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Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe

If you love snackable, crispy bites that are bursting with flavor, you’re in for a treat! This Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe is one that instantly became a favorite in my house—and I promise, once you try it, it’ll be in your regular rotation too. Whether you’re craving something for game day, a cozy night in, or just need that perfect appetizer to share, these golden pillows of deliciousness dipped in warm marinara sauce are about to become your new obsession.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Crispy Every Time: The coating and frying technique guarantee a golden, crunchy crust you’ll crave.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and store-bought ravioli for quick prep and big flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this appetizer—great for parties or a fun dinner starter.
  • Versatile Cooking Options: Fry, bake, or air-fry based on your kitchen vibe and how hands-on you want to be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe just right depends on fresh ingredients that balance richness with crispy texture. I usually keep everything simple and accessible, but choosing the right ravioli makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh beef ravioli arranged neatly, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of pale milk, a small white bowl filled with golden Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of vibrant red marinara sauce, and coarse sea salt crystals scattered delicately on the white marble surface, perfect symmetry, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara, crispy ravioli appetizer, toasted ravioli recipe, easy ravioli snack, baked ravioli with marinara
  • Milk: Helps create just the right amount of moisture in the egg wash for coating ravioli.
  • Eggs: Acts as the binding agent so the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
  • Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: They add flavorful crunch; if you don’t have these, season regular breadcrumbs with a mix of Italian herbs.
  • Salt: Brings out all the savory flavors in the crust.
  • Ravioli (beef or cheese): I love using frozen ravioli here because it holds up better during frying.
  • Vegetable oil: Neutral-flavored and ideal for frying to get that crispy golden finish.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra punch of savory goodness.
  • Warm marinara sauce: The classic dip that complements and balances every crispy bite.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe because it’s so forgiving and fun to customize. You can tweak it to fit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge!

  • Air-Fried Version: When I want a lighter take, I air-fry the ravioli—still crispy but less oily, which my family really appreciates on busy weeknights.
  • Baked Toasted Ravioli: Simply bake them on a foil-lined pan for a no-fry alternative that feels indulgent but easier to manage.
  • Fillings: Feel free to experiment with cheese, spinach, or mushroom ravioli instead of beef; each brings its own twist to the flavor profile.
  • Seasoned Breadcrumbs: If you only have plain breadcrumbs, I’ve learned to add some Italian herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder—it really amps up the flavor.

How to Make Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ravioli and Coating

If your ravioli aren’t frozen yet, pop them in the freezer for at least an hour. This step is a game changer—I discovered this trick early on to make sure the ravioli stays intact during frying and doesn’t leak. Meanwhile, whisk together the milk and eggs in a small bowl until smooth. In a large ziplock bag, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, salt, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This combo creates the ultimate crunchy crust you’ll love.

Step 2: Coat the Ravioli

One at a time, dip each frozen ravioli in the egg wash, then add it to the bag of breadcrumbs. Seal the bag and shake it gently to coat each piece evenly. It’s such a fun, mess-free way to get a crispy edge all around—skip any soggy spots by making sure every ravioli is well coated. I usually do this in batches so I can manage the coating and frying better.

Step 3: Heat and Test Your Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot and heat over medium. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a few breadcrumbs into the oil—they should sizzle and quickly turn golden brown. That’s your green light to start frying! If your oil is too hot, the ravioli will burn; too cool and they’ll soak up oil. Patience here pays off beautifully.

Step 4: Fry Your Ravioli to Crisp Perfection

Carefully drop ravioli into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd the pot, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Fry each side for about a minute until golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. I like sprinkling just a little more Parmesan on top right after frying—it adds that irresistible salty hit.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Marinara

Serve your crispy toasted ravioli warm with plenty of marinara dipping sauce. The tangy tomato complements the crunchy, cheesy bites perfectly. Trust me, plating these with a small bowl of marinara will have friends and family asking for seconds in no time.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe

  • Freeze Before Frying: I learned that freezing the ravioli for about an hour keeps the pasta firm and prevents filling from leaking out during frying.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Adding too many ravioli at once drops the oil temperature, making them soggy instead of crispy.
  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts slightly on the hot ravioli and boosts flavor way beyond pre-grated stuff.
  • Keep Them Warm: Place fried ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) if making large batches so they stay crisp and warm.

How to Serve Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe

Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of green and a little freshness that cuts through the richness. A dusting of extra Parmesan is a must for me—I find it really accentuates the savory notes.

Side Dishes

Pairing this appetizer with a simple mixed greens salad is my go-to, making the meal feel balanced. On occasion, I serve it alongside garlic bread or a Caesar salad when I want to keep the Italian vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the ravioli on a large platter with small ramekins of marinara spaced evenly for easy dipping. Another time, I served them on mini wooden boards with toothpicks, which was a huge hit with guests and made snacking effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let leftover toasted ravioli cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, I coat and freeze the ravioli on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This stops them from sticking together. When you’re ready, toss frozen ravioli straight into the hot oil or air fryer—no thawing needed!

Reheating

To keep that crunch, I always reheat toasted ravioli in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Microwaves tend to make them soggy, which is a total bummer.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

    You can, but I recommend freezing fresh ravioli for about an hour before breading and frying. This helps the ravioli hold their shape and prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking.

  2. Is there a healthier alternative to frying?

    Absolutely! You can bake the toasted ravioli in a 400°F oven for 10-20 minutes or use an air fryer at 400°F for about 3 minutes. Both methods give you that crunch with less oil.

  3. What’s the best dipping sauce for toasted ravioli?

    Traditional warm marinara sauce is the classic choice. Its tangy, savory flavor pairs perfectly with the crispy, cheesy ravioli. But feel free to experiment with garlic aioli, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you like a kick.

  4. Can I make toasted ravioli ahead of time?

    You can prep and bread the ravioli ahead, then refrigerate or freeze before frying. Just fry them fresh or reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s easy, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite. I love that it comes together quickly but feels like such a treat. If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to impress friends or simply want to enjoy that perfect crunch at home, give this recipe a shot—I’m sure you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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Crispy Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Toasted Ravioli is a delicious appetizer featuring breaded and fried or baked ravioli, typically filled with beef or cheese, served warm with marinara sauce for dipping. This St. Louis classic is easy to prepare and perfect for parties or snacks.


Ingredients

Egg Mixture

  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 eggs

Breading

  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs*
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Main

  • 20 ounce package refrigerated or frozen ravioli (beef or cheese)
  • 3-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • Warm marinara sauce, for dipping


Instructions

  1. Freeze Ravioli: If using refrigerated ravioli, freeze them for 1 hour before starting the recipe to firm them up for breading and frying.
  2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together milk and eggs until smooth.
  3. Mix Breadcrumbs: In a large ziplock bag, combine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, salt, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, shaking to mix thoroughly.
  4. Coat Ravioli: Dip the frozen ravioli in the egg mixture, then place them into the breadcrumb bag and shake well to coat each piece evenly.
  5. Heat Oil: In a heavy pot, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches and heat over medium heat. Test the oil by sprinkling a few breadcrumbs in it—if they sizzle and turn golden, the oil is ready for frying.
  6. Fry Ravioli: Fry ravioli in small batches for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese while still warm.
  7. Serve: Serve toasted ravioli warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Ravioli: Traditionally filled with ground beef, but any flavor ravioli can be used.
  • Breadcrumbs: If regular breadcrumbs are used instead of Italian seasoned, add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the mix.
  • Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place ravioli in a single layer, spray tops, and air fry for 3 minutes. Cook in 2-3 batches.
  • Baking Option: Use refrigerated or thawed ravioli. Place on lightly sprayed baking sheet, spray tops, bake at 400°F for 10-20 minutes until toasted.
  • Reheating: Oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 pieces (approx. 85g)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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