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Crispy Baked Cheese Tortellini

Learn how to make crispy baked cheese tortellini with a golden panko crust, ideal for dipping in warm marinara sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini two 10-ounce packages
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 2 tbsp whole milk whisked into egg wash
  • 1.25 cups panko breadcrumbs coarse Japanese-style breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried herb blend
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for drizzling baking sheets
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce warmed, for serving

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Colander
  • Two large rimmed baking sheets
  • Three shallow bowls
  • paper towels
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Add 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini to the boiling water and cook for exactly 60 seconds.
  3. Drain the tortellini immediately into a colander and rinse with cold water for 15 seconds to stop the cooking process.
  4. Spread the drained tortellini across a layer of paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F and coat two large rimmed baking sheets with 1.5 tbsp olive oil each.
  6. Set up three shallow bowls in a row for your breading station.
  7. Place 0.5 cup all-purpose flour into the first bowl.
  8. Whisk 2 large eggs and 2 tbsp whole milk together in the second bowl.
  9. Combine 1.25 cups panko breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper in the third bowl.
  10. Working in batches of 5 to 6 tortellini, toss the dry tortellini in the flour to lightly coat all sides.
  11. Dip the flour-coated tortellini into the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.
  12. Press the tortellini firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture so the coating adheres evenly to the entire surface.
  13. Arrange the breaded tortellini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1/2 inch of space between each piece.
  14. Bake at 425°F for 16 to 18 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  15. Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before serving alongside 1.5 cups warmed marinara sauce.

Notes

If using a smaller single baking sheet, bake in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding.
You can substitute 1.5 cups of warm garlic butter sauce or ranch dressing for marinara sauce.
To speed up prep, use a large ziplock bag to toss the tortellini in flour before dipping in egg.