If you’ve never had the pleasure of biting into a golden, crispy toasted ravioli, let me just say—you’re in for a seriously delicious treat. These little pockets of joy are stuffed with hearty fillings, breaded to perfection, and fried until irresistibly crunchy. Originating from the vibrant Italian-American neighborhoods of St. Louis, this snack has become a Midwest legend—and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
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Imagine this: you’re at a cozy get-together, passing around a tray of warm, crispy ravioli with a side of marinara for dipping. You grab one, feel the satisfying crunch as you bite in, and are greeted with a cheesy, meaty, savory center. Ugh, heaven. This isn’t just food—it’s a vibe.
Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love St. Louis Toasted Ravioli
Versatile
Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a main dish with a salad on the side. These ravioli are a hit at game nights, potlucks, and family dinners alike.
Budget-Friendly
Made with store-bought ravioli and a few pantry staples, this recipe won’t break the bank. You probably already have everything you need!
Quick and Easy
No need to be a culinary wizard. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready to go.
Customizable
Use cheese, beef, or spinach-filled ravioli—whatever suits your mood. Want it spicy? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara on the side.
Crowd-Pleasing
Crunchy, cheesy, dippable… what more could you ask for? Even picky eaters can’t resist a plate of these crispy delights.
Ingredients in St. Louis Toasted Ravioli
Here’s the magic of this crispy classic—it uses simple ingredients that come together in the most crave-worthy way:
Ravioli: Choose your favorite—cheese, meat, or spinach-filled. Fresh or frozen both work, just make sure they’re thawed if frozen.
Buttermilk or Milk and Eggs: Helps the breading stick and adds a bit of richness. A splash of hot sauce in here doesn’t hurt either.
Italian-Style Bread Crumbs: For that seasoned, herby crunch that makes each bite sing.
Parmesan Cheese: A little bit in the coating takes these over the top. Salty, nutty, perfect.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: Flavor boosters that give your breading that extra something-something.
Oil for Frying: Canola or vegetable oil work best—choose one with a high smoke point.
Marinara Sauce: For dunking, dipping, and drizzling. Warm it up and let the ravioli take a dive.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by heating oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F. If you’re baking or air frying instead, preheat your oven or air fryer accordingly. You want everything hot and ready for that golden crunch.
Prepare the Breading Station
Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs (and buttermilk if using), and another with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Coat the Ravioli
Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. You’re building layers of flavor here!
Fry to Perfection
Working in batches, fry ravioli for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Want to skip the frying? Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get that crave-worthy crunch.
Serve and Enjoy
Warm up your favorite marinara, sprinkle the ravioli with extra Parmesan and a pinch of parsley, and serve them hot. Then watch them disappear!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Add your value here]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve St. Louis Toasted Ravioli
Marinara Dipping Sauce: A classic pairing. You can also use ranch or garlic butter for a fun twist.
Garnish with Parmesan: That final snowfall of cheese makes all the difference.
Add Heat: Serve with a side of crushed red pepper or a spicy dipping sauce if you like things bold.
Make It a Meal: Pair with a green salad or a cup of soup and you’ve got yourself a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Party Platter: Serve them stacked high on a platter with toothpicks and dipping bowls—perfect finger food.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Bread the ravioli ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze breaded (but uncooked) ravioli in a single layer. Fry straight from frozen!
Get Creative: Try different fillings, seasoning blends, or even sprinkle some chili flakes into the breadcrumb mix.
Make It Lighter: Opt for the air fryer or oven method to cut down on oil.
Double Up: This recipe disappears quickly—consider making a double batch if you’re hosting.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen ravioli?
A1: Absolutely! Just thaw them completely before breading and frying to ensure even cooking.
Q2: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A2: Yes! Bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
A3: You can bread them ahead and refrigerate for a few hours. Fry just before serving for best texture.
Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Q5: Can I freeze them after cooking?
A5: Yes! Let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or air fryer straight from frozen.
Q6: What dipping sauces go well with toasted ravioli?
A6: Marinara is classic, but ranch, Alfredo, pesto, or spicy aioli are all amazing options.
Q7: Can I use fresh pasta?
A7: Fresh ravioli works beautifully—just be gentle when breading so they don’t tear.
Q8: Can I make this gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Use gluten-free ravioli and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
Q9: Can I air fry them?
A9: Definitely. Air fry at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q10: Can I use vegan ravioli?
A10: You sure can! Just make sure your breadcrumb mixture and dipping station are vegan too.
Ready to make some magic in your kitchen? These St. Louis Toasted Ravioli are more than just a snack—they’re a crunchy, comforting, can’t-stop-eating experience. So grab your ravioli, heat up the oil (or preheat that oven!), and get ready for some seriously happy bites.
Print
St. Louis Toasted Ravioli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
St. Louis Toasted Ravioli are a crispy, golden, and flavorful appetizer, featuring cheese ravioli breaded and fried to perfection, then topped with Parmesan and served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Optional)
- 1/2 (25 ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli, thawed
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and milk together. In another shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs and salt (if using).
- Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the breaded ravioli into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the toasted ravioli from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while still hot and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the breading mixture.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to prevent the ravioli from sticking to the pan or getting soggy.
- If you’re serving these as an appetizer, consider pairing with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg