Description
Golden and crispy fried cheese ravioli served with a rich marinara dipping sauce, perfect as a delicious appetizer or game day snack. This Italian-American favorite features tender ravioli coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and fried to perfection, then garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 2 eggs, beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 inches deep)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese ravioli and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the ravioli and pat them dry carefully with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Dipping Stations: In one bowl, pour the buttermilk or beaten eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. This will be the breadcrumb coating mixture.
- Coat the Ravioli: Dip each ravioli piece into the buttermilk or egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating adheres well to each ravioli.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying results.
- Fry the Ravioli: Fry the breaded ravioli in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove each batch and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Warm the Marinara Sauce: While frying, gently warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave it until hot, ready for dipping.
- Serve: Arrange the fried ravioli on a serving plate, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter option, air fry the ravioli at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking.
- You can substitute cheese ravioli with meat or spinach ravioli for variety.
- This dish is ideal as an appetizer or a tasty snack for game day parties.
