Description
Cheesy tortellini party snacks combine Italian comfort with irresistible finger-food appeal. Small pasta pillows packed with savory ingredients make perfect crowd-pleasing appetizers you can enjoy at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (20 oz/567 g) three-cheese tortellini, boiled al dente
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 5 tbsps milk
- 2 tsps dried oregano
- 1 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 jar (23.5 oz/667 g) classic marinara sauce
- Additional grated parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of melted butter
- Red chili flakes
- Minced Italian parsley
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and heat to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect surface for crispy tortellini.
- Seasoning Setup: Establish three coating stations – first with flour, second with whisked eggs and milk, third with a dynamic blend of Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan, oregano, red chili flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. This multilayered approach ensures maximum flavor and crunch.
- Breading Technique: Transform tortellini by methodically coating each piece. Roll in flour, dunk thoroughly in egg-milk mixture, then completely encase in seasoned Panko, guaranteeing full coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Baking Process: Arrange breaded tortellini on prepared sheets with minimal spacing. Bake for 14-15 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown perfection and consistent crispy texture.
- Finishing Touches: After removing from oven, transfer tortellini to a serving platter. Elevate the dish by drizzling melted butter, sprinkling additional Parmesan, red chili flakes, and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair the crispy tortellini with warm marinara sauce, creating an irresistible party snack that delivers a harmonious blend of textures and classic Italian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Organize your three seasoning stations before starting to streamline the breading process and prevent messy kitchen chaos.
- Coating Technique: Ensure complete and even coverage by gently pressing the Panko mixture onto tortellini, eliminating bare spots for maximum crispiness.
- Baking Space Matters: Leave small gaps between tortellini on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing perfectly crisp edges and golden-brown color.
- Serving Suggestion: Keep tortellini warm for 10-15 minutes after baking by tenting with foil, maintaining their delightful crunch and temperature for party guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg