Polenta Fries: the tasty side dish recipe for making crispy baked polenta fries
Polenta is a type of cornmeal porridge, often served as a side dish to mains. These crispy polenta fries are a twist on the classic polenta porridge. After cooking the polenta, it’s mixed with herbs, and baked until crispy. The result? Polenta fries that are crispy on the outside. While soft and creamy on the inside.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce as an appetizer or snack, or alongside a meaty main dish. To make it you only need polenta, seasoning, and vegetable oil—it couldn't be easier (or quicker) to make a delicious side dish. Make sure to check out our tips below for the best baked polenta fries.
Polenta Fries Ingredients
Water – used to cook the polenta.
Polenta – you will need to cook the polenta, or you can buy premade polenta first.
Seasoning – use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley to improve the flavor.
Oil – the oil is brushed on the polenta before baking, it helps to crisp up the fries.
How To Make Polenta Fries From Scratch
Cook the polenta. Add the water and polenta to a pot, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Once the polenta is cooked, mix it with the seasoning.
Transfer the polenta mixture onto a pan lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to smooth the mixture out, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Once refrigerated, cut the polenta into small rectangles. Transfer them to the pan and brush with the oil. Bake in the oven until golden.
Baked Polenta Fries Flavor Ideas
It’s easy to customize this recipe with the seasoning you like. Here are a few of our favorites:
Herby – add dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Drizzle with fresh parsley before serving.
Spicy – add taco seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheesy – add grated parmesan to the mixture, and sprinkle with more parmesan once the polenta fries are baked.
What To Serve With Polenta Fries
Serve the polenta fries with any of your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, Caesar dressing, and tzatziki will all work well.
Tips For Making Crispy Polenta Fries
Don’t have an oven? Make them in the Airfryer! Brush the polenta fries with oil, and air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, turning halfway.
To make them extra crispy, you can use the grill function on your oven.
How To Store And Reheat Baked Polenta Fries
Store leftover polenta fries in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or Airfryer until crispy.
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Instructions
In a pot add the water and polenta and cook over low heat until it thickens.
In a pot add the water and polenta and cook over low heat until it thickens.
Add the parsley.
Add the parsley.
Add the salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Add the salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Mix all together.
Mix all together.
Transfer the mixture onto a pan lined with parchment paper.
Transfer the mixture onto a pan lined with parchment paper.
Level it with the spatula. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Level it with the spatula. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
After time has elapsed cut the polenta with the knife into small rectangular pieces.
After time has elapsed cut the polenta with the knife into small rectangular pieces.
Transfer them to the pan and brush with the oil.
Transfer them to the pan and brush with the oil.
Bake in the oven at 200°C/392°F for 20 minutes until they are golden.
Bake in the oven at 200°C/392°F for 20 minutes until they are golden.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Take a shortcut by using prepackaged tube polenta from your local supermarket.
