Queso and Pico Toasted Ravioli recipe served on a plate, by Pekin the Chef
RecipesFlat Branch Pub & BrewingQueso and Pico Toasted Ravioli

Queso And Pico Toasted Ravioli Recipe

inspired by

@flatbranchpubbrewing

Apr 03 2026

50m

Serves 4

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Recipe information

Make Queso And Pico Toasted Ravioli in just 50m. A south-of-the-border twist on a St. Louis favorite. Beef ravioli deep fried and topped with our house made spinach con queso and pico de gallo, with sour cream and guacamole

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Ingredients

Ravioli

Spinach Queso (house-made)

Pico de Gallo

Finishes & Garnishes

Preparation

Ravioli

1. Prepare dredging station

Place flour in a shallow bowl and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk eggs with 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs with remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt and remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper.

2. Dry ravioli (if needed)

If using refrigerated ravioli, pat each piece dry with paper towels to help coating adhere.

3. Coat ravioli

Working in batches of 6–8, dredge each ravioli in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, dip in the egg wash, then press into breadcrumbs on both sides to coat. Set coated ravioli on a baking sheet in a single layer while you bread remaining pieces.

4. Heat oil

Pour about 1 cup vegetable oil into a heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless) to reach roughly 1/2-inch depth. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small breadcrumb sizzles and browns in 10–15 seconds.

5. Fry ravioli

Fry breaded ravioli in batches without crowding, about 1.5–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip and remove. Transfer to a paper towel–lined tray and sprinkle lightly with salt. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing remaining ravioli.

Spinach Queso (house-made)

6. Sweat aromatics

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

7. Make roux and milk base

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the softened aromatics and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk until smooth and start to thicken, about 2–3 minutes over medium heat.

8. Finish cheese sauce

Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 ounces softened cream cheese until incorporated. Add shredded white cheddar and monterey jack in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, thin with up to 2 tablespoons more milk to reach a pourable but creamy consistency.

9. Add spinach and seasonings

Stir in the chopped baby spinach; cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Add 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep the queso warm on low, stirring occasionally; if it begins to separate, whisk in a splash of milk to re-emulsify.

Pico de Gallo

10. Mix pico

In a medium bowl combine the diced tomatoes, finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine. Let rest at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to marry flavors; refrigerate up to 1 hour if making ahead.

Finishes & Assembly

11. Plate ravioli

Arrange 6 breaded-and-fried ravioli per serving on a warmed plate (24 pieces yields 4 servings). Spoon a generous ladle (about 3–4 tablespoons) of warm spinach queso over each stack or line of ravioli so it flows over the sides.

12. Top with pico & garnishes

Spoon 1–2 tablespoons pico de gallo over the queso on each portion. Add a dollop (about 2 tablespoons) of sour cream and 2 tablespoons guacamole per serving beside or on top of the ravioli. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and optional crumbled cotija. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

13. Serve

Serve immediately while ravioli are hot and crispy. Provide extra queso, pico, sour cream, and guacamole on the side if desired.

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