If you are craving a delightful appetizer or a fun party snack that bursts with flavor and crispy goodness, this Fried Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine golden, perfectly fried cheese-filled pockets with a crunchy coating, paired alongside a vibrant, rich marinara sauce made from scratch—the perfect harmony of texture and taste. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough to wow your guests, making it a beloved favorite that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet play crucial roles in delivering the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element—whether the creamy ravioli or the golden breadcrumbs—comes together to create a truly irresistible dish.
- Cheese ravioli: Choose refrigerated cheese ravioli or your preferred type for that melty, savory center.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten to create a sticky coating that helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
- Splash of water: Added to the eggs to mellow their texture for an even coating.
- Italian style breadcrumbs: These add a crispy, flavorful crust that makes every bite delightfully crunchy.
- Olive oil: For frying to a beautiful golden brown with a subtle fruity undertone.
- Marinara sauce: A homemade marinara sauce brings fresh tomato goodness that cuts through the richness of the fried ravioli.
How to Make Fried Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs
Start by lightly beating the eggs with a splash of water in a shallow dish to create a smooth egg wash. This step is key for helping the breadcrumbs stick and ultimately ensures your ravioli gets that perfect, crunchy coat.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Next, pour about a cup of Italian style breadcrumbs into another shallow dish. Then arrange your ravioli, egg wash, breadcrumbs, and a plate for the coated ravioli into an assembly line—a kitchen hack that keeps things organized and helps speed up the process.
Step 3: Coat the Ravioli
Dip each ravioli first into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then press it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place each breaded ravioli on the plate and repeat until all are prepared. This ensures even, crispy coating all around each piece.
Step 4: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat about three tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The right temperature is crucial here—the oil should be hot enough to crisp the ravioli quickly without absorbing too much grease.
Step 5: Fry the Ravioli
Fry the breaded ravioli in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan. Each side should take just a couple of minutes to reach a gorgeous golden brown. Use tongs to flip them carefully, allowing an evenly crisp surface.
Step 6: Drain and Keep Warm
Transfer the fried ravioli to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil, then loosely cover with foil to keep warm while you finish frying the remaining batches. This helps you serve them piping hot and perfectly crispy.
Step 7: Serve with Marinara Sauce
Finally, serve your fried ravioli immediately with generous sides of homemade marinara sauce. The fresh tangy tomato sauce complements the crunchy, cheesy bites beautifully and elevates this Fried Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe to a whole new level of comfort food joy.
How to Serve Fried Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan add an aromatic touch and a little extra zing that highlights the flavors in this dish without overwhelming the crispy ravioli.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A light Caesar salad or some garlic bread also pairs wonderfully, rounding out the meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bring fun presentation ideas to the table, like serving the ravioli skewered on small picks with a shot glass of marinara for dipping. Or arrange them on a platter surrounded by colorful veggie crudités to make an inviting appetizer spread that everyone will dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fried ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to keep the marinara sauce separate until ready to serve to preserve the ravioli’s crispiness.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freeze the breaded ravioli in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. This allows for easy storage without the ravioli sticking together.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a snack or meal, reheat frozen fried ravioli in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to keep that delicious crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just thaw them slightly before breading and frying to ensure they cook evenly and the coating adheres properly. Slightly thawed ravioli will crisp up beautifully in the oil.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
Olive oil is great for flavor, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil for a higher smoke point if you’re worried about overheating. Just make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp without absorbing too much grease.
How do I make homemade marinara sauce?
Homemade marinara is usually made by simmering fresh tomatoes with garlic, onions, herbs, and a touch of olive oil until thick and flavorful. It’s fresher and brighter than store-bought options and pairs perfectly with fried ravioli.
Can I prepare the breaded ravioli in advance?
Yes, you can coat the ravioli in breadcrumbs and then freeze them before frying, which makes for quick cooking later. Just be sure to keep them frozen until ready to fry to maintain a crispy crust.
What if I want a different filling inside my ravioli?
This recipe works wonderfully with cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled ravioli—feel free to experiment with your favorites. The key is ensuring the ravioli are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during frying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Fried Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe enough. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings smiles to the table and warms the soul with every crunchy, cheesy bite dipped in luscious marinara. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Grab your ingredients, gather some friends or family, and enjoy the joyful process of making and sharing this incredibly satisfying recipe.
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Fried Ravioli with Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (approximately 16-24 ravioli depending on package size and serving size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Crispy fried ravioli served with a homemade marinara sauce, perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack. This easy recipe uses cheese ravioli coated in Italian-style breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown, delivering a satisfying crunch paired with the rich flavors of marinara.
Ingredients
For the Fried Ravioli
- 1 package refrigerated cheese ravioli (about 9 ounces or 24 ravioli)
- 2 eggs
- A splash of water (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying), plus more as needed
For the Marinara Sauce
- Marinara sauce (see notes for link to homemade marinara recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Wash: Lightly beat the 2 eggs with a splash of water in a shallow dish until fully combined to create an egg wash.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Pour about 1 cup of Italian style breadcrumbs into another shallow dish for coating the ravioli.
- Setup Assembly Line: Arrange the refrigerated cheese ravioli, egg wash, breadcrumbs, and an empty plate in a sequence for easy dipping and coating.
- Coat Ravioli: Dip each ravioli first into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumbs to cover thoroughly. Place the breaded ravioli on the plate.
- Heat Oil: Warm about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry Ravioli: Carefully add the breaded ravioli in batches to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
- Cook Until Golden: Fry each side for approximately 2 minutes or until the ravioli are golden brown and crisp.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove fried ravioli with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Cover with foil to keep warm while frying remaining ravioli.
- Repeat if Needed: Add additional olive oil to the skillet between batches if necessary and continue frying remaining ravioli.
- Serve: Plate the fried ravioli immediately and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Freeze for Later: To freeze, arrange fried ravioli in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-loc bag or airtight container. Reheat frozen ravioli in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Use your favorite brand or type of cheese ravioli.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the breaded ravioli instead of frying.
- Ensure oil temperature is medium-high to prevent soggy ravioli.
- Marinara sauce recipe can be made from scratch or store-bought.
- Fried ravioli are best served immediately for optimal crispness.
- Freezing frozen fried ravioli allows for quick snacks or appetizers later.
