Toasted Ravioli Recipe

Introduction

Toasted Ravioli is a beloved Italian-American snack that takes the classic ravioli to the next level. Instead of being boiled, these little pasta pockets are breaded, fried to golden perfection, and served crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and filled with gooey cheese or savory meat on the inside. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course, Toasted Ravioli is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress any crowd.

Originating in St. Louis, Missouri, Toasted Ravioli has become a popular dish in many parts of the United States. This recipe is a perfect way to bring this delicious, crunchy dish into your own kitchen. With the crispy exterior and melty filling, Toasted Ravioli offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why this dish has become a favorite for so many.

This guide will walk you through the steps to make Toasted Ravioli from scratch, offer helpful tips to ensure your ravioli is perfectly crispy, and share fun variations to customize the dish to your tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find the recipe easy to follow and rewarding to prepare.

Why You’ll Love Toasted Ravioli

• Crispy, Crunchy Exterior: The breading process gives the ravioli a satisfying crunch, making it the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy filling inside. Each bite provides the ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness.
• Flavorful Filling: Toasted Ravioli can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including ricotta, mozzarella, meat, or vegetables. The rich, flavorful filling is a perfect complement to the crispy shell.
• Easy to Make: While Toasted Ravioli may seem like an elaborate dish, it’s actually quite simple to make at home. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create this tasty treat from scratch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a dinner party, as a fun snack for game day, or as a comforting meal on a weeknight, Toasted Ravioli is versatile enough for any occasion.
• Customizable: This dish is incredibly versatile. You can make your ravioli with a variety of fillings and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can even try different dipping sauces, from classic marinara to a creamy pesto or even a spicy arrabbiata.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 Toasted Ravioli
• Calories per Serving: Around 150-180 calories per piece, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150-180 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 5-6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1-3g

Ingredients

For the Ravioli Filling:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (or mozzarella cheese for a more traditional filling)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (to bind the filling)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Breaded Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Serving:

• Marinara sauce (for dipping)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

To start making Toasted Ravioli, prepare the filling first. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or mozzarella cheese if you prefer), grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is smooth and well combined.

The ricotta cheese provides a creamy texture, while the Parmesan adds a savory, slightly salty flavor. The egg helps bind the mixture together, making it easier to fill the ravioli without it falling apart.

Once the filling is ready, set it aside and prepare your ravioli dough.

2. Prepare the Ravioli Dough

You can make your ravioli dough from scratch or use store-bought pasta sheets for convenience. If you’re making it from scratch, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 large eggs, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.

If you’re using store-bought dough, simply roll it out into thin sheets that are about ¼-inch thick. You’ll need two sheets to make each ravioli—one for the bottom and one for the top.

3. Assemble the Ravioli

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble the ravioli. Place one sheet of dough on a clean surface, and spoon small amounts of the cheese filling onto the dough, spaced about 2 inches apart. Be sure not to overfill, as this can cause the ravioli to burst open while frying.

Place the second sheet of dough on top of the filled sheet, pressing gently around the edges of each dollop of filling to seal them together. You can use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut out the individual ravioli, making sure to press around the edges with a fork to ensure they are fully sealed.

If you’re making smaller, bite-sized ravioli, cut them into squares or circles. Be sure to seal the edges properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

4. Bread the Ravioli

Now that your ravioli are assembled, it’s time to bread them. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

• In the first bowl, place the flour, and season it with salt and pepper.
• In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten.
• In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.

Take each ravioli and dip it first into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated all over. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly. Repeat this process with all the ravioli.

The breading will give the ravioli its signature crispy, golden exterior once fried. Be sure to coat the ravioli thoroughly to ensure a crunchy, even texture.

5. Fry the Ravioli

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for frying. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread or a bit of the breadcrumb mixture. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.

Carefully add the breaded ravioli to the hot oil in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the ravioli for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Be careful while frying, as the oil can get very hot. Keep an eye on the ravioli to prevent burning, and remove them from the oil once they are perfectly golden and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Toasted Ravioli are fried and drained, they are ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.

The crispy, golden exterior and savory, cheesy filling make Toasted Ravioli a perfect appetizer or snack. Pair them with a refreshing salad or serve them alongside a pasta dish for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Toasted Ravioli

• Use Fresh Ravioli: If possible, use fresh ravioli dough for the best texture. Fresh ravioli dough will hold up better during frying and provide a more tender bite than dried pasta.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure the edges of the ravioli are fully sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying. Press firmly around the edges and use a fork to crimp them for added security.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry the ravioli in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil. This will ensure that each ravioli fries evenly and crisps up properly. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy ravioli.
• Drain Excess Oil: After frying the ravioli, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy and prevent them from becoming greasy.
• Season the Breadcrumbs: Add extra flavor to your breadcrumbs by mixing in seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, basil, or chili flakes. This will give the ravioli an extra burst of flavor.

Variations of Toasted Ravioli

• Cheese-Stuffed Ravioli: The classic filling for Toasted Ravioli is cheese. You can use ricotta, mozzarella, or a combination of both for a creamy and cheesy filling. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
• Meat-Stuffed Ravioli: If you prefer a meat filling, use ground beef, sausage, or a combination of both. Season with garlic, onions, and herbs for a flavorful filling that pairs wonderfully with the crispy crust.
• Vegetarian Ravioli: For a vegetarian version, fill the ravioli with a mixture of spinach, ricotta, and garlic. The spinach adds a nice balance to the rich cheese filling, making it a delicious and lighter option.
• Spicy Toasted Ravioli: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture to give the ravioli a spicy kick. Serve with a spicy marinara sauce or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra layer of heat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Toasted Ravioli is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Toasted Ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: To freeze Toasted Ravioli, arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, fry them directly from the freezer. You may need to add a few extra minutes of frying time.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Toasted Ravioli

While Toasted Ravioli is delicious on its own, you can pair it with a variety of sides to complete your meal:

• Marinara Sauce: The classic dipping sauce for Toasted Ravioli is marinara. The tangy tomato sauce complements the rich cheese filling perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal. The crispy bread pairs well with the ravioli and marinara sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the fried ravioli.
• Wine: Toasted Ravioli pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Sangiovese, or even a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.

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Conclusion

Toasted Ravioli is a fun and delicious twist on a traditional Italian favorite. With its crispy exterior, cheesy filling, and flavorful seasonings, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, Toasted Ravioli is sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow, and with a few simple tips and variations, you can make it your own. Enjoy these crispy, golden bites of goodness—they’re a sure hit with anyone who loves Italian food!