The Best St. Louis Toasted Ravioli Recipe – Golden & Crispy

Crispy st.

louis toasted ravioli brings a delightful twist to traditional pasta dishes.

Local chefs perfected this crunchy appetizer decades ago in missouri’s bustling kitchens.

Breadcrumbs create an irresistible golden exterior that crackles with each bite.

Cheese and meat fillings peek through the perfectly seasoned coating, promising rich flavors.

Restaurants across the midwest have celebrated this unique dish for generations.

St.

louis natives consider these ravioli a beloved culinary treasure that sparks instant memories.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right away.

Toasted Ravioli: Why It’s the Snack You Never Knew You Needed

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect appetizer that guarantees smiles and delighted guests with its crispy, golden exterior and cheesy interior.
• Quick and Simple Cooking Adventure: Requires minimal culinary skills, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want to impress without stress.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Transforms traditional ravioli into a crunchy, exciting dish that appeals to both kids and adults, suitable for game nights, casual gatherings, or unexpected cravings.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adaptable by experimenting with different cheese types, seasonings in the bread crumb mixture, or trying alternative dipping sauces to match personal preferences.

What Goes Into St. Louis–Style Toasted Ravioli

• Bread Crumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior for the ravioli.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the coating.
• Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning of the breading.

• Egg: Helps the breading adhere to the ravioli.
• Milk: Assists in creating a smooth binding for the breading.

• Ravioli: The core ingredient that will be toasted and crispy.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying the breaded ravioli.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic dipping sauce for the toasted ravioli.

How to Make Toasted Ravioli Crunchy and Golden

Step 1: Prepare Breading Station

Create a delicious coating by mixing bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in one bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and milk until well combined.

Step 2: Coat Ravioli

Dunk each ravioli into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. Immediately roll the wet ravioli in the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick firmly.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large saucepan. Bring the oil temperature to 350°F, which is the perfect heat for creating a crispy, golden exterior.

Step 4: Fry Ravioli

Carefully lower the breaded ravioli into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the freshly fried ravioli onto paper towels.

This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps the ravioli crisp and light.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the toasted ravioli while they’re hot and steaming.

Serve alongside a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack that’ll have everyone asking for more!

Tips for the Perfect Toasted Ravioli Crunch

• Freeze ravioli beforehand to prevent them from falling apart during frying and ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
• Use high-quality store-bought or homemade cheese ravioli for the best flavor and texture.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to achieve even browning without burning the breading.
• Pat ravioli dry before coating to help bread crumbs adhere better and create a crunchier coating.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends in the bread crumb mixture, like adding Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for extra zest.

Fun Spins on the Classic Toasted Ravioli

• Cheese Lover's Edition: Replace Parmesan with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Romano for extra cheesy crunch.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Mix chili powder and cayenne into bread crumbs, serve with salsa or chipotle sauce for a zesty kick.
• Herb Garden Remix: Add dried basil, oregano, and thyme to bread crumb mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bread crumbs with gluten-free panko crumbs and use egg substitute for celiac-friendly version.

What to Serve with Toasted Ravioli

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the crispy, cheesy ravioli with its bright acidity and fruity undertones.
• Serve Fresh Caprese Salad: Create a light, refreshing side dish with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil to balance the rich, fried ravioli and provide a cool contrast.
• Enhance with Crisp Prosecco: Pour a chilled, sparkling Prosecco to cut through the ravioli's richness and add a festive, palate-cleansing element to the meal.
• Create Herb-Infused Dipping Sauce: Elevate the marinara with fresh chopped basil, oregano, or thyme to add depth and complexity to the already delicious toasted ravioli.

How to Keep Ravioli Crispy After Cooking

• Refrigerate: Store leftover toasted ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled ravioli individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 1 month to maintain crispy texture.
• Oven Reheat: Spread ravioli on a baking sheet, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning halfway to ensure even warming.
• Air Fryer Reheat: Arrange ravioli in a single layer, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket midway to restore original crunchiness.

Ravioli FAQs: Crunchy Truths Revealed

• What are the key ingredients for coating the ravioli?

Bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper create a flavorful and crispy exterior for the ravioli.

• Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly. Just thaw them completely before coating and frying to ensure even cooking.

• What's the best oil temperature for frying?

Maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for golden, crispy ravioli without absorbing too much oil. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature accurately.

• How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking together while frying?

Fry the ravioli in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece gets crispy and doesn’t stick to other ravioli.

St. Louis Toasted Ravioli Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy st. louis toasted ravioli emerges as a beloved Missouri comfort classic, bringing restaurant-style appetizer magic to home kitchens. Golden breaded pockets of cheesy goodness promise a crowd-pleasing bite you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Pasta:

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen ravioli

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Cooking:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoned coating by mixing bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Whisk egg and milk together in a separate bowl to create a binding liquid for the ravioli.
3. Thoroughly dredge each ravioli first in the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Immediately transfer the egg-coated ravioli into the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to create an even, crispy exterior.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
6. Carefully lower ravioli into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
7. Fry each batch for 1-2 minutes, turning once to achieve a uniform golden-brown color and crispy texture.
8. Remove toasted ravioli using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels to maintain crispness.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and accompany with warm marinara sauce for dipping, serving immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Breading Technique: Pat ravioli dry before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere perfectly and create a crispy exterior.
• Oil Temperature Precision: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain exact 350°F for consistent golden-brown results without burning.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives and use plant-based cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Storage Hack: Freeze breaded ravioli before frying to prevent filling from leaking during cooking and maintain structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg