Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
User Reviews
5
Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
Description
This recipe uses refrigerated three-cheese tortellini cooked until just shy of al dente, then dredged in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and coated with a flavorful mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. The coated tortellini pieces are deep fried in hot canola oil heated to 375°F, ensuring an immediate sizzling crisp exterior without soaking up excess oil. Each tortellini is fried for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy outside while keeping the filling creamy.
After frying, the tortellini bites are drained on paper towels and served hot alongside marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast of the crunchy, cheesy crust with the tender inside delivers a satisfying appetizer or snack. The recipe mentions a preferred tortellini brand for best results and offers an optional finishing step of baking the fried bites on a greased preheated baking sheet to enhance crispness further.
Serving these tortellini bites warm maximizes their textural appeal. The recipe accommodates baking after frying if you want a slightly drier, toastier crust. Marinara dipping sauce adds acidity that balances the richness of the cheese filling and crust. They can be cooked in batches to maintain oil temperature and frying quality.
Ingredients
- 9 oz. three cheese tortellini see notes for my preferred brand, refrigerated
- 48 oz. canola oil (6 cups)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 egg beaten, large
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
- 2 teaspoons parsley finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the tortellini until it’s 1 minute before it’s al-dente. Drain, and coat generously with flour.
- Dip each tortellini into the beaten eggs, and then into the panko mixture.
- Heat the oil in a dutch oven to 375 degrees. You may not need to use all of the canola oil but ensure that the tortellini is covered by an inch or two.
- If you’re unsure if the oil is the right temperature, put a test piece of tortellini in the oil and ensure that it begins to fry almost immediately, but not too intensely. Cook the tortellini pieces for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You may have to do this in batches.
- Place on a paper towel, pat dry, and serve with warm marinara sauce!
Notes
- BUITONI Refrigerated Three Cheese Tortellini is recommended for this recipe.
- For extra crispness, preheat the oven to 375°F and place a greased baking sheet inside for 5 minutes before transferring the fried tortellini to bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Baking the tortellini after frying helps them brown more and achieve a toasted texture.
- Serve bites warm with marinara for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 377 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 377kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 453mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 118mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 225IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1.4mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 139mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2.6mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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