These Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are a tasty treat! They’re little pockets of cheesy goodness, coated in a crispy layer of Parmesan. Perfect for snacking anytime!
Honestly, who can resist that crunch? I love serving these with a nice dip—just don’t blame me if they vanish quickly! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is the best choice for this recipe, giving a tender and delicious bite. If fresh isn’t available, use refrigerated ones instead of frozen, as frozen might need extra cooking time. You can also try tortellini filled with different cheeses or veggies!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are key for a super crispy coating! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the crunchiness might be a bit less. You can also make your own panko by toasting stale bread and processing it into crumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers great flavor and a better texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Also, Pecorino Romano works really well if you like a sharper taste!
Olive Oil: While olive oil is fantastic for frying, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil if you want a neutral taste. Some people like to use a mix of butter and oil for even more flavor—just be careful with the heat!
How Can I Make Sure My Tortellini Bites Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch on your Parmesan crusted tortellini is all about cooking method and prep. First, make sure to fry in batches so the oil stays hot, ensuring even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they may steam instead of fry.
- Cook the tortellini until just al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the pan.
- After dipping in the egg, ensure they are well-coated in the breadcrumb mixture by pressing down lightly. This helps the crust stick!
- Fry at medium heat. Too low, and they won’t crisp; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Lastly, serve them right away! They taste best fresh out of the pan while the crust is crispy. Enjoy your tasty bites!
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortellini Bites:
- 12 oz fresh cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated, not frozen)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil mix)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
Overall, this recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend approximately 5 minutes boiling the tortellini and about 15 minutes frying the bites until they are golden and crispy. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, which is usually around 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini. Once done, drain them and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix them together until well combined. This will be the crispy coating for our tortellini bites!
3. Beat the Eggs:
Take another bowl and beat the two large eggs until they are smooth. This will help our breadcrumb mixture stick to the tortellini.
4. Coat the Tortellini:
Now comes the fun part! Dip each piece of cooked tortellini into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Press gently so they get a good layer of crumbs sticking to them.
5. Fry the Tortellini Bites:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the coated tortellini bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and super crispy.
6. Drain and Arrange:
Once cooked, transfer the bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Arrange your beautiful Parmesan crusted tortellini bites on a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color, and add a little extra Parmesan on top if you like. Ready to be served alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping!
8. Enjoy!
These crispy, cheesy tortellini bites are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead?
It’s best to stick with fresh or refrigerated tortellini for this recipe, as frozen may take longer to cook and might not yield the same crispy texture. If you must use frozen, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking and allow enough time to cool before coating.
Can I Make These Tortellini Bites in the Oven?
Absolutely! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated tortellini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
What Can I Serve with These Tortellini Bites?
They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping! You can also try them with garlic aioli, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick! A side salad or some roasted veggies would complement them nicely for a more complete meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tortellini bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
