing the frying pan captures the browned flavour, then butter rounds the sauce into a smooth finish.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Serve promptly: The involtini are at their best straight from the pan, before the fontina firms up.
  • Brief resting helps: A short rest lets the juices settle without losing the soft, melted texture of the cheese.

Ingredient notes

  • Use thin veal escalopes: Thin cutlets roll neatly and cook through before the outside becomes tough.
  • Choose a good melting cheese: Fontina gives the filling its supple texture; Gruyere is a useful substitute with a nuttier flavour.
  • Wine changes the sauce: Dry white wine keeps the sauce light, while dry sherry gives a richer and slightly sweeter result.

Common mistakes

  • Overcooking the veal: Veal escalopes are lean and thin, so cook only until just done to keep the rolls tender.
  • Boiling the butter sauce: Lower the heat before adding the butter so the sauce stays glossy rather than greasy.
  • Letting the rolls sit too long: If left to stand for too long, the cheese will firm up and the filling will lose its stretch.

Serving ideas

  • Simple sides: Serve with sautéed greens, roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the buttery sauce.
  • Wine pairing: A dry Italian white works well with the veal, prosciutto and fontina without weighing down the sauce.
  • Fresh finish: A little chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon can freshen the dish just before serving.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Lay the veal cutlets out on a board and season both sides with the black pepper. Lay a slice of prosciutto on each cutlet, then divide the fontina cheese between them. Roll up tightly from the short end to make neat little parcels.
  2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the veal rolls seam-side down and cook, turning carefully, for 6 to 8 minutes until golden all over and the veal is just cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.
  3. Pour the dry white wine into the pan and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by about half. Lower the heat and swirl in the unsalted butter until glossy.
  4. Return the involtini to the pan and spoon the sauce over them. Warm gently for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese is melting again. Serve straight from the pan with the sauce spooned over the top.
  5. Let the involtini rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving so the juices settle. Serve immediately while the fontina is still soft and stretchy.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • If the veal cutlets are not very thin, place them between two sheets of baking paper and gently flatten with a rolling pin so they roll neatly and cook quickly.
  • Keep the heat low when adding the unsalted butter so the sauce stays smooth and glossy rather than splitting.
  • Food safety: if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, ensure the veal is cooked through and piping hot.

Substitutions

  • Replace Fontina cheese with Gruyere cheese for a similar melt and a slightly nuttier flavour.
  • Replace Dry White Wine with Dry Sherry for a richer, slightly sweeter pan sauce.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan over a low heat with a splash of water until piping hot, taking care not to boil the sauce hard.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 35min (30min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly One pot

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