This post first appeared over at Real Housemoms where I’m a contributor. These crisp fried Toasted Ravioli, a St. Louis specialty, are the perfect appetizer to any Italian meal.
Toasted Ravioli is my absolute favorite appetizer. As a St. Louis native, I was fortunate enough to grow up eating these almost everywhere. When I was little, every time I went grocery shopping with my mom we’d stop at the deli counter and get some freshly made, warm, and crisp toasted ravioli.
The grocery store made them pretty well, unlike the school cafeteria, but the best place to get toasted Ravioli in St. Louis is Cunetto’s House of Pasta up on The Hill. I have to get my own order of toasted ravioli just for myself. Too good to share.
Unfortunately, I haven’t lived in St. Louis since I graduated high school and my craving for these amazing toasted ravioli has been high, especially during my latest pregnancy. I almost made the 7 hour drive to St.Louis just to get some.
Well, I finally broke down and made them. Life changing! I put off making these for so long because I thought it would be complicated but it turns out it is easy. A little too easy. Like, I might gain 22 pounds because… UNLIMITED supply of toasted ravioli!!!
Okay, so now you’re probably wondering what these little guys are exactly. Now, the word “toasted” is actually deceiving because it’s actually fried. Saying “toasted” sounds more sophisticated though and also makes me feel a little better about admitting I ate 10. But as we all know, everything tastes better, no, AMAZING fried.
Classic Toasted Ravioli is made using meat filled ravioli, coating it in bread crumbs and frying until golden and crisp. Then it’s served garnished with fresh grated Parmesan and marinara sauce for dipping. I actually had a somewhat difficult time finding meat filled ravioli that were square. If your local store doesn’t have it in the refrigerator section by the cheese, check in the frozen foods aisle. If you buy them frozen then you can always have them on hand for those sudden cravings for Toasted Ravioli… and they will come.
If you’re looking for a delicious pasta to serve as a main dish, try my Pasta con Broccoli, Asiago, Spinach, and Sausage Cavatappi, or Louisiana Chicken Pasta.
Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound bag of beef ravioli, fresh or frozen*
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and eggs together.
- In another bowl, mix bread crumbs, salt, and pepper together.
- Dip each ravioli in the milk mixture and then press into the bread crumbs, coating both sides of the ravioli well. Place on a large baking sheet.
- Place the breaded ravioli in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until firm. Meanwhile, fill a deep pot with 2 inches of oil and heat to 350 degrees F.
- Working in batches, place several ravioli in the oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel lined plate or pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm along with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
I’m a girl from The Lou currently living in Las Vegas! When I visit St. Louis I can’t get enough toasted ravs in Imo’s pizza. Thanks for the recipe … I will make these for sure!
Would like to take these to a super bowl party …will they keep and transport and still be good ?
Can I bake them instead of trying?
I have only tried frying them. Another reader baked them though. She said: “I baked instead of fried them, 350 for about 20-25 minutes and used the cheese ravioli instead.”
I made this tonight. Delish! I recommend doing your breadcrumbs in two batches, as mine got clumpy pretty quick.
These are smack your Granny delish! I baked instead of fried them, 350 for about 20-25 minutes and used the cheese ravioli instead. Thanks for the recipe!
Haha! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Tracy! I’ll have to try baking them.
I miss St. Louis & all the delicious food they have! The toasted ravioli, St. Louis style pizza, barbecue. All amazing.
Me too! St. Louis has so much good food!
Do you cook 4-5 minutes total or on each side? Or is it based on the amount of cook time for the ravioli I buy? Thank you!
Total. You’ll cook it 2-3 minutes per side.
I grew up in St. Louis & live in South Florida now. I finally made this tonight & they were perfect!!! Just like I remember growing up! Thanks for the recipe.
Yay! That’s awesome Brandi! It’s hard to be away from all St. Louis’ delicious food. Glad it was as good as you remember!
I could not find meat filled ravioli at my local supermarket, only cheese:( What brand do you usually use?
I was only able to find meat filled in the freezer section. It was Kroger brand.
lived in st.louis for 2 years in the late 70s. I do remember restaurants on the Hill serving toasted raviolis. brought back good memories. I will try them… T.L.
Yes! That’s the best place to get them in St. Louis! You’ll love these!
Can you bake these instead of frying – to decrease the calories?
DF
I’m sure you can. I haven’t tested it so I can’t tell you the exact directions but I would probably bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until browned. Let me know if you try it.
Thank you and will let you know how it turns out:))
DF
Do you start off with the ravoli frozen first?
If you buy frozen, let it sit in the fridge overnight before using so it can thaw.
This might be a silly question but am I supposed to cook the raviolis before hand ?
Not silly at all! You do NOT cook them before. Just follow the directions as they are. Frying them cooks them perfectly.
Can I prep (by frying them) the day before and reheat? Will they be just as good?
They still taste good but won’t be as great… like anything fried. You can dip them in the breading and keep them in the fridge overnight. The frying doesn’t take long at all.
Looks delicious! Do you need to cook the ravioli first?
Nope! They get cooked perfectly when you fry them. 🙂
Thank you!
From a Missouri girl living in a DC world ♡
You are most definitely welcome! It’s the worst not being able to order them or even pick them up at the grocery store.
BJs sells toasted ravioli
I’ve never heard of BJs I’ll have to check it out! Olive Garden does too… But still not as good as some of the Italian restaurants in St. Louis.
BJ’s isn’t a restaurant, it’s a store like Costco, Sams. You buy in bulk and have to be a member.
I just got something in the mail from them about becoming a member. I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks for the recommendation Linda! I’ll have to try it out when we go visit this spring. 🙂
My favorite place for these yummy little squares is in St. Charles, Missouri at a wonderful little Italian restorante called Pios. Look them up next visit to Missouri, best pizza too!!!!
OMG, I loved Pio’s. I think I’ve gained 5 lbs just reading these.
Can I use cheese ravioli?
That will work just fine. 🙂
wowzers, 2 words amazing & yummy . Gotta try it and it sounds easy but fantastic . Thanks Melanie 🙂
Thanks Peter! They are seriously my favorite! You’ll love ’em!
The food look good and delicious.
Thank you! They are the best!
This is awesome! I can’t wait to try it!
I know right?! Toasted Ravioli whenever you want! Now I just need to figure out Cunetto’s sauce recipe.
When you are in St. Louis you should try Farotto’s toasted ravioli in Rock Hill. They will change your life.