Tortellini Party Snacks with Crispy Breadcrumb Coating and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Prepare Flour Bowl: In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour only.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
