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Cheese Tortellini Party Snacks

Cheese tortellini party snacks are coated in Parmesan breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crisp. Serve them hot with warm marinara for an easy party appetizer.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the tortellini
  • 4 qt water
  • 1 tbsp salt kosher
  • 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the breading and frying
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 3 cups vegetable oil
For the dip
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Equipment

  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

Cook the tortellini
  1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain the tortellini and spread it in a single layer on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet.
  4. Cool completely, about 15 minutes, then pat dry.
Bread the tortellini
  1. Put the flour in a shallow bowl.
  2. Whisk the eggs with the water in a second bowl.
  3. Combine the breadcrumbs, panko, and Parmesan in a third bowl.
  4. Coat each tortellini in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until covered.
Warm the dip
  1. Transfer the marinara to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until steaming.
Fry and serve
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat to 350°F, checking with a thermometer.
  2. Fry the tortellini in batches, turning once, for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer the tortellini to a paper-towel-lined plate and serve hot with the marinara.

Notes

Pat the tortellini thoroughly dry before breading so the coating adheres well. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the fried coating can lose its crispness. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and tortellini.