Some days you just really crave some comfort food. This past weekend we had one of those days recently following several days of eating our weight in zucchini and squash in a failed attempt to keep up with our gardens harvest (send recipes!).

We wanted pasta. We wanted cheese. We wanted crunchiness. We wanted homestyle. Comfort food at it’s best.

As I rummaged through our freezer and pantry, I came upon a bag of ravioli, my favorite Ragu Homestyle pasta sauce and a light bulb went off in my head. I remembered being at a local restaurant and seeing fried ravioli on the menu. At that moment I knew what I wanted to make, but I wanted to put a healthier spin on it (afterall, I am Mommy Gone Healthy).

curry

I’m one of those people that find recipes, decide to make them and stray far away from the original recipes steps (I refer to them as suggestions), and make each recipe my own. Anyone else? As much as I like fried food, I dislike the mess it makes and often turn fried foods into baked foods. This time is no exception.

These deliciously ravioli are SO easy to make and a new favorite. We couldn’t stop the “mmm’s” and “nom’s” from escaping our mouths. Even the toddler couldn’t get enough and filled himself to the brim with toasted ravioli goodness. They have a satisfying crunch, while still having the savory, gooey cheesiness that’s associated with ravioli’s. Plus, the tanginess of a stellar dipping sauce (like Ragu Homestyle),  just puts it over the top.

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I love serving these crunchy ravioli with Ragu Homestyle pasta sauce (definitely a family favorite as I’ve featured it before in my spaghetti squash chicken parmesan). The sauce hugs into every crevice of crunchiness and really amplifies the flavor. There are so many different thick and hearty flavors (five!) to choose from too depending on your tastes. I love that they use only the most premium ingredients and there are no artificial colors or flavors and NO high fructose corn syrup. Yay!

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bite

They could be served as a meal with Ragu Homestyle Sauce for dipping and veggies on the side or would be perfect as an appetizer for a party. They have the illusion of being upscale, but are super affordable and easy to make. I think this may be my new simmered in tradition recipe for the next family and friend get together.

Crispy Baked Ravioli

This quick and easy recipes makes delicious ravioli that has a satisfying crunch and gooey cheesy center. Perfect for serving alongside marinara sauce for a quick and savory appetizer! Baking them rather than frying them cuts down significantly on fat and calories.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

  • 12-15 ounce frozen ravioli any variety
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
  • 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup pasta or marinara sauce my favorite is Ragu Homestyle

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place a wire rack over a baking pan. Oil wire rack generously.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
  • In another bowl, mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, red pepper and italian seasonings.
  • Dip each ravioli in the egg wash first, than coat evenly with breadcrumb mixture (you may need to press the ravioli firmly into breadcrumbs to get a thick coating). Place ravioli on wire rack. Repeat with all raviolis.
  • Bake 18-20 minutes until toasted brown. You may use the broiler, for additional toastiness. Serve with pasta or marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Do not thaw ravioli. I imagine that you could also do this with refrigerated ravioli but your baking time may need to lessen.
Also, these can be prepped ahead of time. Dip and bread them, than freeze them on cookie sheets in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag until ready to bake (400 degrees for 20 minutes).

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GIVEAWAY

I love this recipe so much that I want to give you a chance to make it yourself. I guarantee, you’re going to love it! Enter to win a Target gift card below to pick up all the ingredients needed to make this (or a bottle of wine to go alongside it).

Target Gift Card

Be sure to check out Ragu’s website for lots of simple, easy and delicious recipes, especially quick meals for those back to school weeknights.

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