Name: Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; vegetable oil (for frying); 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re looking to win over any crowd—kids, adults, picky eaters, and fellow foodies alike—this Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce is simply unbeatable. Nothing says “let’s make tonight a little special” like crisp, golden ravioli dunked into a tangy-sweet homemade marinara. Whether you plan to serve these as an appetizer at your next gathering or just want a comforting snack with a glass of wine on a cozy night in, this recipe perfectly marries crunch with gooey cheese and herb-laced breadcrumbs. You’ll be amazed at just how quickly these disappear off the platter!

Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce are delightfully straightforward, but each one makes a difference. From the savory filling in the ravioli to the herbaceous Italian breadcrumbs, every ingredient brings something unique, ensuring you get a bite that’s full of flavor, color, and just the right amount of crunch.

Ravioli (1 20-ounce package, refrigerated cheese): Choose fresh, refrigerated cheese ravioli for the best flavor and texture—they fry up beautifully and stay tender while holding their cheesy filling.
Eggs (2 large): Whisked eggs give the breading its adhesive power and add a light richness to the coating.
Milk (1/4 cup): Adding milk to the eggs helps create an ultra-smooth dip for the breading stage so every piece gets evenly coated.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These seasoned crumbs deliver layers of Italian herbs and the perfect crisp crust on the ravioli.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Mixing cheese into the coating adds a nutty, salty punch that’s classic and irresistible.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Garlic powder gives every bite a subtle but important savory depth.
Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Oregano infuses the breading with gentle, woodsy notes that play beautifully against the cheese and tomato sauce.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Stick with a neutral oil that can handle high heat so the ravioli turn crisp without any aftertaste.
Marinara Sauce (1 1/2 cups, for dipping): The sauce brings it all together with its tomatoey tang, making each bite pop.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh, colorful finish that sets these over the top.

How to Make Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by pouring 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a medium saucepan or deep skillet and bring it up gently to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat. This is the key to a crisp, golden exterior; use a thermometer if you have one so you get that perfect fry every time.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dipping Stations

Grab two shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined and a little frothy—this is your glue. In the second, stir together the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano for your flavorful coating. Having both stations set up lets you fly through assembly.

Step 3: Bread the Ravioli

Working with one ravioli at a time, dip each pasta square into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, press the ravioli into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture so it’s coated on all sides. Don’t rush—press gently to help the breading stick so you get extra crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Carefully add the breaded ravioli to the preheated oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding so they fry evenly. Let each piece cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden and crunchy. Use a slotted spoon to lift them onto a paper towel-lined plate so any extra oil can drain off.

Step 5: Warm the Marinara Dipping Sauce

While the last batch is frying, pour your marinara sauce into a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and heat until steaming hot. Having that sauce warm and ready makes dipping downright irresistible the second the ravioli come out of the fryer.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Arrange your crisp, hot Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and pile everyone’s favorite sauce into a bowl right in the center. Don’t be surprised if they vanish the moment you set them out!

How to Serve Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

For that perfect finishing touch, a scattering of chopped fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan right over the top gives your Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce a pop of color and fresh aroma. If you’re feeling extra festive, a few torn basil leaves wouldn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Serve these alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of garlic knots. The bright greens and zesty flavors help balance the richness of the fried ravioli and marinara sauce, making for a truly satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading your fried ravioli onto appetizer skewers for a playful, party-friendly spin, or pile them high in a basket lined with parchment paper for an irresistibly rustic look. For an Italian-American “tapas” night, set out mini bowls of various sauces—think pesto, Alfredo, and of course, extra marinara—so your guests can mix and match flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep any leftover Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce at its crispiest, store the fried ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the sauce separate. This prevents any sogginess and ensures each bite stays as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

Fried ravioli are freezer-friendly! After frying, let them cool completely, then lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Marinara sauce can be frozen in a separate container for future cravings.

Reheating

To re-crisp the ravioli, bake them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes straight from the fridge—or give them a quick ride in the air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as that will zap the crunch right out. Warm your marinara sauce separately and serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! If using frozen ravioli, let them thaw just enough so they’re not icy but still firm. This keeps them from releasing too much moisture and helps them fry up crisp and beautiful.

Is it possible to bake or air-fry these instead of deep frying?

Definitely. For a lighter version, arrange breaded ravioli on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, pop them in an air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, checking for that signature golden crunch.

What types of ravioli work best for Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce?

Cheese ravioli are classic, but spinach and ricotta, four-cheese blends, or even meat-filled ravioli can be delicious. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to withstand frying without bursting.

Can I make the breaded ravioli ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the ravioli and keep them on a parchment-lined tray in the fridge for a few hours before frying. This makes it super easy to fry them fresh when guests arrive (and helps the coating stick even better).

What else can I serve with Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce to make it a meal?

Turn this fun appetizer into a main event by pairing with a big Italian salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or a bowl of minestrone soup. A crisp Pinot Grigio or a sparkling lemonade rounds out the meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, now is the time to treat yourself and your friends to Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s guaranteed to bring a little bit of Italian-American comfort to your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe before the platter is empty!

Fried Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the crispy and flavorful delight of Fried Ravioli with a zesty Marinara Dipping Sauce. This classic Italian-American appetizer is perfect for sharing or indulging as a snack. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Ravioli:

1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese ravioli
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Fried Ravioli: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan. Whisk eggs and milk in a bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in another bowl.
Bread and Fry: Dip each ravioli in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. Fry until golden and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Transfer fried ravioli to a paper towel-lined plate. Warm marinara sauce and serve hot with ravioli. Garnish with parsley if desired.