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4 Ways To Use Polenta Tubes 2026 01 06 150201 683x1024 1

4 Ways to Use Polenta Tubes

Discover four delicious ways to quickly prepare polenta tubes for a cozy weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1–2 polenta tubes (about 12–16 oz total), chilled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For Crispy Polenta Rounds (Pizza Bites):
  • 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or vegan shred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • For Grilled Polenta Steaks:
  • 1 tbsp butter or vegan spread
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh parsley
  • For Polenta Fries with Garlic Aioli:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • For Creamy Mushroom Polenta (Sauce):
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup grated Pecorino or nutritional yeast
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the polenta: Cut the chilled polenta tube into 3/4-inch rounds or 1/2-inch sticks depending on the method you’ll use.
  2. Pat dry the slices or sticks with a paper towel so they crisp well.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Pan-fry the rounds: Place rounds in the hot skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Make pizza bites: Top hot rounds with marinara and mozzarella, then broil 1–2 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with basil.
  6. Sauté mushrooms for steaks: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme until soft, 4–5 minutes. Slide polenta steaks in and brown 2 minutes each side.
  7. Bake polenta fries: Toss sticks with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway.
  8. Make garlic aioli: Whisk mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
  9. Prepare creamy mushroom sauce: Sauté mushrooms, add cream, simmer 3–4 minutes, stir in cheese or nutritional yeast, and simmer until slightly thickened.
  10. Plate and serve: Serve rounds with marinara, steaks topped with mushrooms, fries with aioli, or slices smothered in creamy mushroom sauce.

Notes

Make ahead by slicing polenta and prepping sauces for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Frying, Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://spreadrecipes.com/4-ways-to-use-polenta-tubes/