Crispy Cheese Ravioli Bites
Indulge in Giada De Laurentiis' delightful take on a classic Italian appetizer with these Crispy Cheese Ravioli Bites. These deep-fried pockets of cheesy goodness are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, while bursting with savory flavor on the inside. Paired with a warm marinara sauce for dipping, you'll find these bites perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack. Adjust the marinara serving to your liking—more for those who love a saucy dip, or just a touch for those who prefer to savor the ravioli’s richness alone.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
for frying (Fill the frying pan to a depth of 2 inches.)
buttermilk
1 cup (Pour into a shallow bowl.)
Italian style breadcrumbs
2 cups (Place in a shallow bowl.)
cheese ravioli
20 ounces (Approximately 24 ravioli, ready to be breaded.)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Freshly grated, for sprinkling on top.)
marinara sauce
9 ounces (Heat for dipping.)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring enough olive oil into a large frying pan to create a depth of 2 inches. This will allow for even frying of the ravioli.
2
Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325 degrees F, which is the ideal temperature for frying.
3
While the oil is heating, set up your breading station: Place the buttermilk in one shallow bowl and the Italian-style breadcrumbs in another. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere well to the ravioli.
4
In batches, take each cheese ravioli and first dip it into the buttermilk, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip back into the bowl.
5
Then, dredge the buttermilk-coated ravioli in the Italian breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded ravioli on a baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining ravioli.
6
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded ravioli to the pan in batches. Fry them for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, or until they are golden brown on all sides.
7
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the fried ravioli to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
8
Before serving, sprinkle the hot fried ravioli with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve them immediately with a bowl of warmed marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cheese Ravioli Bites?
They are deep-fried cheese ravioli pockets that are golden and crunchy on the outside and savory on the inside.
Who created this Crispy Cheese Ravioli Bites recipe?
This specific version is Giada De Laurentiis' take on the classic Italian appetizer.
What is the first step in preparing the oil for frying?
Pour enough olive oil into a large frying pan to create a depth of 2 inches for even frying.
What temperature should the oil reach before frying?
The oil should be heated over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 325 degrees F.
How do I set up the breading station?
Place 1 cup of buttermilk in one shallow bowl and 2 cups of Italian-style breadcrumbs in another.
How do I coat the cheese ravioli?
First dip each ravioli into the buttermilk to coat it fully, then dredge it in the Italian breadcrumbs.
What type of ravioli should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of cheese ravioli, which is approximately 24 pieces.
How long should I fry the ravioli?
Fry the breaded ravioli for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown.
What should I do after removing the ravioli from the oil?
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon to absorb excess oil.
What is the recommended topping for the finished ravioli?
Sprinkle the hot fried ravioli with 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What dipping sauce goes best with these ravioli bites?
Serve them with a bowl of 9 ounces of warmed marinara sauce on the side.
Can I adjust the amount of marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use more or less marinara depending on whether you prefer a saucy dip or the richness of the ravioli alone.
What is the ideal way to serve these bites?
They should be served immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
How many ravioli are typically in a 20-ounce package?
Approximately 24 ravioli pieces are used in this recipe.
What kind of oil is recommended for frying?
The recipe specifies using olive oil for frying the ravioli.
Should I fry all the ravioli at once?
No, you should fry the breaded ravioli in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Why is buttermilk used in the breading process?
Buttermilk helps the Italian-style breadcrumbs adhere well to the surface of the ravioli.
How deep should the oil be in the pan?
The oil should be about 2 inches deep to allow the ravioli to fry properly.
What type of breadcrumbs work best?
Italian-style breadcrumbs are recommended for the best flavor and crunch.
Is a special tool needed to remove the ravioli from the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended to safely transfer the ravioli and drain oil.
What category of dish are these ravioli bites?
They are categorized as an Italian appetizer, finger food, or party snack.
What texture should the exterior of the ravioli have?
The exterior should be golden brown and crunchy.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much buttermilk is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of buttermilk poured into a shallow bowl.
What is the purpose of pressing gently during dredging?
Gently pressing the ravioli into the breadcrumbs ensures an even and secure coating.
Can these be prepared for a gathering?
Yes, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings as a comforting snack or appetizer.
Should the ravioli be breaded all at once?
The recipe suggests breading all the ravioli and placing them on a baking sheet before you start frying.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a savory, cheesy interior with a salty, crunchy, and slightly herbal breading.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: olive oil, buttermilk, breadcrumbs, cheese ravioli, Parmesan, and marinara.
What is the total weight of the cheese ravioli used?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of cheese ravioli.