Get ready to meet your new go-to party appetizer: Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce. This irresistible treat features golden, crisp ravioli paired with a robust marinara that begs you to dip just one more. It’s a dish that wows on sight and vanishes in minutes whenever friends or family gather—there’s just something magical about that crunchy exterior giving way to tender, cheesy pasta! Not only is it a total crowd-pleaser, it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it the ultimate snack for game day, celebrations, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good news: the lineup for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce couldn’t be simpler, but every ingredient plays a crucial role. Each one is chosen to create layers of crunch, flavor, and appeal that will make these little bites unforgettable.
- Refrigerated cheese ravioli: The star of the show—cheese-filled pillows that crisp up perfectly.
- Buttermilk (or 2 eggs, beaten): This is your secret weapon for helping that crispy coating stick and stay put.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Ready-seasoned for deep flavor, and the real driver of crunch here.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness into every bite and into the coating itself.
- Garlic powder: Lends an aromatic kick that makes the ravioli truly savory.
- Black pepper: Just the right amount to balance and brighten the flavor.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Keeps the ravioli light and crispy while adding a satisfying finish.
- Marinara sauce (for dipping): The classic partner—rich, tangy, and perfect for scooping up every crumb.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings freshness and a pop of color to the plate.
- Extra grated Parmesan (for serving): Because you can never have too much Parmesan!
How to Make Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
Step 1: Boil the Ravioli Briefly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the refrigerated ravioli in for just 1–2 minutes—they should be slightly tender, but not fully cooked. This step keeps them from drying out later. Once done, drain well and lay out on paper towels, gently patting dry to ensure the breadcrumb coating sticks like a dream.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, pour the buttermilk (or use your beaten eggs—both work to create an ultra-crisp crust). In a separate shallow dish, mix together the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. This double-dip approach guarantees every single ravioli comes out with that signature crunch.
Step 3: Bread the Ravioli
Working one at a time, dunk each piece of ravioli into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Then give it a generous roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to really adhere those crumbs. This is the moment where the magic happens and your ravioli become destined for goldenness.
Step 4: Fry Until Crisp
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded ravioli in batches to avoid overcrowding—about 2–3 minutes per side is all you need for that gorgeous, golden exterior. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels so they stay beautiful and crisp.
Step 5: Warm the Marinara Dipping Sauce
While your ravioli cool slightly, warm up the marinara sauce in a saucepan or microwave. There’s nothing like a hot, inviting bowl of tomato sauce to dunk into, and it brings the whole Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce experience together perfectly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Arrange the fried ravioli on a platter, shower with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan for maximum appeal. Serve with plenty of warm marinara sauce on the side, then watch these disappear faster than you can say “Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce.”
How to Serve Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce
Garnishes
A generous dusting of extra Parmesan is a must, adding irresistible flecks of salty goodness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens everything up visually but gives a fresh, herbaceous lift to each bite. For a fiery kick, you can even add a few crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
Side Dishes
Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce loves company! Pair with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or an antipasto platter for a heartier spread. They also go brilliantly next to a selection of Italian cheeses or cured meats, especially if you’re making them the star of your appetizer lineup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ravioli in a basket lined with parchment for a rustic, family-style feel, or spear each with a colorful pick for easy, bite-sized party fun. Mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins filled with marinara are perfect for crowd-pleasing dunking. For extra flair, stack the ravioli into a “tower” and drizzle with sauce table-side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re fortunate enough to have extra Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember—they’ll soften slightly, but they’re still utterly delicious for snacking or a next-day lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, cooled fried ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you want to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw—straight into the oven or air fryer works great!
Reheating
For that just-fried texture, reheat leftover ravioli in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp again, usually about 8–10 minutes. Microwave reheating is fast, but they’ll lose their crunch, so the oven is definitely worth it for the full experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce?
Definitely! Let frozen ravioli thaw just enough so you can separate them easily, then reduce the boiling time to 1 minute before continuing with the recipe for fantastic results.
Is air frying an option instead of deep frying?
Yes! To lighten things up, arrange the breaded ravioli in a single layer in your air fryer and cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a fantastic crispy finish with less oil.
What’s the best way to keep Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce warm for a party?
Set your oven to the lowest temperature, then lay the fried ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet to keep them warm (and crisp) until guests arrive. Don’t cover them, or you risk losing that signature crunch.
Can I use different types of ravioli?
Absolutely. While cheese ravioli is classic, meat or spinach ravioli work just as well for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce. Just make sure they’re not too delicate, as sturdier fillings hold up better during frying.
What dipping sauces pair well besides marinara?
Branch out by offering pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata. But honestly, nothing beats the tried-and-true duo of Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce for sheer comfort food perfection.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce at home, now’s the time to bring this crunchy, cheesy delight to your table. It’s simple, shareable, and sure to impress anyone who’s lucky enough to snag a bite. Gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and treat yourself and your favorite people to a plateful of pure joy!
Print
Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these crispy Fried Ravioli served with a zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce. A perfect appetizer or game day snack that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Fried Ravioli:
- 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)
For Serving:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Ravioli: Boil ravioli for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender; drain and dry.
- Prepare Coating: Dip ravioli in buttermilk, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry Ravioli: Heat oil to 350°F, fry ravioli until golden brown.
- Prepare Marinara: Warm marinara sauce.
- Serve: Garnish ravioli with parsley and Parmesan; serve hot with marinara for dipping.
Notes
- To lighten, air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Meat or spinach ravioli can be used.
- Great as an appetizer or game day snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 ravioli with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
