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Parmesan Tortellini Bites with Marinara Dip

Parmesan Tortellini Bites with Marinara Dip
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Parmesan Tortellini Bites with Marinara Dip are crispy, cheesy appetizers featuring cheese-filled tortellini coated in a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, fried to golden perfection and served with a rich, tangy marinara sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, these bites are perfect as quick snacks, party finger foods, or crowd-pleasing starters that combine bold flavors with easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Vegetable oil or olive oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which ensures a crisp exterior when frying.
  2. Set up the coating stations: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful and crunchy coating mixture.
  3. Coat the tortellini: Dip each cooked tortellini first into the egg wash, then roll it thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides. Ensure even coverage for maximum crunchiness.
  4. Fry to golden perfection: Heat vegetable or olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Carefully add the coated tortellini in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Serve with marinara dip: Warm the marinara sauce slightly and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve the hot, crispy Parmesan Tortellini Bites alongside the marinara for dipping enjoyment.

Notes

  • Pat tortellini dry before coating to help the coating stick better and achieve extra crispiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and texture compared to pre-grated.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and even browning.
  • Air frying at 400°F for about 8 minutes is a great healthier alternative that keeps the bites crispy.
  • Keep the marinara sauce warm during serving to enhance flavor and prevent the bites from becoming soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan tortellini bites, cheesy appetizer, fried tortellini, marinara dip, party snacks, finger food, quick appetizer

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/parmesan-tortellini-bites-with-marinara-dip/