Classic St. Louis Toasted Ravioli – Perfect for appetizers and dinner!
I was born in St. Louis, and, while I grew up in the Chicago land area, St Louis is still home. I was raised by St. Louis parents and all my closest relatives still live there. Toasted Ravioli is really popular down there – like you can buy them at the zoo, ball park, everywhere!
It is breaded and fried pasta with a gooey cheese or meat center and it is amazing! It makes the perfect party food and appetizer, especially when you use smaller, bite size ravioli. When I make it for dinner, I serve it alongside a side salad.
Pasta tends to be my comfort food, like my Cheeseburger Macaroni, but this definitely takes the cake. There is just nothing that beats this dinner. While I don’t make it too often, it is always the first thing that comes to mind when we are having a rough couple weeks. Comfort meal number 1!
- Extra Virgi Olive oil for frying
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2-4 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1 package of thawed ravioli I normally purchase a refrigerated family size package of cheese or other flavored ravioli
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 jar marinara sauce heated for dipping; I usually go the easy route and purchase store bought
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Combine milk and egg in a small bowl and whisk together. Place breadcrumbs in another bowl. Dip ravioli in milk/egg mixture, and then coat with breadcrumbs. I recommend coating all raviolis before you try to start cooking them.
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In a large saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat until bubbling. Reduce the heat to simmer.
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In a large pan, pour oil to depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat. You want the oil hot before ever trying to fry the ravioli; try adding a small amount of breading into the oil – it should sizzle and turn brown. Fry ravioli about 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Don’t put more ravioli in a pan than you can manage monitoring and flipping. Place on paper towels when they are done and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
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Serve with hot marinara sauce.
Note: I normally put my oven to 250 degrees so I can put the first cooked ravioli in the oven on an oven safe platter after they are prepared to keep them warm.
You definitely have to tell me what you think if you make this! Enjoy!
Jean Gruenenfelder says
Oh joy, another recipe I’ve been looking for without tons of cheese incorporated for the milk allergy people of the world. THANKS !!!!!!!
Maggie says
These Toasted Ravioli are an absolute fam favorite! I hope you enjoy them!
Vohn's Vittles says
They say that Scotland deep fries everything but I have certainly never come across fried ravioli in the 20+ years I’ve been here! They sound awesome! I am definitely adding these to my must-make list! Thanks for the recipe.
Maggie says
Most people in the Chicago area thought we were strange for eating this, but it is a St. Louis staple. You find it everyone down there!
Aunt Bee says
I have to make these for my hubby! He always orders the toasted ravioli any time it is on the menu! <3
Maggie says
Now that I’ve been making it for awhile, I have come to prefer the at-home version! It always hits the spot.
Anyonita says
Oh, my gluten free heart is sinking. Lol. This looks amazing, Maggie! 🙂 I WISH I could still eat pasta …and breadcrumbs! I’d be all over this! 🙂
Millie Beshore Cardwell says
Wish I had read this earlier – we had plain boiled ravioli for dinner and we could have had this!
jennikolaus says
Holy cow, these look and sound so yummy!! Pinning now, can’t wait to try! Love your blog!
~Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy
Julia Klimek says
Pinning – thank you for the recipe! Looks great! I always WANT to make these, but for some odd reason, haven’t! I promise I will… 🙂 Julia
Nicola Quinn says
I can’t believe I still haven’t made toasted ravioli. Now I’ve got this recipe, I’ve got no reason to miss out! I’d be thrilled if you’d come on over to Pink Recipe Box and link up at Creative Wednesdays: http://pinkrecipebox.com/creative-wednesdays-with-pink-recipe-box-5/
Kristen says
Oh, fried ravioli! A great St. Louis tradition. I need to make these – soon!
Erin @ His & Hers says
I loooove ravioli and this looks delicious. Pinning for a future dinner! 🙂
lovenerdmaggie says
Let me know if you give it a try! I am seriously addicted to these. Thanks for stopping by!
Midwest_Avenger says
THESE ARE SO ADDICTING!