Tortellini Party Snacks with Crispy Breadcrumb Coating and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Tortellini Party Snacks are a delicious and fun appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or casual nights in. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with marinara sauce for an easy and festive snack.

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. Prepare three shallow bowls, a whisk, and a spoon for the coating process.
2. Step 2: In the first bowl, place the flour only.
3. Step 3: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In the third bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, chili flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Working in small batches, coat the boiled tortellini first in the flour, making sure each piece is thickly covered. Then transfer them to the egg and milk mixture, coating all sides evenly with no visible flour spots. Finally, coat each piece generously in the bread crumb mixture. Place the breaded tortellini on the baking sheets, spacing them out so they can crisp evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake the tortellini for 14 to 15 minutes until they turn golden and crispy on all sides.
7. Step 7: Arrange the crispy tortellini on a serving tray alongside the marinara sauce. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan, extra red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs and make sure to space the tortellini evenly on the baking sheet.
• You can substitute the three-cheese tortellini with any other filled tortellini or ravioli of your choice.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the bread crumb mix for more flavor.
• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, pesto, or spicy aioli for different tastes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the tortellini party snacks?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place the breaded tortellini on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of marinara sauce works best?

A classic marinara with a balanced tomato and herb flavor pairs perfectly. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce according to your preference.

Tortellini Party Snacks with Crispy Breadcrumb Coating and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

These crispy Tortellini Party Snacks are a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Boiled three-cheese tortellini are coated in flour, dipped in an egg and milk mixture, then generously covered in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and spices before being baked to golden perfection. Served with warm marinara sauce and garnished with melted butter, Parmesan, chili flakes, and fresh Italian parsley, these bites offer a deliciously crunchy and cheesy treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 4 servings (serving size approx. 1 cup or 10–12 tortellini party snacks) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) refrigerated package three-cheese tortellini, boiled al dente
• 1 1/4 cup 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
• Sea salt, a sprinkling
• Freshly-ground black pepper, a few twists

Garnishes & Dipping Sauce

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Gather three shallow bowls, a whisk, and a spoon to set up your breading station.
2. Prepare Flour Bowl: In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour only.
3. Prepare Egg Mixture: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and smooth.
4. Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, dried oregano, red chili flakes, a sprinkling of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
5. Bread the Tortellini: Working in small batches, place the boiled tortellini into the flour bowl, coating each piece thickly. Transfer them immediately to the egg and milk mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated with no visible flour spots. Then, move the tortellini to the breadcrumb mixture and generously coat each piece. Lay the breaded tortellini on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each piece to allow even crisping.
6. Bake: Bake the tortellini snacks in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully crispy and golden brown on all sides.
7. Garnish and Serve: Arrange the baked tortellini on a party tray alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. 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

• Make sure the tortellini are well coated in each step to ensure a crispy coating.
• Working in small batches helps maintain an even coating and prevents sogginess.
• Leave spaces between tortellini on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and crisping.
• You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level.
• The melted butter drizzle adds richness and helps the garnishes stick to the snacks.
• These snacks are best served fresh and hot out of the oven.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: tortellini appetizers, crispy tortellini, party snacks, baked tortellini, Italian appetizers, cheesy snacks, easy party food