If you have never tried the delightful crunch and gooey center of Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe), you are in for a real treat that feels like a warm hug from Italian-American comfort food. This dish transforms humble ravioli into crispy, golden bites perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even a fun meal. The combination of crispy breading, melted cheese, and a tangy dipping sauce creates a flavor explosion that is impossible to resist. Once you master this Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for parties or casual nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and come together to create that perfect crispy texture and cheesy filling that make toasted ravioli so memorable. Each component plays an essential role—from the seasoned breadcrumbs adding a flavorful crust to the eggs and milk helping everything stick beautifully.
- Canola oil for frying: Neutral in flavor and perfect for achieving a crispy exterior without overpowering the ravioli.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Helps the breadcrumbs adhere tightly to each piece of ravioli.
- 1 cup milk: Combined with the eggs, it creates a smooth coating for the breading.
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds rich herbaceous flavor and enhances color when fried.
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Gives an irresistible crunch that sets this Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) apart.
- 16 ounces cheese ravioli (thawed if frozen): The heart of the dish, packed with melty, cheesy goodness inside a tender pasta shell.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top after frying for an extra burst of savory flavor and a cheesy finish.
How to Make Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Set Up the Draining Station
Start by preparing a wire rack set over three layers of paper towels. This allows the excess oil to drain off as soon as the ravioli come out of the fryer, keeping each piece crisp and light rather than soggy. Having this setup ready before frying saves you from last-minute mess and helps maintain perfect texture.
Step 2: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Temperature
Pour about 2 inches of canola oil into a deep frying pan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a deep-fry thermometer is the best way to maintain the right temperature, ensuring the ravioli cook evenly and crisp up beautifully without burning.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mixture
While waiting for the oil to heat, whisk together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the ravioli. In a separate bowl, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with the Panko breadcrumbs to marry flavor and crunch into one irresistible coating.
Step 4: Coat Each Ravioli
Dip each ravioli into the egg and milk mixture, completely covering it, and allow the excess to drip off so it’s not soggy. Then dredge the ravioli in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently if needed to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. This dual coating is what makes the toasted ravioli crisp up so gorgeously.
Step 5: Fry in Batches
Carefully place 3 to 5 ravioli at a time into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 1 to 3 minutes, stirring and flipping frequently with a wooden spoon or cooking spider to ensure each side turns a golden, crispy brown. This small batch cooking guarantees even frying and the best texture.
Step 6: Drain and Finish with Parmesan
Transfer each batch of fried ravioli to your prepared wire rack to drain. While they’re still hot, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top to add that extra layer of sharp, cheesy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy coating.
Step 7: Repeat Until All Ravioli Are Fried
Continue coating, frying, and draining until you’ve cooked all the ravioli. This recipe yields about six servings of these addictive bites — perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Step 8: Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
Once all your Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) are ready, serve them up with marinara, honey mustard, or whatever dip you love most. Each dipping option brings a unique tang or sweetness that perfectly complements the crispy, cheesy ravioli.
How to Serve Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can add a burst of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the fried ravioli. A little extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes can also ramp up the flavor and make your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving toasted ravioli alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of a salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the fried richness and creates a well-balanced plate. Garlic bread also pairs exceptionally well for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your toasted ravioli stacked in a bowl lined with parchment paper for a casual party vibe, or arrange them neatly on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces. For cocktail parties, try skewering individual ravioli on toothpicks for easy grabbing and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to help absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain the best texture. Keep in mind that the ravioli are best enjoyed fresh but reheating can restore some of their crispiness.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked breaded ravioli by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and bring back the crunch, place the leftover toasted ravioli on a baking sheet and bake in a 375°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick sauté in a hot pan with a little oil can also revive that golden crispness without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe)?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before breading to prevent excess moisture that could interfere with crispiness.
What dipping sauces go best with toasted ravioli?
Classic marinara is always a winner, but honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy aioli can add a fun twist to your dipping options.
Is it possible to bake the ravioli instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Arrange breaded ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until golden
How do I prevent the ravioli from falling apart while frying?
Make sure to coat the ravioli thoroughly in the egg/milk mixture and breadcrumbs. Frying them in small batches and not overcrowding also helps maintain their structure.
Can I make the breadcrumb coating ahead of time?
Mixing the Italian seasoned and Panko breadcrumbs ahead is fine, but breading the ravioli is best done just before frying to keep the coating crispy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about fried, crunchy bites of toasted ravioli that brings joy to every bite. Whether it’s a casual snack or the star of your next gathering, this Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Once you try it, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorites to share—and maybe even a little addictive!
Print
Toasted Ravioli (Fried Ravioli Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Toasted Ravioli is a crispy, golden-fried appetizer made by coating cheese ravioli in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and frying until perfectly crunchy. It’s a crowd-pleasing snack often served with marinara or honey mustard dipping sauce, ideal for parties or a delicious starter.
Ingredients
For Frying
- Canola oil (for frying, about 2 inches deep in pan)
Breading
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Main Ingredient
- 16 ounces cheese ravioli, thawed if frozen (1 package)
Instructions
- Prepare Drainage Area: Stack three paper towels near your work station and place a wire rack over them. This setup will be used to drain the fried ravioli and keep them crisp.
- Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan, pour enough canola oil to reach about 2 inches deep and heat over medium until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325°F, ensuring the ideal frying temperature.
- Mix Egg and Milk: While the oil heats, whisk together the 2 large eggs and 1 cup milk in a shallow bowl until well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the ravioli.
- Combine Breadcrumbs: In a separate bowl, mix the 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs to create the crunchy coating.
- Coat Ravioli: Dip each ravioli piece into the egg and milk mixture, coating completely. Let any excess drip off to avoid soggy breading.
- Dredge in Breadcrumbs: Roll the moist ravioli in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
- Fry Ravioli: Carefully lower 3-5 ravioli at a time into the hot oil, depending on your pan size. Fry for 1-3 minutes or until they are crisp and golden brown, stirring and flipping often with a wooden spoon or cooking spider for even cooking.
- Drain and Season: Transfer the fried ravioli onto the wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle each with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Repeat Frying: Continue the coating and frying process until all ravioli pieces are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the toasted ravioli hot with marinara sauce, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 325°F to prevent soggy or greasy ravioli.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying and crispiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and ravioli.
- Use a spider or slotted spoon to carefully manage frying and prevent breaking the ravioli.
