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 you have them available 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) 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.
Where did they originate?
Toasted ravioli were created in St. Louis, or at least that is how the story goes. In the 1940s, at one of the restaurants on “The Hill”, a cook named “Fritz” accidentally dropped some ravioli into the the fryer. The restaurant owner sprinkled them with some Parmesan cheese and sent them to the bar, where everyone loved them. I agree with them. They are delicious.
How to make Toasted Ravioli
You are going to bread store-bought frozen ravioli. First, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Bread them and flash freeze them for your next event. Flash-freeze them by placing them on a baking sheet with some 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.
Yes, 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
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 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
Nutrition
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Allyson Zea
I love making these in my air fryer!
Stephen
How long do you cook them and at what setting?
Erin
These Toasted Raviol sound delicious! Dangerously good…
Stephanie
The flavor was perfect! Such a great recipe!
Natasha
Made this for our movie night at home and it was such a hit! We also loved the marinara sauce even the kids ate so much. I highly recommend this recipe!
Cathy
I want to devour this!!! Such a great little appetizer!
Catalina
Oh my goodness! What a fabulous idea for our movie night!
Sara Welch
This is such an awesome recipe! Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor! Delicious!
Taylor
Toasted ravioli is what dreams are made of. SO so delicious!
Jade Manning
This looks mouth-watering I have got to try this, this would make a perfect starter or a main!!
Erin
These are just so adorable! These would disappear in our house!
Brandy O'Neill
So delicious and always a hit whenever I make them!
Demeter
These are always a hit at parties! So good!
Linda
Has anyone tried them in the Air Fryer?
Patty
I am from St. Louis and they don’t sell them in Las Vegas. I am definitely going to make this recipe. My son misses them too! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
You are going to love them. I live about miles west/northwest of St. Louis. Happy cooking!!
Diana
Do you have to use buttermilk?
bpierce
You can use regular milk or you can follow these directions to make a good substitute for buttermilk.
Milk (just under one cup)
1 Tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Preparation
1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup.
2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line.
3. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.
Shakeva
What kind of Ravioli do you use (cheese or meat)?
bpierce
You can use any kind of ravioli….cheese, mozzarella and chicken, beef. It works with any kind. You can use fresh or frozen. It is easier to bread the frozen ravioli but you can make it work with the fresh as well. Enjoy because they are simply divine.