Toasted Ravioli is a crispy, flavorful appetizer that hails from St. Louis, where it has become a beloved local specialty. These deliciously crunchy ravioli are breaded, fried to golden perfection, and typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner, Toasted Ravioli offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta, transforming it into a crowd-pleasing finger food. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these ravioli bites are sure to become a favorite in your appetizer lineup.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese or meat ravioli
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ravioli:
- If using frozen ravioli, cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Bread the Ravioli:
- Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the ravioli in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to both sides.
- Place the breaded ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden brown within a minute.
- Fry the Ravioli:
- Working in batches, carefully place the breaded ravioli into the hot oil.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried ravioli to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Arrange the toasted ravioli on a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious Toasted Ravioli, a perfect appetizer for any occasion!
