Make cheese ravioli with this step-by-step recipe for homemade pasta sheets with a tasty filling using a combination of four Italian cheeses and spices.
In a stand mixer add the pasta flour to the mixing bowl, salt, eggs and oil. Blend on low speed with the hook attachment gradually increasing speed to medium. Mix until batter forms a ball (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from bowl and hand knead a few times and then place the dough in a plastic bag while preparing the cheese filling.
In a medium bowl combine all four cheeses, egg, spices and pepper until completely combined. Cover and set aside.
To make pasta sheets I use a pasta maker. I got my pasta maker many years ago at a specialty cooking shop that specialized in quality kitchen gadgets. I was able to find the same brand I use only a newer version on Amazon. If you are looking for a pasta maker you can view the one like mine here.
Remove dough from plastic bag and cut into fourths. While working with one cut at a time place the other cuts back into the bag so they don’t dry out.
Place the pasta maker dial to 3 and run the dough through the maker. Fold dough over, turn the dial to 5 and run the dough through the maker again. Turn the dial to 6, fold over the dough and slowly run the dough through the maker. This time assist the dough out of the feeder keeping it in a full sheet form.
Note: if you allow the pasta sheet to fold up while coming out of the feeder it may bunch up and you won’t be able to separate the dough and you’ll have to start all over.
Place the sheet of pasta on a floured surface and continue rolling out the rest of the dough to make pasta sheets. Now that your pasta sheets are made and laid out on your work surface it is time to assemble ravioli.
Assemble Cheese Ravioli
Using a kitchen tablespoon place rounded scoops of cheese mixture on a pasta sheet spaced about 2-3 inches apart. Then take a pastry brush and gently brush on a very light amount of water on the exposed sheet.
Then gently place a pasta sheet over the top of the cheese filled sheet making sure the cheese is completely covered. Using the side of your hand press the top pasta sheet down between the cheese scoops and align sides to seal.
Cutting Ravioli Shapes
If you are making the ravioli by hand or using the pasta maker as mentioned above you will want to use a hand tool for cutting the ravioli into shapes. There are several different tools to use and since they aren’t that expensive I would recommend having this set of pasta stamps on hand.
Using a cutting tool or stamp of your choice for making the ravioli, cut the pasta sheet making sure there is about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch overhang on all sides.
Dry Pasta
Prepare a baking sheet sprinkled with flour. Place cut ravioli onto baking sheet to dry for about 30 minutes and then flip pasta over to continue drying.
Cooking Homemade Cheese Ravioli
Prepare a large pot of water with about 1-2 Tablespoon salt and bring to a boil. I usually serve about 6 pieces of ravioli per person. Place desired amount of ravioli in boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Gently remove from water using a slotted spoon and place in a colander to drain excess water.
Serving Homemade Cheese Ravioli
Place a heaping scoop of pasta sauce on a plate. Place cooked ravioli on the plate on top of the sauce and then cover ravioli with sauce and serve while hot. I like serving my cheese ravioli with my marinara sauce recipe.