Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Tortellini Bites Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites are golden, crunchy, and cheesy little snacks made by breading cooked cheese tortellini with a Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, then frying them until perfectly crisp. Served with marinara sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer or party snack that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tortellini Bites:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook for 3-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Tortellini: Dip each tortellini first in flour, shaking off excess, then in beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to coat thoroughly. Place coated tortellini on a plate as you go.
- Fry the Tortellini Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, enough to cover the bottom. Fry tortellini in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy bites on a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overcook tortellini; it should be al dente to hold the coating well.
- Pressing the tortellini firmly into the breadcrumb mixture creates a crunchier crust.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and ensure tortellini is gluten-free.
- You can bake the breaded tortellini at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, as a healthier alternative to frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
Keywords: Parmesan crusted tortellini, fried tortellini bites, crispy tortellini appetizer, Italian snack, tortellini recipe, cheese tortellini bites
