The Wiener Schnitzel is a dish that’s the national dish of Austria and is loved all over Germany. It’s usually made with either a veal cutlet or a pork cutlet that’s breaded and then pan-fried until it’s a delicious golden brown.

Americans have a version of this dish as well, but it’s made with a beef filet that’s breaded and then covered with country gravy. This version is known as country-fried steak. Regardless of which version of this dish you love, National Wiener Schnitzel Day is the perfect day to celebrate it on the 9th of September every year.

The History of the Wiener Schnitzel

No one knows for certain when the Wiener Schnitzel was first invented, but historians do know when it was first mentioned. It was mentioned in 1831 in a southern German cookbook by Katharina Prato.

In that book, the dish was called “eingebröselte Kalbsschnitzchen,” or breaded veal cutlets in English. What is known about this dish, however, is that it established itself quite quickly in the U.S during the late 19th century.

German immigrants in Texas began making this dish for their families using the meat that was readily available in the U.S at the time, beef. Over time, this dish would become known as country-fried steak. Country-fried steak is a beef cutlet that’s breaded, pan-fried, and then usually covered in a milk-based gravy known ubiquitously as country gravy all over the U.S.

Fun Wiener Schnitzel Facts

Wiener Schnitzel is a dish that’s not only fun to say but also one that we’ve found out some great trivia about. So if you’re looking for some trivia about this dish to spring on friends and family during National Wiener Schnitzel Day, then read the following fun facts.

• The Wiener Schnitzel is the national dish of Austria.
• According to German and Austrian food regulators, Wiener Schnitzel must always be made with veal.
• The Romans also made a dish by pounding tough meat until it was thin, breading it, and then frying it. They did this in the 1st century A.D.
• Wienerschnitzel is an American fast-food chain that was founded in 1961.
• Milanesa is a South American version of schnitzel.
• The largest schnitzel ever made can be found in the Guinness Book of World Records for 2011. It weighed 550 kilograms or over 1,200 pounds.

Observing National Wiener Schnitzel Day

Anyone wanting to celebrate National Wiener Schnitzel Day can do so by making one of the many versions of this dish whose recipes are available on the Internet. If you don’t like traditional Wiener Schnitzel, then you can try a pork schnitzel or country-fried steak.

While you’re enjoying your dish, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalWienerSchnitzelDay on your social media accounts as well to spread the word about this fun holiday.