Tortellini Party Snacks Recipe

Introduction

Tortellini Party Snacks are a delightful twist on traditional appetizers, transforming cheesy tortellini into crispy, golden bites perfect for any gathering. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these snacks pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

• 1 20-ounce refrigerated package three-cheese tortellini, boiled al dente
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 2 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• A sprinkling of sea salt
• A few twists of freshly-ground black pepper
• Garnishes: drizzling of melted butter, grated Parmesan, sprinkling of chili flakes, minced Italian parsley
• Dipping sauce: one regular-sized jar of classic marinara sauce (about 23.5 ounces)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Gather three shallow bowls, a whisk, and a spoon for the preparation.
2. Step 2: In the first bowl, add the flour only.
3. Step 3: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined.
4. Step 4: In the third bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red chili pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly-ground black pepper thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Working in small batches, toss the tortellini pieces in the flour to coat thickly. Then transfer them to the egg and milk mixture, coating all sides evenly and ensuring no flour spots remain visible. Finally, move the tortellini to the bread crumb mixture and coat each piece generously. Place the breaded tortellini on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out to allow crisping on all sides.
6. Step 6: Bake the tortellini for 14 to 15 minutes, or until they turn beautifully crispy and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Arrange the baked tortellini on a party tray alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, chili flakes, and minced Italian parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the breaded tortellini rest for 5 minutes before baking to help the coating adhere better.
• Swap the three-cheese tortellini for spinach and ricotta for a different flavor profile.
• Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for an herby boost.
• Use a light drizzle of olive oil instead of melted butter for a lighter finish.

Storage

Store leftover tortellini snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these tortellini snacks?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded tortellini on the baking sheets before baking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What dipping sauces work well besides marinara?

Besides classic marinara, try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for different flavor experiences.

Tortellini Party Snacks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

These crispy Tortellini Party Snacks are a delightful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Cheese-filled tortellini are coated in flour, dipped in an egg wash, and then covered with a flavorful mixture of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices before being baked to golden perfection. Served with marinara sauce and garnished with melted butter, extra cheese, chili flakes, and fresh parsley, these bite-sized snacks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 48 pieces depending on tortellini size) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) package three-cheese refrigerated tortellini, boiled al dente
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 2 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• Sea salt, a sprinkling
• Freshly ground black pepper, a few twists

Garnishes and Serving

• Drizzling of melted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Sprinkling of red chili flakes
• Minced Italian parsley
• 1 regular-sized jar (about 23.5 ounces) classic marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare coating bowls: Use three shallow bowls. In the first, place all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to make an egg wash. In the third, combine Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red chili flakes, a sprinkling of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
3. Coat the tortellini: Work in small batches for best results. First, toss the boiled tortellini in the flour bowl, ensuring each piece is thickly coated. Next, transfer them to the egg and milk mixture, coating evenly and making sure no flour spots remain visible, which is crucial for proper adhesion.
4. Bread the tortellini: Move the wet tortellini to the breadcrumb mixture and generously coat each piece with the flavorful crumb blend. Arrange the coated tortellini on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out to allow for even crisping on all sides.
5. Bake until crispy: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the tortellini turn beautifully golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and serve: Arrange the baked tortellini on a party tray alongside a bowl of marinara sauce. Drizzle melted butter over the snacks, then sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan, red chili flakes, and minced Italian parsley for a festive finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For best results, ensure the tortellini are well coated in each step to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Spacing the tortellini on the baking sheet helps them crisp on all sides instead of steaming.
• You can prepare the coating bowls ahead of time to streamline the process during a party.
• If you prefer a spicier snack, increase the red chili flakes in the breadcrumb mix or the garnish.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour and Panko with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: Tortellini snacks, party appetizers, baked tortellini, crispy tortellini, Italian appetizers, cheese tortellini, easy party recipes