If you have a passion for crispy, cheesy bites that burst with flavor, then this Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe will become an instant favorite in your kitchen. Imagine perfectly breaded cheese ravioli, golden and crunchy on the outside, while the inside remains silky and cheesy, creating a delightful contrast of textures that’s simply irresistible. This dish is an exciting twist on a classic pasta favorite, delivering a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Let me take you through every delicious step to bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, but don’t be fooled—the combination of these simple elements creates a symphony of flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a special role, from the tender ravioli to the crispy coating, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of crunch and gooey cheese.
- 25 ounce frozen cheese ravioli pasta, thawed: The star of the dish, it melts beautifully inside the crunchy coat.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Adds the first layer to help the batter stick and ensures an even crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly but importantly.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a mild, peppery kick to the coating.
- 2 large eggs: Provides moisture to bind the breadcrumbs to the ravioli.
- 1/3 cup whole milk: Keeps the egg wash silky, allowing for smooth breading.
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs: Brings herby flavor and initial crunch.
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs: The secret to that ultra-crisp texture.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Half mixed into the breading, half reserved for garnish, it delivers rich flavor and a nutty finish.
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil: For frying, it’s neutral and gets that perfect crispy exterior.
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and subtle herby brightness.
How to Make Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
Start by thawing your frozen cheese ravioli in the refrigerator overnight—this ensures they cook evenly without splattering oil. If you’re short on time, giving them a quick boil and draining thoroughly works well too; make sure they’re completely dry before breading. This step is crucial because frying frozen ravioli directly can be messy and dangerous.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Creating separate stations for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture makes the dredging process simple and efficient. In the flour dish, combine the flour, kosher salt, and black pepper, which forms the base of the coating. The egg wash, made with eggs and milk, acts like glue, while the breadcrumb-parmesan blend is where all the crispy magic happens, packed with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet with vegetable oil and heat it to a steady 325°F. Using a thermometer here is key—you want the oil hot enough to crisp the breading without burning it or leaving the inside undercooked. Patience is essential; rushing this step can lead to soggy or greasy results.
Step 4: Bread the Ravioli
Take each ravioli and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to prevent clumps. Then dip it fully into the egg wash for moisture, followed by a generous coating with the breadcrumb and parmesan blend. Lay them on a parchment-lined tray to keep them crisp while you work in batches. The triple coating ensures a gorgeous golden crust every time.
Step 5: Fry the Ravioli
Carefully place 5 to 7 ravioli into the hot oil, frying for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and puffed up. Watching the oil temperature and adjusting the heat as needed will keep the coating from burning. You’ll notice the ravioli puff as the cheese inside heats, which is an exciting visual cue that everything is cooking perfectly.
Step 6: Drain and Garnish
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the ravioli to a paper towel-lined tray to absorb excess oil. While they are still hot, sprinkle with the reserved grated parmesan and chopped parsley for that irresistible finishing touch. Serve immediately for the best crispness and cheesy delight.
How to Serve Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley not only adds a little fresh pop of color but also elevates the flavor with nuttiness and earthiness. You can also consider a light drizzle of marinara sauce or a dollop of basil pesto for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
These crispy little pockets go wonderfully with a side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the fried ravioli. For a crowd-pleasing meal, pair with a classic tomato sauce for dipping that brings out the Italian flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving fried cheese ravioli stacked pyramid-style on a platter with small bowls of different sauces like spicy arrabbiata, creamy garlic aioli, or tangy marinara in the center. Garnish the plate with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes to make it visually stunning and fun to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover fried cheese ravioli, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the crispy coating will soften over time, but they will still taste delicious when reheated properly.
Freezing
To freeze, place the breaded but uncooked ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can fry them directly from frozen whenever a delicious snack craving hits, making this recipe incredibly convenient.
Reheating
For the best texture upon reheating, bake leftover or frozen cooked ravioli in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and keep that wonderful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade ravioli for this Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade ravioli works beautifully. Just make sure they’re firm and well-chilled before breading, so they hold up during frying without falling apart.
What’s the best oil to fry ravioli in?
Vegetable oil is great because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use canola or peanut oil for similar results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and ensure your ravioli filling is naturally gluten-free. The frying process remains the same.
How do I avoid oil splatters while frying frozen ravioli?
Never fry ravioli directly from frozen. Thaw them fully and pat dry to minimize moisture, which causes splattering. This step keeps cooking safe and clean.
Is it necessary to use both Italian bread crumbs and panko?
Using a combination gives you the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Italian breadcrumbs bring savory seasoning, while panko adds airy crispness that’s essential for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe is truly a celebration of textures and tastes that will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and soft inside, it’s a dish that invites smiles and seconds at any gathering. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed. Once you master this recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with fried ravioli all over again!
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Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 – 8 servings 1x
Description
This crispy and delicious Fried Ravioli recipe features golden, crunchy cheese ravioli coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these ravioli are fried to perfection for a savory bite that puffs up beautifully and is best served warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 25 ounce frozen cheese ravioli pasta, thawed (e.g., Great Value brand)
Breading
- 1 cup all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided: 1/2 cup for breading, 1/4 cup for garnish)
Frying
- 3–4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Thaw Ravioli: Place frozen cheese ravioli in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Alternatively, boil the ravioli for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent oil splatter and burns during frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In the first shallow dish, combine flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and whole milk. In the third dish, mix Italian bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
- Heat Oil: Fill a deep-sided skillet with 3 to 4 cups of vegetable oil and attach a candy or deep-frying thermometer. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Bread the Ravioli: Working in batches, dredge each ravioli in the flour mixture and shake off excess. Dip into the egg mixture next, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Place the breaded ravioli on a parchment-lined baking sheet to wait for frying.
- Fry Ravioli: Carefully add 5 to 7 ravioli at a time to the hot oil. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. The ravioli will puff up as they fry, which is expected. Monitor and adjust the oil temperature as necessary to maintain 325°F. Repeat with remaining ravioli.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried ravioli with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with the reserved 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure ravioli are completely thawed or pre-cooked and dried to avoid dangerous oil splatter during frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 325°F for perfect frying results.
- Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Use a mix of Italian and panko bread crumbs for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve fried ravioli with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
