Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Toasted Ravioli (Crispy, Golden & Easy)

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Plate of golden fried ravioli topped with parsley and parmesan, served with marinara sauce in a bowl, on a rustic wooden table.

Crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside — Toasted Ravioli is a golden little bite of comfort that’s perfect for entertaining, game day, or cozy nights in.

Originally made famous in St. Louis, this easy version brings that irresistible crunch home using store-bought ravioli, breadcrumbs, and a quick dip in marinara sauce. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes almost no effort — just the way we like it.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 (20-oz) package refrigerated cheese ravioli (or beef)
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned preferred)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
Oil for frying (vegetable or olive)
Warm Homemade Marinara Sauce, for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Ravioli: Dip each ravioli in the egg mixture, then dredge in breadcrumbs until well coated. Place on a plate while you heat the oil.
Fry Until Golden Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F). Fry ravioli in small batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until crisp and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve Warm: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve immediately with warm marinara for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Italian Bread and a side of Classic Southern Garden Salad for a light meal.
Works perfectly as a starter for a Lasagna or Chicken Parmesan night.
For a party platter, mix cheese and meat ravioli and serve with a trio of sauces — marinara, Alfredo, and pesto.

Tips for Perfect Toasted Ravioli

Don’t overcrowd the pan — crisp edges need space.
For a lighter version, spray with oil and air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.
Freeze leftovers on a baking sheet, then reheat in the oven for a quick snack later.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe? Yes — frozen ravioli works perfectly. Just let them thaw for a few minutes or pat them dry so the breading sticks well.

Q: Can I make toasted ravioli in an air fryer? Absolutely. Air-fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Q: What dipping sauces go best with toasted ravioli? Warm marinara sauce is classic, but alfredo, pesto, or spicy tomato cream sauce are delicious options too.

Q: Can I bake toasted ravioli instead of frying? Yes — bake them at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.

Q: How do I keep toasted ravioli crispy for a party? Place them on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) until serving to maintain crunch.

Final Thoughts

Toasted Ravioli is a crispy, golden appetizer that delivers big flavor in every bite. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these breaded ravioli are perfect for dipping in warm marinara and serving as a fun, shareable snack. They’re easy to make, great for parties or game day, and always disappear fast. If you’re craving a classic appetizer with irresistible crunch and comforting Italian-inspired flavor, Toasted Ravioli is a must-try recipe you’ll want to make again and again.