Transform a classic Italian dish into a bite-sized, dippable appetizer!
Growing up in my Italian-American household, we were obsessed with ravioli. But never in my wildest dinnertime dreams did I think that you could toast ravioli! The thought hadn’t crossed my mind, nor did it occur to my mom, who was the head chef in our home. But this recipe sheds some light on how easy it is to take ravioli to the next level.
Since toasted ravioli is breaded and baked, it tastes a bit like mozzarella sticks. Each ravioli square is cheesy and melty on the inside but crisp and savory on the outside. That’s why they can also be tasty when dipped in warm marinara sauce. It’s the exact kind of dish you’d want to dig into if you’re craving Italian food but don’t want to go to a fancy restaurant. Kids of all ages will especially find these fun to eat.
This recipe turns a traditional pasta dinner into a jazzed-up appetizer. In Italian, this would be called an “antipasto,” meaning “before the meal.” But you could also serve it as a side or midday snack, depending on the occasion. Although toasted ravioli is unique, it’s incredibly versatile and can brighten any event, formal or casual. So try it out and enjoy!
Can I use different types of ravioli?
While this recipe calls for plain cheese ravioli, you can experiment with other types as well. I favor pumpkin ravioli, which contains a filling made with both cheese and pumpkin purée. It’s a nice balance of creaminess and earthy sweetness. But there are plenty of ravioli varieties out there, so take your pick! Just make sure to thaw them if frozen.
How do I store leftovers?
Toasted ravioli is best enjoyed fresh, but you can place leftovers in an airtight container to refrigerate for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing them, as this could cause a buildup of moisture that causes them to be soggy.
Serving suggestions
Keep it simple by serving toasted ravioli with Tomato Sauce, Cheese Sauce, or Alfredo Sauce for dipping. For a larger meal that can satisfy the whole family, pair toasted ravioli with an Italian Salad, Italian Sausage Meatballs, and Caprese Garlic Bread. My Italian-American taste buds are tingling just thinking about such a feast!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 pound cheese ravioli thawed if frozen
- Cooking spray
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional
- Marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture and then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- For extra crispiness, arrange the breaded ravioli on the baking sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes before baking.
- Lightly spray the breaded ravioli with cooking spray. Place them on the wire rack and bake for 15-18 minutes until they are golden and crisp.
- Remove the ravioli from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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