Tortellini Party Snacks with Crispy Coating and Marinara Dip Recipe
Introduction
These Tortellini Party Snacks are a fun and crispy twist on classic tortellini, perfect for gatherings or casual snacking. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, they pair beautifully with a flavorful marinara dipping sauce.
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: 1 jar (about 23.5 ounces) classic marinara sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Prepare three shallow bowls along with a whisk and a spoon.
- Step 2: In the first bowl, place the flour only.
- Step 3: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined.
- Step 4: In the third bowl, mix together the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, red chili flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 5: Work in small batches: coat each piece of cooked tortellini first in the flour, making sure to cover it thickly. Then dip the floured tortellini into the egg and milk mixture, coating evenly with no flour spots visible. Finally, coat each piece generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded tortellini on the baking sheets, leaving space between each for even crisping.
- Step 6: Bake for 14–15 minutes until the snacks are golden brown and crispy all over.
- Step 7: Arrange the baked tortellini on a party tray. Drizzle melted butter over them and sprinkle with extra Parmesan, red chili flakes, and minced Italian parsley. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red chili flakes in the breadcrumb mixture and garnish.
- Try swapping the three-cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom-filled varieties for a different taste.
- If you prefer extra crunch, lightly toast the bread crumb mixture in a dry pan before coating the tortellini.
Storage
Store leftover tortellini snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these Tortellini Party Snacks?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Arrange the breaded tortellini on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use if I don’t have Panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have Panko, regular bread crumbs can work but the texture may be less crispy. For extra crunch, try crushing some cornflakes or using crushed crackers as a substitute.
PrintTortellini Party Snacks with Crispy Coating and Marinara Dip Recipe
These Tortellini Party Snacks are crispy, golden, bite-sized appetizers perfect for any gathering. Featuring three-cheese tortellini coated in a seasoned Panko and Parmesan crust, they bake to perfection and are served with classic marinara sauce for dipping. A delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines creamy cheese with a crunchy exterior, ideal for parties or casual snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base
- 1 20-ounce refrigerated package three-cheese tortellini, boiled al dente
Breading
- 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
- Sprinkling of sea salt
- Freshly-ground black pepper, a few twists
Garnishes
- Drizzling of melted butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Sprinkling of red chili flakes
- Minced Italian parsley
Dipping Sauce
- 23.5-ounce jar of classic marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, and gather three shallow bowls, a whisk, and a spoon for the breading process.
- Prepare Flour Bowl: In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour to coat the tortellini initially.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk together the five large eggs and five tablespoons of milk until well combined to create an egg wash mixture.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In the third bowl, mix together the Panko bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red chili pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper thoroughly.
- Coat Tortellini: Working in small batches, add the cooked tortellini to the flour, coating each piece thickly. Then transfer the floured tortellini to the egg wash, ensuring every side is evenly coated with no flour spots visible. Next, move them to the breading bowl and generously coat each tortellini piece with the crumb mixture. Place each breaded tortellini on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each to allow for crisping on all sides.
- Bake: Bake the breaded tortellini in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes or until they are beautifully crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the crispy tortellini on a party tray, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan, red chili flakes, and minced Italian parsley. Serve immediately with a bowl of classic marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy these festive, easy appetizers!
Notes
- Boil the tortellini just until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft when baked.
- Ensure no flour spots remain on the tortellini after egg coating for better adhesion of the bread crumbs.
- Leave space between tortellini on the baking sheet to promote even crisping and browning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor in the breading.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control spiciness according to preference.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best crispy texture.
Keywords: Tortellini, Party Snacks, Baked Tortellini, Cheese Appetizers, Italian Appetizers, Crispy Tortellini, Easy Party Food, Marinara Dipping Sauce
