Fried Raviolis

Fried Raviolis are a crispy, cheesy, and indulgent appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, BBQ, or simply craving a snack. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re best served with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 egg (beaten)

  • 1 cup Italian herb breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

  • 20 oz package refrigerated raviolis

  • 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

  • Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Directions

  1. Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, mix the buttermilk and beaten egg. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.

  2. Bread the raviolis: Dip the raviolis into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are coated on both sides. Then, toss the raviolis in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage. Set the breaded raviolis aside.

  3. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot, ensuring the oil is 3-4 inches deep. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, heating the oil to 350°F.

  4. Fry the raviolis: Once the oil is hot, gently drop the raviolis in batches, using a slotted spoon. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the raviolis and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

  5. Serve: Garnish the fried raviolis with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrients (per serving)

  • Calories: 449 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 57g

  • Protein: 20g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Cholesterol: 86mg

  • Sodium: 1034mg

  • Potassium: 232mg

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 6g

  • Vitamin A: 372 IU

  • Vitamin C: 4mg

  • Calcium: 145mg

  • Iron: 11mg

The Ravioli: A Cheesy Delight

The ravioli used in this recipe serves as the foundation for this irresistible snack. You can opt for any type of refrigerated ravioli, but classic cheese-filled ravioli works beautifully here. The creamy cheese filling melts during the frying process, creating a gooey interior that contrasts with the crispy, crunchy breadcrumb coating. The ravioli’s sturdy exterior keeps the cheese from spilling out, providing that perfect bite where you get both a crispy crust and a cheesy, savory center.

Using pre-made refrigerated raviolis not only saves time but also makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you choose cheese ravioli, spinach and ricotta, or another flavor, the result will be just as satisfying. These raviolis are a great way to use up store-bought ravioli, turning them into an entirely new and fun appetizer.

The Breading: Crispy and Flavorful

The breading is what gives these fried raviolis their signature crispy texture. A combination of buttermilk, egg, seasoned Italian herb breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan ensures that each ravioli is coated evenly and generously. The buttermilk helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the ravioli, while the egg adds richness and an extra layer of crispness during frying. The Italian herb breadcrumbs bring an aromatic, savory flavor to the coating, and the Parmesan adds an extra depth of flavor and a subtle saltiness that complements the richness of the cheese inside the ravioli.

By combining Parmesan into the breadcrumb mixture, you ensure that every bite of the fried ravioli is packed with flavor. The breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully when fried, creating a golden-brown crust that’s perfectly crunchy without overpowering the delicate ravioli inside.

Frying: Golden Perfection

Frying is the key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the ravioli’s cheesy filling warm and gooey. The vegetable oil needs to be heated to about 350°F, ensuring the raviolis fry evenly and quickly, without becoming soggy. A thermometer is your best friend in this step, as it helps ensure the oil is at the right temperature for perfect frying. If the oil is too hot, the breading might burn before the ravioli is cooked through; if it’s too cool, the raviolis might absorb excess oil, resulting in greasy, soggy bites.

Frying the raviolis in small batches ensures that they don’t overcrowd the pot and that each ravioli gets the right amount of space to crisp up evenly. You’ll want to fry them for about 2 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once fried, the raviolis are placed on paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring that they stay crisp.

Garnishing and Serving

After frying, the raviolis are ready to be garnished and served. A light sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a bit of herbal freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, savory fried raviolis. A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the top gives the dish an added cheesy kick, which makes these bites even more indulgent.

The fried raviolis are best served with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The tangy, slightly sweet marinara sauce provides the perfect contrast to the richness of the fried ravioli and complements the cheesy filling. For a fun twist, you can even offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic butter or ranch, to give your guests different flavor options.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These fried raviolis are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack, a party appetizer, or a fun addition to a game day spread. Their crispy exterior and cheesy interior make them a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be devoured quickly. They’re an excellent choice for a light appetizer that pairs well with almost anything, from pizza to salads to a variety of dips. If you’re serving a larger group, consider doubling the recipe to ensure everyone gets their fill.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of fried raviolis contains 449 calories, with 57 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of protein. The serving also includes 15 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. The raviolis are rich in sodium (1034mg), so be mindful of the seasoning in your marinara sauce to avoid making the dish too salty. Despite their indulgence, these fried raviolis also provide fiber (4g) from the breadcrumbs and raviolis, making them a satisfying snack.

The addition of fresh parsley and Parmesan helps boost the dish with some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, calcium, and iron, adding a bit of nutritional value to your appetizer.

Conclusion: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

Fried Raviolis are the ultimate comfort food appetizer, bringing together the savory goodness of crispy breadcrumbs, the gooey cheese inside the ravioli, and the rich, tangy marinara sauce for dipping. With a simple preparation method that uses frozen ravioli, this dish is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, a BBQ, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these fried raviolis are sure to become a new favorite in your appetizer repertoire. Crispy, cheesy, and indulgent—what’s not to love?

Leave a Comment