Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce refrigerated package three-cheese tortellini, boiled al dente
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 2 ½ cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- Sea salt, a sprinkling
- Freshly-ground black pepper, a few twists
Garnishes
- Melted butter, for drizzling
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Red chili flakes, for sprinkling
- Minced Italian parsley, for garnish
Dipping Sauce
- 1 jar (approximately 23.5 ounces) classic marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tools: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Gather three shallow bowls, a whisk, and a spoon for the breading process.
- Prepare Flour Bowl: Place the all-purpose flour in the first bowl.
- Mix Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Mix Breadcrumb Coating: In the third bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red chili flakes, a sprinkling of sea salt, and freshly-ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Bread the Tortellini: Working in small batches, dredge the boiled tortellini first in the flour, coating each piece thickly. Then transfer them to the egg and milk mixture, coating all sides evenly to ensure no white flour spots remain. Finally, move the tortellini to the breadcrumb mixture, generously coating each piece. Arrange the breaded tortellini on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them well to allow even crisping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the tortellini snacks are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer the tortellini to a party tray. Drizzle with melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan, red chili flakes, and minced Italian parsley. Serve hot alongside the marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your festive appetizers!
Notes
- Boil tortellini al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Work in small batches for even coating and crispiness.
- Make sure each tortellini is completely coated at each stage to achieve a crispy crust.
- Customize garnish amounts to taste and spice preference.
- Leftover dipped tortellini can be baked slightly longer for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian