If you adore Italian comfort food with a crispy twist, then this Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Imagine perfectly breaded, golden-fried cheese ravioli that are juicy on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy on the outside – it’s like a little bite of heaven in every piece. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for a gathering or craving something cozy for dinner, this dish delivers delightful flavors and textures that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but carefully chosen to create that irresistible fried texture and rich flavor. Each component, from the creamy cheese inside the ravioli to the crispy breadcrumb coating, plays a vital role in making this recipe truly shine.
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli pasta, thawed: The star of the show; good quality ravioli ensures a luscious, cheesy filling.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This creates a dry layer to help the egg wash stick perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue for the breadcrumb coating.
- 1/3 cup whole milk: Lightens the egg mixture for smooth breading adhesion.
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs: Brings savory herb flavor and crunch.
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs: Gives the crust a delightfully airy and crisp texture.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Divided to enrich the breading and finish with cheesy goodness.
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying: Essential for achieving that perfect golden exterior.
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright note as a garnish.
How to Make Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Thaw the Ravioli
Start by thawing your frozen cheese ravioli. It’s best to leave them in the refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing. If you’re short on time, boiling them for a few minutes and then draining and drying thoroughly with paper towels works well to avoid any excess moisture interfering with frying. Never fry them while still frozen — it can cause dangerous oil splatter and uneven cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Breading Stations
Setting up your breading stations in advance makes the process smooth and organized. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in one dish for the initial dredge. Whisk eggs and whole milk together in another bowl to create the perfect binding mixture. Finally, combine Italian bread crumbs, panko, and half the parmesan cheese for that irresistible crunchy layer.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep-sided skillet with vegetable oil, enough for deep frying, and attach a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. Heat it over medium-high heat until it registers 325°F. Maintaining the oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy outside without greasy, undercooked ravioli inside.
Step 4: Bread the Ravioli
Working in batches, coat each ravioli first in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Dip into the egg and milk mixture, then thoroughly coat the ravioli in the breadcrumb and parmesan mix. Lay them out on a parchment-lined sheet to keep things tidy and ready for frying.
Step 5: Fry the Ravioli
Carefully add 5 to 7 ravioli at a time to the hot oil. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a satisfyingly crisp crust. The ravioli will puff a little while cooking — that’s part of the magic. Keep an eye on the oil temperature, adjusting heat as needed to maintain the perfect fry.
Step 6: Drain and Garnish
Once fried, transfer the ravioli using a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined tray to absorb any excess oil. While still warm, sprinkle with the reserved parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Serve these warm for the ultimate crispy-cheesy experience.
How to Serve Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe presentation and taste, simple garnishes can make a big impact. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan adds extra cheesy depth, while chopped parsley lends color and a herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out all that richness. Marinara sauce on the side is also a classic – dipping each crispy ravioli piece brings that familiar tangy sweetness that screams Italian comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, serve your fried ravioli stacked on a platter with sprinkle bowls of different dipping sauces such as spicy arrabbiata, creamy garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto. For a plated experience, place them over a fresh bed of arugula or alongside a caprese salad for a colorful, inviting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 2 to 3 days. Keep a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture and help keep the ravioli crispy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fried ravioli if you want to save some for later. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’re best used within a month for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated fried ravioli, avoid the microwave to keep them crispy. Instead, pop them in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crisp again. This brings them back to their freshly fried glory.
FAQs
Can I use homemade ravioli for this Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade ravioli can add extra flavor and freshness. Just be sure they’re well sealed and slightly firm before breading to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
What’s the best oil for frying ravioli?
Vegetable oil works perfectly due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it ideal for frying at 325°F. You can also use canola or peanut oil if preferred.
How do I prevent the ravioli from soaking up too much oil?
Maintaining the right oil temperature and frying in small batches are key. If the oil is too cool, ravioli absorb more oil. Make sure the coating is dry before frying for the best crispy result.
Can I bake instead of fry the ravioli?
You certainly can bake them for a lighter option! Spray them generously with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway until crisp. The texture won’t be quite the same as frying, but still delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic version isn’t, due to flour and traditional breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free twist, try using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the breading step.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about this Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe that makes any meal feel special. Crispy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table with every crunchy bite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Print
Fried Cheese Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fried Ravioli recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown appetizer featuring cheese-filled ravioli breaded in a Parmesan-Italian breadcrumb mix and fried to perfection. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and gooey inside, these bites are ideal for parties or as a delicious snack served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 25 ounces 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 the 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. Avoid frying frozen ravioli as it can cause oil splatter and burns.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: In the first, mix together flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs and whole milk until combined. In the third, combine Italian bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese evenly.
- Heat Oil: Fill a deep-sided skillet with 3 to 4 cups of vegetable oil. Attach a candy or deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F (163°C).
- Bread the Ravioli: Working in batches, dredge each ravioli first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, coating thoroughly, followed by coating in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Place the breaded ravioli on a parchment-lined baking sheet to wait for frying.
- Fry Ravioli: Once the oil is at temperature, add 5 to 7 ravioli carefully into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. The ravioli will puff up, which is normal. Monitor and adjust heat to maintain consistent temperature. Repeat until all ravioli are fried.
- Drain and Garnish: Remove the 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 freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure ravioli are thoroughly thawed and dried before frying to prevent dangerous oil splatters.
- Maintain oil temperature around 325°F for optimal crispness without burning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to keep oil temperature steady and ravioli crispy.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for enhanced taste.
