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
Janey H
Such a delicious appetizer. Thank you St. Louis for making this happen! Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Lisa T
Thank goodness I found this recipe! They are so darn delicious! My family loves them too!
Marilyn
I love these toasted ravioli — so good! Great movie night food and gameday food. Kids loved them.
Mel E
I used to make these all of the time but have not in forever so I already pinned this recipe to make it for my family next week as an appetizer before dinner. They look incredibly delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mel! Enjoy!
Karletta
Not only have I never tasted toasted ravioli, I’ve never heard of it before. That’s about to change – top of the menu. My husband is going to love this!!!
Melanie Eastham
Oh wow, so yummy! Next time I am going to try air frying them. I love fried foods but I am trying to eat a little healthier. I will let you know how it works out.
Kat
Beth, your Toasted Ravioli recipe is making my mouth water! I love how you’ve captured the essence of this St. Louis tradition. Can’t wait to try it at home, especially with your helpful tips for making ahead. Thanks for sharing your hometown favorite!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Kat! Enjoy!
Heather
Yum, these were amazing! I wonder how they would be in the air fryer?
Beth Pierce
They work well in the air fryer. Cook for 8 minutes at 350 degrees flipping halfway through.
Tondra
I love these crispy ravioli! They are delicious and a well loved party appetizer…I grew up near St. Louis but moved south. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Karen Tucker
Toasted ravioli are the best. I never knew that I could make these so easily. Can I freeze them for parties? Do I fry them from frozen?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can freeze them and you will fry them from frozen. There is more detail on how to do that on the blog post. Enjoy!
Tammy G
One of my most favorite appetizers is toasted ravioli dipped into a red sauce. Now I know how to make these for my next party.
Lavanda Michelle
It’s always exciting to discover dishes with such interesting stories behind them, especially ones with accidental beginnings like this. I love the idea of making them ahead of time and having them ready for gatherings – it’s definitely going on my list of must-try appetizers.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Lavanda Michelle! Enjoy!
Ambra Mills
Although I’ve never made toasted ravioli before, this recipe looks incredible! The crispy coating and savory filling paired with warm marinara sound like the perfect combination. I can’t wait to try making them for my family 🙂
Yelena
This was our first time trying toasted ravioli, we love ravioli on its own but this added a lovely little crunch. We did serve ours with a tomato sauce and some grated cheese too and they were delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Yelena! So glad that you liked the toasted ravioli!
Tricia L
Toasted ravioli is one of my favs! I love making them for a snack, appetizer or even a meal!
Sandra
These are amazing! My new favorite way to serve ravioli! Definitely a must try!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Sandra! I agree!