Easy Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli Recipe with Filling

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Starting your culinary adventure with an easy homemade four cheese ravioli recipe might seem like a labor of love because, well, it takes time. Yet it’s a rewarding opportunity to craft a meal tailored to your taste preferences and one your whole family will love. 

Get the step-by-step instructions to create your own homemade ravioli and serve a delightful and satisfying homemade meal.

Why Make Your Own Ravioli?

Taking on the challenge of making your homemade ravioli lets you adjust every aspect of this beloved dish. You can choose the thickness of your fresh pasta dough and the richness of the cheese filling, tweaking everything to your liking. 

It’s also a fantastic way to introduce children to the kitchen, where they can assist in stuffing and shaping the pasta. This hands-on experience is fun for homeschooling families and teaches fun and valuable life skills. Plus,  it results in homemade cheese ravioli bursting with cheesy goodness, tailored just for your family’s dinner table.

How to Make Four Cheese Ravioli

First, you’re going to need a clean and clear work surface. Then, gather these ingredients.

Ingredients

• For the pasta dough:
  • 370 g purpose flour (or semolina flour for best results)
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• For the cheese filling:
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 3 ounces mozzarella cheese and provolone, shredded
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 5 fresh basil leaves, chopped finely
  • 1 large egg

Directions

1. Mix the cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan) in a large bowl with garlic, chopped fresh basil, and egg to create your ravioli filling. This rich cheese mixture should be smooth and ready for stuffing.
2. To make the ravioli dough, combine purpose flour and salt in a different large bowl. Create a well in the center and add eggs, oil, and a tablespoon of water.
3. Knead the mixture into a shaggy dough by hand or with a food processor fitted with a dough hook. Continue kneading until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature. This will allow the gluten to relax, making rolling it out much more accessible.
5. After resting, divide the dough and roll it into thin sheets with a rolling pin or pasta machine. Aim for a thickness that allows your hand’s shape and color to be visible through the pasta sheet.
6. Place spoonfuls of the cheese filling on one pasta sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Each portion of the filling will become an individual ravioli.
7. Moisten the edges of the pasta around the filling with a bit of water. This acts as glue when you lay the top sheet of pasta over the filling.
8. Seal the ravioli by pressing around each dollop of filling, ensuring no air pockets remain. Use a pizza cutter or ravioli press to cut out the ravioli.
9. Cook the ravioli in a large pot of salted water on medium heat or freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container for longer storage.

Substitutions

This four cheese ravioli recipe is pretty flexible.  Go ahead and substitute gluten-free flour if needed.

You can also substitute Romano cheese or even Asiago cheese for the Parmesan. To reduce calorie intake, you might want to choose lower-fat cheese options at the grocery store. For those avoiding dairy, look for vegan cheese options that melt well.

Fresh and Healthy Meals

Creating your own homemade ravioli is a perfect way to bring fresh, flavorful pasta to your family’s table. It takes extra time and effort but produces a satisfying dish filled with creamy, cheesy goodness.

Serve this homemade ravioli with a light dessert, such as these lemon meltaway cookies. Or for cooler weather or a special event, make pumpkin tiramisu.

Homemade Cheese Tortellini FAQs

Do you have questions about making this recipe? Let me know in the comments!

What can I serve with four cheese ravioli?

Pair your fresh ravioli with a homemade pasta sauce like marinara or alfredo sauce. These sauces complement the rich cheese filling beautifully, creating a balanced and delicious meal.

How long can I store homemade ravioli in the freezer?

You can freeze homemade ravioli for up to two months. To freeze them initially, lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag to save space while avoiding freezer burn. You can freeze either uncooked or cooked ravioli. 

Can I make ravioli without a pasta machine?

Yes, making ravioli without a pasta machine is entirely possible. Use a rolling pin or a pasta roller to roll out your dough to thin sheets on a well-floured surface. Consistency is key, so take your time to get evenly thin pasta that cooks uniformly.

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