The Most Popular 4th of July Dish in Every U.S. State

St. Louis gave us toasted ravioli, and Missouri never looked back. This crispy, deep-fried twist on an Italian classic is dipped in marinara and devoured by the dozen at 4th of July parties across the state. Legend has it a chef dropped ravioli into oil by mistake—and the crowd loved it.

These little pockets of meat or cheese are portable, nostalgic, and ideally suited for patio tables and lawn chairs. In a place where flavors collide and creativity thrives, toasted ravs are proof that accidents sometimes become tradition. One bite and you’ll understand why they’ve stuck around.