Description
Cheesy tortellini party snacks bring Italian-style finger food excitement to gatherings. Quick and delightful bites promise simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor that makes snacking effortless for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta:
- 1 package (20 ounces/567 grams) three-cheese tortellini, boiled al dente
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Additional grated parmesan cheese
Coating and Breading:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 5 tablespoons milk
Seasonings and Accompaniments:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Drizzle of melted butter
- Red chili flakes
- Minced Italian parsley
- 1 jar (23.5 ounces/667 grams) classic marinara sauce
Instructions
- Carefully position oven racks to the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even cooking environment. Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for optimal tortellini placement.
- Create three distinct seasoning stations: first station with flour for initial coating, second station with a whisked blend of eggs and milk for moisture, and third station featuring a zesty mixture of Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, red chili flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Methodically transform each tortellini by first rolling in flour to create a thin protective layer, then generously dipping into the egg-milk wash, and finally encasing completely in the seasoned Panko mixture, ensuring full and even coverage.
- Arrange the breaded tortellini on prepared baking sheets, maintaining slight spacing between each piece to promote crispy edges and uniform browning.
- Slide baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through to guarantee consistent golden-brown coloration and crisp texture.
- After removing from oven, transfer tortellini to an elegant serving platter, then enhance with a delicate drizzle of melted butter, additional sprinkle of Parmesan, red chili flakes, and freshly chopped parsley.
- Accompany the crispy tortellini with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, creating an irresistible party snack that balances crunch, spice, and classic Italian flavors.
Notes
- Breading technique guarantees a crispy, golden exterior that transforms ordinary tortellini into irresistible party snacks.
- Layering flour, egg wash, and seasoned Panko creates a perfectly crunchy coating that locks in the pasta’s delicate texture.
- Baking instead of frying offers a healthier alternative with the same satisfying crunch and minimal oil involvement.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting red chili flakes, making these snacks adaptable to different taste preferences.
- Marinara sauce provides a classic dipping option, but feel free to experiment with alternative sauces like ranch or garlic aioli.
- Advance preparation is possible: bread tortellini ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for easy party prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg