Description
Crispy and golden toasted tortellini baked to perfection, coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and a seasoned egg batter. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack pairs perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Tortellini
- 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 6 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Additional
- Cooking spray for greasing and topping
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Blanch tortellini: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tortellini will start to float to the surface once cooked.
- Drain and cool: Drain the tortellini thoroughly and spread them out on a large plate to cool completely, ensuring there is no excess water before proceeding to breading.
- Prep oven and breadcrumb mixture: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a mini food processor, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes; pulse for a few seconds to blend evenly. Transfer the mixture into a bowl.
- Mix batter: In a larger bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper until smooth and free of lumps.
- Bread the tortellini: Add the cooled tortellini to the batter and toss until each piece is coated evenly. Working one at a time, dredge the tortellini into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides. Place the coated tortellini onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for baking: Spray the tops of the breaded tortellini lightly with cooking spray to promote crisping.
- Bake: Bake the tortellini for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the toasted tortellini hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the tortellini thoroughly after boiling to ensure the batter sticks properly.
- The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Using a mini food processor for the breadcrumb mixture helps ensure an even coating on each tortellini.
- Cooking spray on top of the breaded tortellini helps them bake to a crisp golden finish.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: toasted tortellini, baked tortellini, crispy tortellini appetizer, Italian snack, Parmesan breaded tortellini
