Toasted ravioli are seasoned, breaded ravioli that are deeply fried and served with marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. They originated in my hometown of St. Louis, and we continue to make some of the best in the nation.
Have you ever tried Toasted Ravioli? If not, these are a must-try. Next time you stop in St. Louis, visit one of our finer Italian restaurants on “The Hill” and order a delicious appetizer. If you are not a big traveler, you can make this recipe right in your kitchen.
It is not difficult at all, and you can even prepare them ahead of time and flash-freeze them. Store them in Ziploc freezer bags, and they will be ready for your next shindig. I like to serve them at my parties with pimento cheese, lemon pepper wings, and artichoke dip.
What are Toasted Ravioli?
Toasted ravioli are frozen ravioli (the kind you would serve with marinara or alfredo sauce) that are breaded and deep-fried. St. Louis tradition is to serve them sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and warm marinara, but they are also good right out of the fryer.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Frozen beef ravioli: You can substitute cheese ravioli. Louisa Brand is a decent brand. Do not thaw the ravioli.
- Buttermilk: You can save money and make your buttermilk at home by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Italian breadcrumbs: Buy prepackaged or make homemade breadcrumbs and add a tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best.
How to Make Toasted Ravioli
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
To bread store-bought frozen ravioli, dip them in the egg mixture, then in flour, back in the egg mixture, and then in the breadcrumbs. Place them on a plate in a single layer as you bread them.
Then, heat the canola or vegetable oil and fry until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese and serve with warm marinara.
Preparation Tips
- To avoid the dreaded breading fingers, use one hand for the dry ingredients and one hand for the wet ingredients.
- Do not thaw the ravioli. It is best to work with them frozen.
- To air-fry them, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Lightly spray the breaded ravioli with cooking spray or olive oil. Lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air Fry for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bread them and flash freeze them for your next event. Flash-freeze them by placing them on a baking sheet with space between them. Place the baking sheet on a level surface in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zipper freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Fry them from frozen.
They are traditionally served with marinara, but an alfredo sauce, spicy ranch, or comeback sauce is also delicious.
Spritz with olive oil or baking spray. Bake in a 425-degree preheated oven for 15-17 minutes. Cover them with a loose piece of aluminum foil if they are browning too quickly.
More Delicious Appetizers
Toasted Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 24-36 frozen beef ravioli
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Canola oil or vegetable oil
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mix the eggs and the buttermilk in a small bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs and the garlic on a shallow bowl or plate. Put the flour on a shallow plate or bowl. Arrange them in a line starting with the egg mixture, flour, breadcrumbs and then empty plate.
- Dip the frozen ravioli in the egg mixture, then in the flour, back in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumbs. Place on empty plate. Repeat with the remaining ravioli.
- Heat the canola oil to 375 degrees. Cook the raviolis about five at a time for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Turn halfway through.
- Remove and place on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with warm marinara.
Video
Notes
- Avoid the dreaded breading fingers and use one hand for the dry ingredients and one hand for the wet ingredients.
- Do not thaw the ravioli. It is best to work with them frozen.
- To air-fry them, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the breaded ravioli lightly with cooking spray or spritz with olive oil. Lay in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air Fry for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Allyson Reed
My go-to appetizer! they are soooo good!
Mimi Rippee
Well, these were really fun and everyone loved them. Thanks!
Kushi Mallya
Drooling over these toasted ravioli. They are so delicious sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and dipped in marinara. Thanks for sharing.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Kushi!
Clarice
Wow! This looks absolutely delicious. It’s been a while since we had ravioli. Thank you for sharing a little bit of its history and the recipe. Can’t wait to have some this weekend.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Clarice! Enjoy!