Crispy Bowtie Pasta Bites
Indulge in the delightful crunch of Crispy Bowtie Pasta Bites, a copycat version of the beloved Copeland's dish. This appetizer combines the playful shape of bowtie pasta with a golden, crispy coating that's perfect for dipping. Paired with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip, these bites make for a fantastic starter at any gathering or a fun snack for movie night. They're quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests with their unique texture and flavor!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bow tie pasta
8 ounces (dry)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Milk
2 tablespoons (none)
Breadcrumbs
to taste (seasoned (preferred))
Oil
for frying (vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until al dente (about half of the recommended cooking time).
2
Once cooked, drain the pasta and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This will prevent it from sticking together.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
4
Prepare a shallow dish filled with breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with your choice of herbs or spices for added flavor.
5
Dip each piece of cooled pasta into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
6
Roll the coated pasta in the breadcrumbs until evenly covered. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
7
In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded pasta in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
8
Fry the pasta for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until deep golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pasta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
9
Serve warm with your favorite spinach and artichoke dip for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Bowtie Pasta Bites?
Crispy Bowtie Pasta Bites are a savory appetizer consisting of cooked bowtie pasta that is breaded and fried until golden brown, often served as a copycat version of the Copeland's dish.
How long should I boil the pasta for this recipe?
Boil the bowtie pasta for 7 to 8 minutes, or until it is al dente. This is approximately half of the recommended cooking time on the package.
Why do I only cook the pasta for half the recommended time?
Cooking the pasta to a firm al dente state ensures it maintains its shape and texture during the breading and frying process.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after boiling?
After draining the pasta, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This prevents the pieces from sticking to each other.
What ingredients are needed for the pasta coating?
The coating is made using a mixture of eggs and milk followed by a layer of seasoned breadcrumbs.
What type of oil is best for frying these pasta bites?
Vegetable oil or olive oil are recommended for frying these pasta bites to achieve a crispy texture.
How long does it take to fry the pasta?
Fry the breaded pasta for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
What is the best dipping sauce for Crispy Bowtie Pasta Bites?
These bites are best paired with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip, though they also go well with marinara.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, this recipe is a copycat version of the popular appetizer served at Copeland's restaurants.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 to 6 people as an appetizer or snack.
Can I season the breadcrumbs?
Yes, it is preferred to use seasoned breadcrumbs or add your own choice of herbs and spices for extra flavor.
What should I do after frying the pasta?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pasta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While bowtie pasta is traditional for this recipe, other sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni could be used as a variation.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these pasta bites are an excellent party food or starter because they are easy to share and eat with dips.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires only 5 main ingredients: bowtie pasta, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and oil.
Should I serve these pasta bites warm or cold?
These are best served warm immediately after frying to maintain their crispy texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is considered a quick and easy recipe that is suitable for home cooks of all skill levels.
Why should I shake off excess breadcrumbs?
Shaking off excess breadcrumbs ensures a thin, even coating that stays attached to the pasta during frying.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs can be used for an even crunchier texture compared to standard breadcrumbs.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
A medium-high heat setting is ideal to ensure the oil is hot enough to crisp the pasta without burning it.
Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for pan-frying, you can adapt it for an air fryer by spraying the breaded pasta with oil and cooking at 400F until golden.
How do I prepare the egg wash?
Simply whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk in a mixing bowl until the mixture is well combined.
Can I add cheese to the breading?
Yes, adding grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture is a popular way to add more Italian flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Is it necessary to salt the boiling water?
Yes, cooking the pasta in salted water is essential for flavoring the pasta from the inside out.
Can these be made gluten-free?
You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free bowtie pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What is the texture of the finished pasta?
The pasta has a crunchy, golden-brown exterior with a slightly tender, al dente interior.
Should I fry the pasta in batches?
Yes, it is important not to overcrowd the pan so that the pasta fries evenly and remains crispy.
Is this considered an Italian dish?
Yes, due to the use of bowtie pasta and breadcrumbs, it is classified under Italian cuisine.