Get ready to push the envelope with my Bacon Wrapped Cheese Ravioli. It’s a fun change of pace from your typical fried ravioli and includes a BBQ twist you’ll go crazy for. This recipe features Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub, which gives the bacon ravioli the perfect mix of sassy and sweet. 

If you’re looking for a simple appetizer that takes minutes to prep, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe. It includes everyone's favorite ingredient (bacon!), making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Good food is about feeding the soul and the body; this recipe does both flawlessly. 

Bacon Wrapped Cheese Ravioli | Heath Riles BBQ

I like keeping a few “shortcut” ingredients in my freezer and pantry at all times. This makes it easy to throw together delicious snacks and appetizers. The most basic ingredients transform into mouthwatering treats when you add the right seasonings! Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think. 

The Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make a delicious plate of ravioli with bacon. 

• Frozen ravioli. This ingredient is flexible. Use your favorite type of frozen ravioli. I used four cheese ravioli; its mild flavor goes great with my signature BBQ rub!
• Thin-cut bacon, sliced in half. Bacon makes everything better, and thin-cut bacon ensures the Bacon Wrapped Cheese Ravioli cooks fast! Be sure to cut your bacon in half for the perfect size strips. 
• Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub. This delicious rub was the first I ever perfected. Some might call it the “OG!” If you like sweet and savory rubs, you’ll adore this one. It goes great on popcorn, Bloody Marys, steak, chicken, pork, and veggies. 

The Smoker Setup

Here’s the main equipment I used for this recipe. More of my grilling favorites are in the Equipment and Tools section. 

• Pellet grill/smoker. I cooked my Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Ravioli on the Traeger Ironwood XL. This pit is incredible because it can be used to grill or smoke. The Traeger Ironwood XL has many excellent features, like a pellet sensor, a super smoke button, and easy transportation. 

If you cook large quantities of food, you can’t go wrong with the Traeger Ironwood XL. It’s roomy without taking up your entire patio, and it’s ultra-durable, lasting for years!

• Pellets. I stoked the pit with Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood Pellets. I love this brand because you get clean smoke with no fillers. It gives the ravioli a rich, deep flavor that tastes authentic.

The Process for Making Bacon Wrapped Ravioli

You can find a detailed demonstration of this recipe within the video and recipe card. For now, here’s a quick rundown of how I made this delicious ravioli with bacon. 

1. Fire up the pit. I stoked the Traeger Ironwood XL with Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood Pellets and fired it up to 325℉.
2. Prep the sheet pan. I removed the ravioli and bacon from its packaging and cut the bacon in half. Then, I laid a baking rack on a sheet pan and sprayed it with avocado oil so the bacon wouldn’t stick to the rack. 
3. Make the fried ravioli. I wrapped half a piece of thin-cut bacon around the pasta, starting with the bottom side of the ravioli. I laid the ravioli on the greased baking tray, leaving ample space between each one. I repeated the process until all of my ingredients were gone.
4. Add seasoning. I dusted the cheese ravioli with Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub to give it some flavor. 
5. Start cooking. I took the baking rack off the sheet pan and laid it directly on the Traeger Ironwood XL. Then, I shut the lid and let the bacon ravioli cook for 1 hour and 25 minutes. I knew my Bacon Wrapped Cheese Ravioli was done when the bacon was crisp, and the ravioli was golden. I took the baking rack off the grill and let the dish cool before digging in. 

The Results

The Bacon Wrapped Cheese Ravioli was the perfect snack. It was crisp, flavorful, and had just the right touch of BBQ goodness. The only downside? You can’t eat just one!

Serving Suggestions for Bacon Wrapped Ravioli

For best results, serve your Bacon Wrapped Cheese Ravioli with a side of marinara sauce. 

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Ravioli can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to store your appetizer in a covered container. You can also freeze this dish for up to 4 months. 

Equipment and Tools

Traeger Ironwood XL, Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood pellets, wire cooling racks, sheet pan.