Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites: A Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer
Looking for a fun, crispy appetizer that’s sure to be a hit? These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are the perfect snack for parties, game day, or anytime you’re craving a cheesy, crunchy treat. With tender cheese-filled tortellini coated in a golden, Parmesan and Panko breadcrumb crust, these bites are deliciously addictive. Served with warm marinara sauce, they’re the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Let’s dive into how to make this quick and irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
- 9 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 48 oz canola oil (about 6 cups)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). This flavorful mixture will give the tortellini bites a crispy, cheesy coating.
2. Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, but stop cooking 1 minute before they are fully al dente. Drain the tortellini and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Generously coat the cooked tortellini in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Coat the Tortellini: Dip each piece of floured tortellini into the beaten eggs, ensuring that each piece is fully coated. Then, roll each tortellini in the Panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
4. Heat the Oil: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the canola oil to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep, enough to cover the tortellini. You may not need all 6 cups of oil, depending on the size of your pot. To test if the oil is hot enough, fry a single piece of tortellini—it should start frying immediately without being too aggressive.
5. Fry the Tortellini: Working in batches, carefully lower the coated tortellini into the hot oil. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tortellini and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve: Serve the crispy Parmesan tortellini bites with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. These crunchy, cheesy bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot!
Why You’ll Love These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites:
- Perfectly Crunchy: The Panko and Parmesan coating creates a crispy, golden crust that pairs perfectly with the tender cheese-filled tortellini.
- Easy and Fun to Make: With minimal prep and quick frying time, these tortellini bites are a great option for any party or gathering.
- Deliciously Dippable: The combination of crunchy tortellini and warm marinara sauce makes for an addictive appetizer everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions:
These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, or stuffed mushrooms for an Italian-inspired spread. You can also experiment with dipping sauces—try serving them with a garlic aioli, ranch, or pesto for variety!
Recipe Notes:
- Oil Temperature: It’s important to keep the oil at the right temperature (375°F) to ensure the tortellini fries evenly and gets crispy without becoming greasy. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Storage and Reheating: These tortellini bites are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Customizations: You can easily change up the recipe by using different flavors of tortellini or adding extra spices like Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are the perfect blend of crispy and cheesy, making them an irresistible appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a delicious snack, these golden bites are guaranteed to be a hit. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With a golden, crispy coating of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, each bite reveals a soft, cheesy tortellini center that’s absolutely irresistible. Paired with warm marinara sauce, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack or starter.
Ingredients
9 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini
48 oz canola oil (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 tsp parsley, finely chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
Prepare the breadcrumb mixture:
In a bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the tortellini:
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, but stop 1 minute before it’s fully al dente. Drain and pat dry. Generously coat the tortellini with flour.
Coat the tortellini:
Dip each piece of tortellini into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll each tortellini in the Panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
Heat the oil:
In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the canola oil to 375°F (190°C). The oil should cover the tortellini by about 1-2 inches. You may not need all 6 cups of oil, depending on the size of your pot. To test the oil, fry a single piece of tortellini. It should start frying immediately, but not too aggressively.
Fry the tortellini:
Fry the coated tortellini in batches, cooking them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tortellini from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the crispy Parmesan tortellini bites with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320