Toasted Ravioli is a crispy, golden-brown appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make! Cheese ravioli are breaded and deep-fried until perfectly crunchy, making them a great snack or party food. This homemade version is far tastier than store-bought, and it pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Ravioli:

• 1 pound cheese ravioli (frozen)

• 1 cup milk

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Breading:
   In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Bread the Ravioli:
   Dip each frozen ravioli into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are covered. Place the breaded raviolis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for 30 minutes to ensure the breading sticks.

3. Fry the Ravioli:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there’s at least 2 inches of oil. Fry the ravioli in small batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

4. Drain and Serve:
   Remove the fried ravioli and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and top with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

5. Serve:
   Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy delight!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 564 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 71g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 149mg

• Sodium: 1158mg

• Potassium: 180mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g

This crispy toasted ravioli recipe is a crowd-pleaser and super easy to prepare, making it perfect for appetizers or snacking!

The Ravioli: A Cheese Lover’s Dream

The star of this dish is, of course, the ravioli. Cheese ravioli are the classic choice for this recipe, as the creamy cheese filling provides the perfect contrast to the crunchy, golden exterior. The ravioli can be frozen, which makes the breading process easier and helps the breading adhere better during frying. By using frozen ravioli, you’re ensuring that they stay intact and crispy while frying, with no risk of the filling leaking out.

While cheese ravioli is the most common option, you could experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta or meat ravioli, depending on your preference. However, cheese ravioli is the traditional choice, offering a rich, creamy center that pairs beautifully with the crispy outer layer.

The Breading Process: Simple Yet Flavorful

To achieve the perfect crunch, the ravioli are dipped in a simple egg and milk mixture, then coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture. The breadcrumbs create the golden, crispy exterior while the parsley and oregano add a fresh, herbaceous note to the coating. Garlic powder and onion powder provide savory depth, giving the ravioli that extra flavor boost.

The breading process is straightforward and quick. First, dip each frozen ravioli in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, coat it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Freezing the breaded ravioli for about 30 minutes before frying ensures that the breading stays intact during the frying process, resulting in perfectly crispy ravioli every time.

Frying: The Secret to That Crispy, Golden Texture

The frying process is where the magic happens. To achieve that perfect crispy texture, heat vegetable oil in a large pot to around 350°F (175°C). It’s important to use enough oil to submerge the ravioli and ensure even frying. Frying the ravioli in small batches ensures that they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pot, which can cause them to become soggy.

In just 3-4 minutes, the ravioli will turn golden-brown and crispy, with the cheese filling inside becoming warm and melty. The key to achieving the perfect fried ravioli is maintaining the right oil temperature—if the oil is too hot, the breading can burn before the ravioli are fully cooked; if the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Serving: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Once fried, remove the ravioli from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. The final touch of Parmesan adds a salty, savory note that enhances the flavor of the toasted ravioli.

Serve the crispy ravioli immediately, alongside marinara sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping. The marinara sauce provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the ravioli, while the garlic aioli offers a creamy, garlicky dipping option. Either choice is perfect for complementing the crunchy, cheesy ravioli.

A Versatile Appetizer for Any Occasion

Toasted ravioli is incredibly versatile and can be served at a wide variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, preparing snacks for a game day, or serving appetizers at a dinner party, toasted ravioli is sure to be a hit. You can even make them ahead of time, freeze them after breading, and fry them when needed for a convenient, last-minute snack.

This dish can also be customized to suit different tastes. You can experiment with various dipping sauces, such as pesto, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a bit of heat. If you want to make a complete meal, you can pair the toasted ravioli with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.

Nutritional Information and Health Considerations

While toasted ravioli is a delicious, indulgent treat, it’s also relatively high in calories and fat due to the frying process. One serving contains around 564 kcal, with 19g of fat, 25g of protein, and 71g of carbohydrates. However, it’s a great source of flavor and satisfaction, making it an ideal snack or appetizer for special occasions.

For a lighter version, you could try baking the breaded ravioli instead of frying them. Simply place the breaded ravioli on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. This method will reduce the oil content, making the dish a bit healthier while still providing that satisfying crunch.

Conclusion: A Fun and Delicious Snack

In conclusion, Toasted Ravioli is a simple yet delicious appetizer that’s sure to please a crowd. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and creamy cheese filling, it’s a snack that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a party food, a casual snack, or a fun twist on traditional ravioli, this homemade version is far tastier than store-bought. The easy breading process and quick frying method make it a great addition to any meal or event. Pair it with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping, and you have a perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!