Toasted Ravioli: The Crispy St. Louis Appetizer You Can Make at Home

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a crispy, golden brown snack that’s both crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. That’s exactly what toasted ravioli brings to the table. If you’ve ever tasted this St. Louis classic, you know that one bite is enough to fall in love. The crisp, breaded exterior gives way to the soft, cheesy or meaty filling, and the marinara sauce for dipping just takes it to the next level.

Making toasted ravioli at home might sound like a restaurant treat, but it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you want a fun snack for a party, a game-day appetizer, or just a tasty dish for a weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this crispy delight in your kitchen.

What is Toasted Ravioli?

If you’ve never tried toasted ravioli, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious appetizers around. Despite its name, toasted ravioli is actually fried, not toasted in the traditional sense. The dish originated in the Italian-American community of St. Louis, Missouri, where it quickly became a local favorite. The ravioli is breaded, deep-fried, and served hot with marinara sauce for dipping, making it a crunchy and cheesy indulgence.

The dish became popular in the 1940s, and while it’s most commonly associated with St. Louis, you can now find it all over the U.S. Whether at a bar, restaurant, or served at a family gathering, toasted ravioli is always a hit. The beauty of it lies in its versatility—you can serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish if you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Making It at Home

Homemade toasted ravioli is not only a fun dish to prepare, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here’s why you’ll love making it yourself:

Perfectly Crunchy Texture

The crispy, golden crust of toasted ravioli is hard to beat. When deep-fried or air-fried, it becomes wonderfully crispy, while the inside remains soft and warm. It’s the ideal balance of textures that makes every bite so satisfying.

Easy and Versatile

You can make this recipe as simple or as creative as you like. The basic ingredients are readily available, and it’s easy to adjust the filling and coatings to suit your preferences. You can even make it healthier by baking or air-frying the ravioli, which cuts down on the fat without sacrificing flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a casual game night, or a big celebration, toasted ravioli is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to share, and you can even serve it as a fun party platter, complete with different dipping sauces to suit everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients & Equipment Checklist

Ingredients

To make toasted ravioli, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 package (12 oz) ravioli (frozen or refrigerated, any flavor you like, but cheese or meat-filled works best)
• 1 egg, beaten (for dipping)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil (vegetable or canola, for frying; if baking, use cooking spray)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

this recipe

Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pot for frying
• Air fryer or oven if baking or air-frying
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (for air-frying or oven baking)
• Tongs for flipping
• Serving platter for presentation

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli

If you’re using frozen ravioli, no need to thaw it—simply take it out of the freezer right before preparing. Freezing it beforehand helps the coating stick better. If you’re using refrigerated ravioli, you can go ahead and prepare it right away.

Step 2: Bread the Ravioli

In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, coating it completely, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s evenly coated. Repeat this process for each ravioli.

Step 3: Cook the Ravioli

You have three options for cooking your toasted ravioli:

• Deep Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 350°F. Carefully drop the breaded ravioli into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Use tongs to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the breaded ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Lightly spray the ravioli with cooking spray and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the breaded ravioli in a single layer and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your toasted ravioli is golden and crispy, remove it from the fryer, oven, or air fryer and serve immediately. Pair it with a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping, or get creative with other sauces like ranch, pesto, or even a garlic butter dip.

Dietary Variations

Not everyone can enjoy toasted ravioli in its classic form, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out! Here are some easy substitutions for different dietary needs:

Vegan

To make toasted ravioli vegan, simply swap the cheese-filled ravioli for a plant-based version, such as spinach and tofu ravioli. Instead of using an egg for the coating, use aquafaba (chickpea brine) or a mixture of non-dairy milk and flour. For the breadcrumbs, ensure they’re vegan-friendly, or make your own from toasted vegan bread.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free toasted ravioli is easy to make! Look for gluten-free ravioli at your local grocery store (or make your own). Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko for the coating. Be sure to check all the ingredients, including the egg, to ensure they are gluten-free.

Low-Calorie

To make a lighter version, try air-frying the ravioli instead of deep-frying, and use whole wheat breadcrumbs or a lighter coating. You can also opt for low-fat ravioli or use a mixture of vegetables for a healthier filling.

Halal

For a halal version, make sure to use halal-certified ravioli, as well as ensuring all the breading ingredients are halal. Additionally, opt for vegetable-based or halal meat fillings.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and maintain their crispiness, place them in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for about 5-10 minutes, until they’re hot and crispy again.

There’s no reason not to enjoy toasted ravioli at home. Whether you’re making it for a party, a casual family dinner, or just because you’re craving something crunchy and cheesy, this recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy. With the flexibility to adapt for different diets and cooking methods, toasted ravioli can be enjoyed by everyone!

FAQ

What is the difference between toasted ravioli and fried ravioli?

Toasted ravioli is actually deep-fried, despite the name. The term “toasted” refers to the golden-brown, crispy exterior. In contrast, fried ravioli refers more directly to the cooking method, as it involves the ravioli being submerged in hot oil.

Can I use frozen ravioli for toasted ravioli?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen ravioli for making toasted ravioli. In fact, it’s often more convenient, and you don’t need to thaw it beforehand. Just bread and cook straight from frozen for the best results.

How do I make toasted ravioli healthier?

To make toasted ravioli healthier, try baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs, opt for low-fat or vegetable-filled ravioli, and serve with a lighter dipping sauce, like a simple pesto or a yogurt-based dip.

What dipping sauce goes best with toasted ravioli?

The classic pairing for toasted ravioli is marinara sauce. However, you can also serve it with a variety of dips, such as garlic butter, ranch, or even pesto for a unique twist.

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