Crispy Baked Tortellini Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy Baked Tortellini Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring refrigerated tortellini coated in an egg wash and Italian seasoned bread crumbs, then baked until golden and crispy. Served with marinara sauce for dipping and garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan, these bites offer a perfect combination of texture and flavor for parties or snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated tortellini (about 5 cups total)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs (not panko)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (not shredded)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cooking spray (olive oil recommended)
For Serving
- ½ cup marinara sauce, for dipping
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnishing
- Extra grated parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 425°F. Place a wire rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and spray it thoroughly with olive oil cooking spray. This setup allows the tortellini to crisp evenly while baking.
- Create Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water until fully combined. This egg wash helps the bread crumbs stick to the tortellini.
- Mix Bread Crumbs: In another shallow dish, combine 1 cup of Italian seasoned bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Coat Tortellini: Place a single layer of tortellini in the egg wash. One at a time, turn the tortellini to coat thoroughly, letting excess drip off. Transfer to the bread crumb mixture and press gently to coat both sides.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated tortellini in a single layer on the prepared wire rack atop the baking sheet. Spray the tops with olive oil cooking spray to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tortellini tops are golden brown and crispy. Monitor carefully near the end to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with ½ cup marinara sauce for dipping. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the bites for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use grated parmesan cheese instead of shredded; grated cheese adheres better to the tortellini.
- Do not use panko bread crumbs as they are too large and heavy to stick well.
- Spraying the wire rack with olive oil cooking spray prevents sticking and promotes crispiness.
- Using a wire rack elevates the tortellini for even cooking and crisping on all sides.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the best crunchiness.
Keywords: baked tortellini, crispy tortellini bites, Italian appetizer, party snacks, tortellini recipe, easy appetizers, baked pasta bites