These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are little pockets of joy! With a crispy coating and cheesy filling, they make a perfect snack or appetizer.
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a few while they bake! They’re so quick to make that I always prepare extra—because, let’s face it, who can stop at just one?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: The star of this dish is cheese tortellini. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini depending on what you have on hand. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat or spinach tortellini!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the bites a super crunchy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be quite as crispy. I love how panko makes each bite extra special.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best, but you can also use the pre-grated kind for convenience. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you’re looking for a sharper flavor.
Olive Oil: This helps create that crispy outer layer. You can substitute it with avocado oil for a different flavor or even cooking spray if you want to keep it lighter.
How Can You Get the Perfect Crunch on Tortellini Bites?
Achieving the ideal crunch is all about the breading process and frying technique. The double coating of egg and breadcrumb is key here!
- Ensure the tortellini is well-drained before breading; excess water can make the coating soggy.
- After dipping in egg, allow the excess to drip off before rolling in breadcrumbs. This helps the crumbs stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve that golden brown crust.
- Finally, drain on paper towels immediately after frying to keep them crispy.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes before those delicious bites are ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside to cool slightly. This step is important to prevent steaming and sogginess later!
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This combination adds a wonderful flavor and crunch to your bites!
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This will be your binding mixture that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the tortellini.
4. Coat the Tortellini:
Take each cooked tortellini and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Make sure each piece is well covered for that golden crunch!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet without overcrowding the bites.
6. Fry the Tortellini Bites:
Carefully place the coated tortellini into the hot oil in batches. Fry them until they become golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. You can gently flip them with tongs for even browning.
7. Drain and Garnish:
Once golden brown, remove the tortellini bites from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps make sure your bites stay crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your Parmesan crusted tortellini bites to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just cook them according to the package instructions, increasing the cooking time slightly if needed. Make sure to drain them well before breading to prevent excess moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover tortellini bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes instead of the microwave.
Can I Make These Tortellini Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them and fry them ahead of time, then keep them warm in a low-temperature oven until you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bread the tortellini and freeze them before frying for a quick snack later!
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce, try serving these bites with a delicious garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha sauce for an extra kick. The options are endless!
