The Best Crispy Baked Appetizer Tortellini Bites

Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests? Look no further than these crispy baked tortellini bites. They’re the perfect finger food for a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to fancy parties.

If you saw my post last Thursday showcasing fun Game Night tables, I’m happy to share part two! The Supper Club is excited to share incredible game night recipes and easy appetizers to inspire your summer menu. Links to all of the Supper Club posts and recipes can be found at the end of this post.

Today I’m sharing the perfect appetizer for any game night or karaoke party: Crispy Parmesan Tortellini Bites! My family and I love any sort of pasta and this is my new favorite appetizer for feeding a snacking crowd!

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Crispy Baked Tortellini Bites: A Flavorful and Easy Appetize

What makes these tortellini bites so special? For starters, they’re incredibly versatile. You can use any type of tortellini you like, whether it’s cheese, meat, or spinach. The breading is a crispy, flavorful combination of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. And the best part? They’re baked, making them a healthier option than fried appetizers.

These tortellini bites are perfect for:

• Game days: Serve them with your favorite dips and sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or buffalo.
• Holiday parties: They’re a festive and easy-to-eat holiday appetizer that’s sure to be a hit during the holiday season.
• Potlucks: Bring a platter of these tortellini bites to share with your friends and family.
• Weeknight dinners: This tortellini recipe can be a quick and easy main dish on its own, especially when paired with a salad or soup.
• Light lunch: Finger foods like this tortellini pasta recipe are a great idea for quick and portable lunches on the go.

Ingredients for Tortellini Bites

Here is what you will need to make these tasty snacks. Feel free to add or subtract spices to suit your taste. We love the addition of red pepper flakes but you may prefer something milder.

• Frozen or fresh cheese tortellini
• Large eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Bread crumbs (I prefer regular breadcrumbs over panko crumbs for this recipe)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper (freshly ground)
• Fresh parsley
• Jar of marinara sauce or pizza sauce

How to Make Homemade Bread Crumbs

I usually use store-bought bread crumbs but sometimes find myself in a pinch. Here’s a quick way to make homemade bread crumbs (and I think I like them better!)

1. Start with stale bread: Old bread works best as it’s drier and crumbles more easily. (I love using an old french baguette!)
2. Remove crusts: If desired, remove the crust to make finer crumbs.
3. Crumble the bread: Tear or crumble the bread into small pieces.
4. Blend or pulse the crumbs: Pulse the crumbs in a food processor or blender until they reach your desired consistency.
5. Season the crumbs: I love to add Italian seasoning or specific spices depending on the recipe I’m making.
6. Store: Once dried, store the crumbs in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to Make Parmesan Tortellini Bites

Prep your tortellini. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool completely.

Make the breading station. Set up three shallow dishes. Fill the first dish with flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs and milk. And in the third, mix the Parmesan cheese, dried bread crumbs, and spices.

Bread the tortellini. Toss each tortellini in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat in the bread crumb mixture.

Bake or air fry?

Either will work! Here’s how…

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tortellini in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry the breaded tortellini in a single layer for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve the crispy tortellini bites on a serving platter with your favorite marinara or pizza sauce. For an extra flavor boost, top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. 

Crispy Parmesan Tortellini Bites

A delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. These crispy tortellini bites are coated in a flavorful breading and baked to golden perfection. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

• 1 colander
• 3 shallow bowls or pie plates
• 1 Baking Sheet
• 1 Serving tray

Ingredients

  

• 20 oz. fresh or frozen tortellini pasta cheese or beef
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 5 tbsp. milk
• 3 cups bread crumbs regular, not panko
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes optional
• kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish
• 1 jar marinara sauce or pizza sauce

Instructions

 

• Cook the tortellini pasta according to the package directions and drain.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Fill one shallow bowl with flour.
• In the second shallow bowl, whisk together 5 eggs and milk.
• Fill a third shallow bowl with the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Mix thoroughly.
• Place 4-6 tortellini in the bowl with flour and coat each thoroughly.
• Transfer those tortellini to the second bowl and drench each noodle in the egg mixture.
• Last, move the tortellini to the third bowl and coat the egg-covered tortelllini with the bread crumb/cheese mixture.
• Place each tortellini on the baking sheet with space in between each one.
• Bake for 15-17 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
• Arrange the baked tortellini on a serving tray with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with parsley.

Keyword easy appetizers, pasta recipe, tortellini bites

What to Serve with Tortellini Bites

To create a complete menu around these tortellini bites, consider pairing them with the following dishes:

• Appetizer: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a creamy spinach dip.
• Main course: A grilled chicken or salmon, or a hearty pasta dish.
• Side dish: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
• Dessert: A light and refreshing fruit salad or a decadent chocolate cake.

These crispy baked tortellini bites are a versatile and delicious appetizer that’s sure to be a big hit at any gathering. They’re easy to make, customizable, and can be served hot or cold.

So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack, give these tortellini bites a try!

Cheers!

Game Night Recipes from the Supper Club

Hosting a game night? Then we have got a full menu for you! From the cocktail to the snacks to a little something sweet, these recipes will keep your guests snacking happily all night long! Thank you to the Supper Club for including Sonata Home Design in this fun Game Night event!

How to Make a Perfect Lemon Drop Martini With Homemade Limoncello from The Ponds Farmhouse

Amazing Black Bean and Corn Nachos with Balsamic Glaze from Vintage Home Designs

Crispy Homemade Pizza Rolls in the Air Fryer from Midwest Life and Style

Mix Up the Fun: Irresistible Sweet Salty Snack Mix from Simply2Moms

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