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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Gust
Just tried the Toasted Ravioli, and oh my, they were addictive! Served them with a side of marinara for dipping, and they disappeared faster than I could make them.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! I am so happy that everyone liked them! We love them too!
Frankie
Who knew that these would taste so darn good. Thanks for the fabulous recipe. Great new recipe for cocktail hour with friends and family. I can’t wait to try them with your comeback sauce.
Beth Pierce
They are so yummy with comeback sauce. You will be amazed!
Erik James
I served this at my last gathering and it was absolutely amazing! What a fun appetizer! Can’t wait to serve this again at my next party!
Beth Pierce
I understand! So tasty!
Cathy M
Great fried ravioli. I love them. They are really tasty with your comeback sauce! I will make them again, real soon!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Cathy! So glad that you liked the ravioli. We love them too!
Sonya K
Great toasted ravioli. I have had these before when I was close to St. Louis so I knew I needed to make them. They were fabulous! Thanks for the recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure. Sonya!
Rob L
These are so yummy! I am so glad that I found your recipe! I am going to share this with my Mom she loves toasted ravioli.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Rob! I hope she enjoyed them!
Marilyn
I like toasted ravioli more than regular ravioli! It is fun and easy to make and so yummy sprinkled with parmesan and dipped in marinara.
Brittney N
Mmmm. These toasted ravioli are the best. I have always wanted to make them! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Brittney! So glad that you liked it!
Emily
Oh wow, this was so delish! I love making homemade ravioli, but these fried ravioli were outstanding. I am going to make them and freeze them for next party.
Beth Pierce
That is a great idea. Fry them from frozen. Your guests will love them.
Ben
If I could give this recipe more than five stars, I would. I made a batch of these last night and dipped them in marinara sauce. Perfection.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ben! So glad that you liked them!
Diane Lindell
Hi, just wondering if you could make these in the air fryer?
Beth Pierce
Theoretically you should be able to but I have not tested the quality. If you try spritz them with a little oil first.
Mons
I have been looking for this recipe for a long time. Thank you for posting.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Enjoy!!
Beth
These are just so much fun to make and to eat! Thanks for sharing this hometown favorite with us!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Beth! So glad that you liked them!!
Ashley F
Such a great appetizer! So tasty and cheesy!
Catalina
Oh my goodness! What a delicious snack or appetizer idea!
katerina @ diethood.com
I am loving these toasted ravioli! They look incredibly delicious!!! YUM!