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My kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma last night as I made these golden Parmesan ravioli for a dinner party. The satisfying crunch when you bite into them reveals a pocket of warm melted cheese that makes everyone smile. What started as a random experiment in my kitchen has turned into my most requested appetizer. Trust me when I tell you the hardest part is keeping people from stealing them straight from the cooling rack.
A Simple Twist That Changes Everything
Something magical happens when you transform regular ravioli into these crispy little bites. The contrast gets me every time that crunchy coating giving way to soft pillows of cheese inside. I love serving these at everything from casual Sunday football gatherings to fancy dinner parties. Just set them out with some warm marinara sauce and watch them vanish. My sister actually counted once we went through 50 pieces in under 15 minutes at her holiday party.
What You'll Need for These Crispy Bites
- Ravioli: 1 package (12 oz) of refrigerated cheese ravioli. I grab them from the fresh pasta section but frozen works too just thaw them first.
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Sometimes I make my own by mixing plain ones with herbs.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs beaten well for dipping.
- Flour: ½ cup regular all-purpose flour.
- Oil: Vegetable oil for frying about 2 inches deep in your pan.
- For Serving: Fresh grated Parmesan and some chopped parsley make them look gorgeous.
- Dipping Sauce: Warm marinara sauce store bought is totally fine on busy days.
Making Your Crispy Ravioli
- Getting Everything Ready
- Line up three bowls flour first then beaten eggs and breadcrumbs last. This makes the coating process so much smoother.
- Coating Time
- Roll each ravioli in flour shake off the excess dip in egg then coat well with breadcrumbs. Make sure they're completely covered.
- Oil Temperature
- Pour your oil and heat it to 350°F. A thermometer helps but you can test with a small piece of bread it should bubble gently.
- Frying Your Ravioli
- Work in small batches about 1-2 minutes each side until they turn this beautiful golden brown color.
- Final Touches
- While they're still hot sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve them right away with that warm marinara.
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Playing with Different Flavors
Sometimes I switch things up depending on who's coming over. Last week I made some with mushroom truffle ravioli for my food loving friends and they went crazy for them. For my brother's game night I used meat-filled ones which disappeared in seconds. The spinach ricotta version is amazing too especially when I'm cooking for my vegetarian friends. If you're trying to be a bit healthier you can actually bake these spray them with a little oil and pop them in a 400°F oven until they get crispy. Works like a charm every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make fried ravioli ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the breaded ravioli up to 4 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy and hot.
- → What kind of ravioli works best for this recipe?
Cheese ravioli is the classic choice and holds up well during frying. Both refrigerated and thawed frozen ravioli work great, just make sure they're completely thawed if using frozen.
- → Why did my breading fall off during frying?
This usually happens when the oil isn't hot enough or the ravioli are overcrowded. Make sure your oil reaches 350°F and fry in small batches, giving each piece enough space to cook evenly.
- → What sauces can I serve with fried ravioli?
Marinara sauce is the traditional choice and pairs perfectly with the crispy coating. You can also try alfredo sauce or a spicy arrabbiata for variety.
- → How do I know when the ravioli are done?
The ravioli should be golden brown on the outside, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. They should feel crispy to the touch and the cheese inside should be hot and melted.
Conclusion
Crispy fried ravioli is a delightful appetizer that transforms traditional pasta into a crunchy, golden treat. By coating cheese ravioli in seasoned breadcrumbs and frying to perfection, you create a dish that's both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.