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Crispy Baked Polenta Fries Recipe 2026 01 06 155359 683x1024 1

Crispy Baked Polenta Fries

Crispy Baked Polenta Fries are golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy inside, offering a delicious finger-food treat that’s perfect for kids, quick dinners, or party plates.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup coarse or quick-cook polenta (cornmeal)
  • 4 cups water (or 3 cups water + 1 cup milk for creamier texture)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing) or cooking spray
  • Optional: fresh chopped parsley, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring water (or water + milk) and salt to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan.
  2. Slowly whisk in the polenta so it doesn’t clump. Keep whisking until it thickens.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until polenta is thick and pulls away from the pan (about 5–10 minutes for quick polenta; longer for coarse).
  4. Stir in butter (or olive oil), grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  5. Pour the hot polenta into a lightly oiled 9×9-inch or similar baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to an even layer about 1/2-inch thick.
  6. Let the polenta cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm (overnight is fine).
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
  8. Turn the chilled polenta onto a cutting board. Slice into fry-shaped sticks or wedges.
  9. Arrange fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Brush or spray lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle extra Parmesan, smoked paprika, or salt if desired.
  10. Bake for 20–30 minutes, turning halfway, until fries are golden and crispy at the edges.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dip.

Notes

Chill the polenta well so it firms up; warm polenta won’t hold its shape. Cut fries all about the same size for even baking. Don’t skip the oil brush—just a little helps them crisp.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://spreadrecipes.com/crispy-baked-polenta-fries-recipe/