Last Updated on May 23, 2025 by Carne Diem
Origin: North American, American Midwest
Method: Oven, Blackstone
Jump to RecipeMention St. Louis food, and most people think of gooey butter cake or maybe St. Louis Style pizza. But while the cake might be the city's sweet darling, toasted ravioli holds a special savory place in St. Louisans' hearts. It's more than just an appetizer; it's a cultural touchstone, a crispy, cheesy bite of regional pride. This homemade toasted Ravioli recipe is coated with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and then cooked to perfection This toasted ravioli can be made in an oven, a fryer or you can even make the toasted ravioli on a Blackstone or griddle.
Table of contents
History of St. Louis Style Toasted Ravioli.
The exact origin story is a bit murky, but like most St. Louis recipes, was likely the result of a fortunate mistake. The toasted ravioli's roots likely lie in the Italian immigrant communities of the early 20th century. Some believe that resourceful cooks took leftover ravioli and gave them a new lease on life by pan-frying them. Others claim that ravioli was accidentally dropped into a fryer by mistake and the crispy exterior and melty interior were a hit. Soon, the dish began to appear in restaurants across the city and has become a classic St. Louis appetizer. St. Louis boasts countless restaurants serving toasted ravioli, each with its own loyal following. From iconic spots like Charlie Gitto's and Mama Campisi's to hidden gems tucked away in neighborhoods, there's a toasted ravioli experience waiting for you.
Gateway to Gooey Goodness: St. Louis Style Toasted Ravioli Recipe
St. Louis Style Toasted Ravioli is a classic comfort food that's guaranteed to disappear in a flash. These bite-sized delights feature tender ravioli pockets filled with cheese or meat, enveloped in a crispy, golden-brown breading, and served with a warm marinara sauce for dipping.
So, ditch the delivery menus and embrace the deliciousness of St. Louis Toasted Ravioli! With this easy recipe, you can create the perfect appetizer in the comfort of your own kitchen. They're perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or even as a fun twist on a main dish. Fire up your deep fryer, air fryer, oven or even Blackstone and get ready to experience the gooey goodness of St. Louis' favorite appetizer!
Making the St. Louis Style Roasted Ravioli
The beauty of St. Louis Toasted Ravioli lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer:
- Ravioli: Opt for your favorite frozen variety, or get fancy with fresh cheese ravioli from the deli section. Trader Joe's even offers delicious gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions (always check food labels for complete ingredient and nutrient data).
- Breading: Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of both create the perfect crispy exterior. Season them up with a sprinkle of garlic powder, parmesan cheese and parsley or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Egg Wash: A beaten egg and milk act as the glue for the breading.
Cooking Methods for Toasted Ravioli
Traditionally, St. Louis Toasted Ravioli are deep-fried. But the toasted ravioli can be made in an air-fryer, oven, or even on a griddle like a Blackstone.
Prep for all of the cooking methods is generally the same.
In a shallow bowl or plate combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, flour, parsley, garlic powder, and salt.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip the raviolis in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumbs. Move to a wire rack while you finish breading the remaining raviolis.
Allow the raviolis to sit for a few minutes while you heat your oven, fryer, or griddle.
Deep-Frying Method:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Working in batches, carefully add the breaded ravioli to the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Drain the deep-fried ravioli on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Air-Frying Method:
- To make air fryer ravioli, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat your air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Making Toasted Ravioli on a Blackstone
For best results, when making the St. Louis Style Ravioli on a Blackstone, we recommend using only fresh or refrigerated ravioli and avoiding frozen ravioli. If using frozen ravioli, allow them to thaw for about 45 minutes before breading them.
- Preheat your griddle or Blackstone to 350 degrees. Lightly oil the griddle with cooking spray.
- Spray the top of the raviolis with some cooking and place the raviolis, sprayed side down on the flat top griddle.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes then spray the tops of the raviolis again with the cooking spray and flip them over. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until browned. Check for doneness and, if needed, flip and cook until finished.
If you have a griddle sheet like a Cooking Steel or Baking Steel these St. Louis style ravioli can also be made in an oven. Just spray the steel or pan and bake the ravioli for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Be sure to preheat your steel prior to cooking.
Tips for Toasted Ravioli Triumph
- Don't overcrowd the pan or basket: This ensures even cooking and prevents the breading from becoming soggy.
- Cheese Escapees: Make sure your ravioli are completely sealed before breading to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- Leftovers? No Problem! While we recommend eating the toasted ravioli fresh for best results, leftover toasted ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven for a crispy refresh.
- The Perfect Party Appetizer: Serve your toasted ravioli hot with a side of warm marinara for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance and watch them disappear!
What to Serve with Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli pair perfectly with other Italian dishes. Pair the delicious appetizer with other St. Louis favorites like Pork Steaks, Gooey Butter Cake, or a St. Louis Slinger. Need some Italian meal inspiration? Try some of our favorite Italian dishes to pair with toasted ravioli:
- Italian Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Roast: Rosa di Parma
- Smoked Rotisserie Italian Pork Belly Porchetta
- Smoked Meatballs with Burrata
- Ricotta and Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells
- Pizza Oven Sausage and Pepperoni Stromboli
- Chicago Tavern Style Pizza
- Quattro Formaggi Crusted Steak
Frequently Asked Questions
Toasted ravioli is widely believed to have originated in the predominantly Italian-American neighborhood of The Hill in St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 1940s. Several restaurants claim its creation, with stories often involving a ravioli accidentally falling into a deep fryer.
No, you do not need to boil the ravioli before breading and cooking them. They cook through during the frying, baking, or air frying process.
Leftovers are best reheated in an air fryer or oven.
Don't forget to check out more of The Best Recipes to Make on Your Blackstone This Summer.
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📖 Recipe
Fried Toasted Ravioli on Your Blackstone
Ingredients
- 9-12 ounce Package Refrigerated Ravioli
- ¾ Cup Italian Breadcrumbs
- 3 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Dried Parsley
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Eggs
- ¼ Cup Milk
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your Blackstone or griddle to 350 degrees. Lightly oil the griddle.
- In a shallow bowl or plate combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, flour, parsley, garlic powder, and salt.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dip the raviolis in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumbs. Move to a wire rack while you finish breading the remaining raviolis.
- Spray the top of the raviolis with some cooking and place the raviolis, sprayed side down on the flattop griddle.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes then spray the tops of the raviolis again with the cooking spray and flip them over. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until browned. Check for doneness and, if needed, flip the ravioli and cook until done.
- Remove from the griddle and serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce.
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