Toasted Cheese Ravioli from Old Spaghetti Factory features golden, crispy breaded ravioli stuffed with a blend of melted cheeses, served with a side of tangy marinara sauce for dipping, offering a delightful combination of crunchy exterior and gooey interior flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Plate or serving dish
- Saucepan (for marinara sauce)
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cheese ravioli (store-bought or homemade, fresh or thawed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (120g) Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cheese ravioli can be fresh, frozen, or store-bought, but ensure they are fully thawed if frozen to prevent oil splatters during frying. Use Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried herbs to replicate the signature Old Spaghetti Factory flavor. Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is essential for achieving a crispy and golden exterior without burning. Whisk the eggs thoroughly and coat each ravioli evenly in flour, egg, and breadcrumb layers for the perfect crunch. The Toasted Cheese Ravioli from Old Spaghetti Factory copycat menu offers a deliciously crispy shell paired with gooey melted cheese inside, served alongside tangy marinara for dipping, making it a favorite appetizer to recreate at home.
Instructions
- Prepare a breading station with three mixing bowls: flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Dredge ravioli first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
- Place breaded ravioli on a baking sheet.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry ravioli in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy, using a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Transfer cooked ravioli to a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack to drain excess oil.
- Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan until warmed through.
- Serve fried ravioli on a plate or serving dish with marinara sauce on the side.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Substitution
Toasted Cheese Ravioli from Old Spaghetti Factory copycat menu showcases crispy breaded cheese-filled ravioli paired perfectly with tangy marinara sauce. If you can't find Italian-style breadcrumbs, you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs for similar texture and flavor. In case fresh or frozen ravioli is unavailable, using tortellini or small cheese-filled pasta pockets can provide a tasty alternative. When frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to ensure the ravioli turn golden and crispy without absorbing excess oil. Keep some paper towels nearby to drain excess oil, helping maintain the crispy texture and preventing sogginess for your perfect toasted cheese ravioli experience.
Tips
Make sure to keep the oil temperature steady at 350degF (175degC) when frying to achieve a perfect golden crust without absorbing excess oil, which can make the ravioli greasy. When breading, press the coatings firmly on the ravioli to avoid the breading falling off during frying. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to handle the ravioli gently and avoid tearing the delicate pasta. Your marinara sauce should be warmed but not boiling to preserve its fresh flavors and provide a balanced dip for the crispy ravioli.
Nutritions
Toasted Cheese Ravioli provides a rich source of protein from the melted cheese filling, complemented by carbohydrates from the pasta and breadcrumbs. The frying process adds fat content, primarily from the vegetable oil used, enhancing the calorie density and contributing to a satisfying crispy texture. Marinara sauce supplies vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene from tomatoes, balancing the dish's richness. Your meal can be enjoyed as a flavorful treat while considering portion size to manage fat and calorie intake effectively.
Storage
Store leftover toasted cheese ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness and flavor. To reheat, place the ravioli on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they remain golden and crunchy. Keeping your marinara sauce separate in a sealed container will preserve its tangy taste and prevent the ravioli from becoming soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try baking the breaded ravioli at 400degF (200degC) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep frying, flipping halfway for even crispiness. Swap Italian-style breadcrumbs with panko for a lighter, crunchier texture that enhances the crispy exterior. Experiment with fillings by adding ricotta and spinach or switching up cheeses like mozzarella and provolone for varied gooey interiors. Instead of traditional marinara, serve with a roasted red pepper sauce or a spicy arrabbiata to introduce new flavor profiles.
Allergies
Toasted Cheese Ravioli contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheese and Parmesan, gluten from the flour and breadcrumbs, and eggs used for coating. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to verify labels or prepare the dish with suitable substitutes to avoid adverse reactions. Cross-contamination risks may also occur if the ravioli is store-bought or prepared in shared kitchen environments.
Why this recipe?
The Toasted Cheese Ravioli at Old Spaghetti Factory combines perfectly crispy breading with gooey, melted cheese, creating a satisfying texture contrast that delights the palate. Its rich Italian flavors and savory marinara dipping sauce offer a comforting and indulgent appetizer experience that consistently earns rave reviews. Enthusiasts find recreating this dish at home rewarding because it captures the restaurant's authentic taste while allowing customization of ingredients and cooking methods. By making your own copycat version, you can enjoy this iconic appetizer fresh, hot, and tailored to your preferred cheesy goodness.