Description
Crispy and cheesy Parmesan Tortellini Bites are a delicious appetizer or snack featuring fried cheese tortellini coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, served with a savory marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tortellini
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 (12-oz.) bag fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil), for frying
For Serving
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade marinara or pizza sauce
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain well and transfer the tortellini to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to dry slightly.
- Prepare Coatings: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. In a third shallow bowl, whisk together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Coat Tortellini: Dredge each tortellini in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, gently coat the tortellini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Return the coated tortellini to the wire rack.
- Fry Tortellini: Heat the neutral oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the tortellini in batches, turning once halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy, about 1 minute per side. Transfer fried tortellini back to the wire rack and immediately season with salt.
- Serve: Transfer the fried tortellini bites to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately alongside marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcrowd the skillet when frying; cook in batches.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning.
- You can make this appetizer ahead of time and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Fresh tortellini works best for frying, but frozen can be used if thawed before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning of the breadcrumb mixture to your taste for more or less garlic and onion flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8 tortellini bites
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
