These fun Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside! They’re perfect as a tasty snack or a party treat. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist anything cheesy? I love serving these with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a mini Italian feast on a plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for a quick meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try homemade tortellini; just be sure to cook them briefly since they might take longer. Keep an eye on cooking time if you’re using frozen tortellini!
Breadcrumbs: I like using panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you’re gluten-free, there are gluten-free breadcrumbs made from various grains that are great substitutes. Just make sure to check the package!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds so much flavor here. For a twist, you could use Pecorino Romano, which has a sharper taste. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, though the texture will be different.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning really amp up the flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste—fresh herbs like basil or oregano are nice too! Add red pepper flakes for a kick if you like some spice.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Tortellini Bites?
Achieving that golden, crispy exterior is key for these bites. Here’s how you can nail that crunch:
- Make sure your tortellini are well-dried after cooking. Moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Coat them evenly in the breadcrumbs—this helps create a solid crust.
- Don’t skip the olive oil spray! A little oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Turn them halfway during baking for an even color and texture. This small step makes a big difference!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a batch of tortellini bites that are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortellini Bites:
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 10-15 minutes baking until they’re golden brown and crispy. In no time, you’ll have a delicious snack to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with olive oil or cooking spray so that your tortellini won’t stick.
2. Cook the Tortellini:
Next, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once cooked, drain the tortellini well and pat them dry with a paper towel to get rid of any extra moisture. This helps them crisp up nicely!
3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth.
4. Coat the Tortellini:
Now, it’s time to make those tortellini extra delicious! Dip each tortellini in the egg mixture first, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s fully coated. Place each coated tortellini on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Tortellini Bites:
Give the coated tortellini a light spray of olive oil or drizzle it over the top to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake the tortellini for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the tortellini bites for an extra cheesy touch. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, and they’re ready to be served! Enjoy them hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Yum!
These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are sure to please everyone. They’re crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
Yes! You can use frozen tortellini, but remember to cook them according to package instructions before coating. Thawing them in the fridge overnight or cooking them straight from frozen works well; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Prep These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can coat the tortellini in advance and keep them on the baking sheet, covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake them right before serving for the best texture.
What Dipping Sauces Work Well Besides Marinara?
While marinara is a classic choice, you can also try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha sauce for a fun twist! Experiment with what you love best!
