The ultimate party snack is here with this Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe! Imagine golden, crispy cheese ravioli transformed into a delightful nacho base, layered with gooey melted cheese, fresh veggies, and creamy dollops of sour cream and guacamole. This dish is a thrilling twist on classic nachos, combining the best of Italian and Mexican flavors in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something uniquely satisfying, this recipe delivers a crunchy, cheesy, and vibrant experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple and essential ingredients sets the stage for a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe. Each item plays its role from crisping up the ravioli to layering on freshness and creaminess for a truly satisfying dish.
- Egg whites: Used to help the breading adhere perfectly to the ravioli giving them a light, crispy coating.
- Water: Combined with egg whites to ensure an even dip without weighing down the ravioli.
- Panko bread crumbs: Adds a wonderful crunchy texture that makes the ravioli “toasted” and irresistible.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavor layers.
- Dried oregano: Gives a classic Italian herb aroma that complements the ravioli beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Infuses a subtle earthy warmth perfect for this fusion dish.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat to balance the richness.
- Smoked paprika: Brings rich color and a deep smoky flavor punch.
- Garlic powder: A flavorful base note that ties every component together.
- Cheese ravioli: The star of the dish, providing gooey, cheesy goodness wrapped in pasta.
- Diced red onions: Soaked briefly to mellow their sharpness, adding a sweet crunch on top.
- Black beans: Adds hearty texture and a burst of protein to the nachos.
- Mexican-style shredded cheese: Melts perfectly over the ravioli for gooey, cheesy delight.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds juicy freshness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Sliced tamed jalapenos: Delivers a zesty kick without overpowering heat.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Offers a bright, herbal finish that refreshes the palate.
- Sour cream: Velvety tanginess that cools and complements the spice.
- Prepared guacamole: Adds creamy richness with a hint of lime and avocado goodness.
- Lime wedges: A final squeeze of citrus to lift all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baked Toasted Ravioli
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and setting up a wire rack on a rimmed baking pan. This rack allows air to circulate around each ravioli so they toast up beautifully. Whisk together egg whites and water in a small bowl — this acts as the glue for the breadcrumb coating. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko crumbs with kosher salt, oregano, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Dip each ravioli first into the egg wash, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Lay them out evenly on the wire rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Meanwhile, soak the diced red onions in water to mellow their bite, preparing them for topping the nachos.
Step 2: Assemble and Bake the Nachos
Once the ravioli are baked and perfectly crispy, transfer them carefully onto a sheet pan. Scatter the rinsed black beans over the ravioli, followed by a generous layer of shredded Mexican-style cheese. Pop this back into the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts irresistibly, creating that gooey cheese pull we all adore. This step transforms the ravioli base into delightful nachos that are both crispy and cheesy.
Step 3: Add Fresh Toppings
Remove the nachos from the oven and start layering on the fresh, vibrant toppings. Drain the soaked red onions and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese. Then add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced tamed jalapenos for gentle heat, and plenty of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten every bite. Dollop sour cream and guacamole generously around the dish. Finally, arrange lime wedges on the side ready for squeezing over just before eating. These final touches turn the Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe into a colorful, flavor-packed masterpiece.
How to Serve Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are what make the nachos sing. The brightness from cilantro and lime wedges provides contrast to the rich, crispy ravioli and melted cheese. Sour cream and guacamole lend creamy cooling layers that balance the spices and smoky flavors. Don’t skip soaking the red onions; that little step makes a noticeable difference in freshening up the bite and cutting sharpness.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve these nachos alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn. Both options bring fresh and crunchy elements that complement the heartiness of the toasted ravioli nachos perfectly. A cold beer or a vibrant margarita also pairs wonderfully, making it a fantastic casual party spread or game day treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing display, arrange the nachos on a large rustic wooden board or colorful platter to showcase all the layers of toppings. Individual servings in small cast iron skillets also make a charming, shareable presentation. Adding edible flowers or finely sliced radishes on top can elevate the look for special occasions without altering flavors. Presentation just amps up the fun of digging into Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. The pesto breading might soften slightly but reheating can bring back some crispness. Keep sour cream and guacamole separate to add fresh on top after reheating, preserving their creamy textures.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the toasted ravioli portion alone. Cool them fully, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or bag. This keeps them crispy and ready to bake fresh whenever cravings strike. Freezing the nacho assembly with toppings isn’t recommended due to texture changes in fresh ingredients.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes to crisp up the ravioli again and melt the cheese. Skip the microwave if you want to keep the breading crunchy. Add fresh garnishes and creamy toppings after reheating to mimic that just-made magic of this Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli or do they need to be fresh?
Frozen ravioli works perfectly as long as you thaw them before breading and baking. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures even toasting.
What if I don’t eat cheese or dairy?
You can swap the Mexican cheese for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free sour cream and guacamole. The spices and toppings still deliver plenty of zest and crunch.
How spicy are these nachos?
The dish has a gentle kick mostly from chili powder and the mild jalapenos. You can adjust the spice level easily by adding more or fewer jalapenos or choosing spicier varieties.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the panko crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs and double-check your seasoning blends. Use gluten-free ravioli to keep everything safe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you choose cheese ravioli without meat. You can also add extra beans or veggies for added protein and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique and crowd-pleasing snack, the Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s joyful, fun to make, and packed with layers of crispy, cheesy, fresh, and creamy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you taste these nachos, they’ll become a beloved staple for your next gathering or cozy night in!
Print
Toasted Ravioli Nachos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Toasted Ravioli Nachos are a delicious twist on traditional nachos, featuring crispy baked breaded ravioli layered with black beans, melted Mexican-style cheese, and topped with fresh vegetables and creamy dips. This recipe combines the crunch of toasted ravioli with classic nacho toppings for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Baked Toasted Ravioli
- 3 large egg whites
- 1½ Tbsp water
- 1½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ Tbsp kosher salt
- ½ Tbsp dried oregano
- ½ Tbsp ground cumin
- ½ Tbsp chili powder
- ½ Tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 25-oz. package cheese ravioli, thawed if frozen
For the Nachos Toppings
- ½ cup diced red onions
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup sliced tamed jalapenos
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup prepared guacamole
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the toasted ravioli.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 large egg whites and 1½ tablespoons of water. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Seasoned Bread Crumbs: In a separate shallow bowl, combine 1½ cups Panko bread crumbs with ½ tablespoon each of kosher salt, dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Bread the Ravioli: Dip each ravioli first into the egg white mixture, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Place each coated ravioli on a wire rack set over a large rimmed baking pan.
- Bake the Ravioli: Bake the breaded ravioli in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Soak Red Onions: While the ravioli bake, place the diced red onions in a small bowl and cover with water. Soak for about 30 minutes to reduce sharpness and create a milder flavor perfect for nachos.
- Assemble Nachos: Remove baked ravioli from the wire rack and transfer them directly onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle black beans and shredded Mexican-style cheese evenly over the ravioli.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese has fully melted.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and top with the soaked diced onions (drained), cherry tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, dollops of sour cream, and guacamole.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lime wedges for squeezing over the nachos, then serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Soaking red onions in water helps mellow their sharp taste for a better nacho topping.
- You can substitute fresh jalapenos if you prefer more heat over tamed jalapenos.
- Make sure to use thawed ravioli for even baking.
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation for crispier toasted ravioli.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the ravioli and cheese do not contain any animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
