If you’re craving a crunchy, cheesy bite that bursts with Italian flavors, this Baked Toasted Ravioli with Parmesan and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine golden, toasted pockets of pasta filled with savory goodness, paired perfectly with tangy marinara that makes every bite utterly irresistible.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Delicious crispy texture without deep frying: Baking or air frying gives you that perfect crunch without the added grease of traditional deep frying.
Simple, accessible ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge!
Quick and easy prep: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it great for a weeknight treat or weekend appetizer.
Perfect for dipping fans: The accompanying Parmesan and marinara combo elevates this dish, making it perfect for sharing or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of key ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the creamy filling inside the ravioli to the golden breadcrumb crust, every element plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture.
- Refrigerated or thawed ravioli: Cheese-stuffed ravioli works best for that melty center; choose your favorite type or even meat-filled for a twist.
- Eggs and milk: This duo forms the perfect coating base to hold the breadcrumbs tightly onto the ravioli.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds herby crunch and depth; if unavailable, plain breadcrumbs plus Italian seasoning works too.
- Parmesan cheese: A finishing sprinkle that adds salty, nutty goodness to elevate every bite.
- Marinara sauce: Warm and tangy for dipping, making the dish even more crave-worthy. Can substitute with a spicy arrabbiata or creamy Alfredo if preferred.
How to Make Baked Toasted Ravioli with Parmesan and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep your cooking surface
Preheat your oven to 400°F and set up an oven-safe metal cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Be sure to spray it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you’re air frying, simply spray your air fryer basket or rack—no preheating needed. This step ensures your ravioli will crisp evenly on all sides without soggy bottoms.
Step 2: Make your dredging stations
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined and frothy. In a separate shallow bowl, pour in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. These two stations will be your coating system for those ravioli, creating a beautifully crispy shell after baking or air frying.
Step 3: Coat each ravioli perfectly
One by one, dip each ravioli into the egg mixture, then immediately coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well. Lay each breaded ravioli on your prepared rack. This coating process is key to achieving that irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Cook until golden and crisp
If baking, spritz the breaded ravioli evenly with olive oil spray. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and giving a second spray of olive oil for extra crispness. If air frying, cook at 350°F for 5 minutes, flip and spray, then air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until that golden brown perfection is reached.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and serve
Once your toasted ravioli come out crisp and bubbling, sprinkle them generously with finely shredded Parmesan while still hot. Let them rest just a minute or two. Serve warm alongside your favorite marinara dipping sauce and get ready for that delicious crunch and cheesy goodness to impress every time.
How to Serve Baked Toasted Ravioli with Parmesan and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of green and freshness that perfectly complements the crisp ravioli. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up beautifully. These little touches bring your presentation and flavor to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a party appetizer or comfort snack but pairs wonderfully with a fresh Italian salad, perhaps with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a simple bowl of pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs can also round out a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the toasted ravioli on a stylish platter with small bowls of marinara and creamy dipping sauces like garlic aioli or pesto mayo for variety. For a fun twist, serve each ravioli skewer-style threaded on cocktail sticks with alternating veggies or olives for a perfect party finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked toasted ravioli should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To preserve their crispiness, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded but uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready, bake or air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To revive that amazing crunch, reheat leftover ravioli in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes rather than microwaving. This way, they stay crisp and delicious instead of soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen ravioli directly from the package?
It’s best to thaw frozen ravioli before breading and cooking to ensure the coating sticks well and they cook evenly without drying out.
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Is air frying better than baking for this recipe?
Air frying tends to make the ravioli even crispier and cooks faster, but baking also yields excellent results, especially when you flip and spray halfway through cooking.
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Can I make this recipe with gluten-free ravioli?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free ravioli and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free varieties to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
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What’s a good alternative dipping sauce besides marinara?
Try ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or spicy arrabbiata for exciting new flavor twists. Each offers a unique and delicious dip for the toasted ravioli.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Toasted Ravioli with Parmesan and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe enough — it’s the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and saucy that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself to something special, these golden bites never disappoint. Give it a try and savor every crunchy, gooey mouthful!
Print
Baked Toasted Ravioli with Parmesan and Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 23 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Crispy and golden baked toasted ravioli, coated in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, served warm with marinara sauce. This recipe offers a healthier twist with baking or a quick alternative using an air fryer, delivering crunchy, delicious appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 1 20-ounce package refrigerated ravioli or frozen and thawed
Coating
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano
Other
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Warm marinara sauce or desired dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare cooking surface: If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place an oven-safe metal cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet and spray the rack evenly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If using an air fryer, no preheating is necessary; instead, spray the air fryer rack or basket with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix egg wash and breadcrumbs: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and ¼ cup of milk until the mixture is light and fully combined. Pour the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs into a separate shallow bowl.
- Coat ravioli: Thoroughly dip each ravioli piece into the egg mixture, then immediately coat it with the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the ravioli to ensure they adhere well. Place the breaded ravioli on the prepared rack or air fryer basket. Repeat this step for all ravioli pieces.
- Spray with olive oil: Once the rack or basket is full, spray the breaded ravioli evenly with olive oil. You may need to cook in batches depending on your equipment and space.
- Bake method: Place the baking sheet with the rack of ravioli in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping each ravioli halfway through baking and spraying the flipped side with olive oil. Continue until the ravioli are golden brown and crispy.
- Air fry method: Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F. Air fry the ravioli for 5 minutes, then flip each piece over, spray the new tops with olive oil, and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the hot toasted ravioli with finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Let cool for a minute or two before serving with warm marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- The ravioli package size can vary slightly; between 18 to 22 ounces will work fine.
- Use refrigerated ravioli if possible for better texture; if using frozen ravioli, thaw completely before breading.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer model; watch for golden brown and crisped edges as a doneness indicator.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto ravioli for better adhesion and crunch.
- For extra flavor, try using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan cheese, or add Italian seasoning to breadcrumbs.