Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds are a delightful appetizer or side dish featuring creamy polenta infused with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and onion powders, then fried to golden perfection and finished in the oven for extra crispiness. Garnished with fresh herbs, they offer a savory, crunchy bite that’s perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Polenta Base
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Frying and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Broth: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the polenta.
- Cook the Polenta: Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring continuously to ensure no lumps form. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lower heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Set the Polenta: Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Allow it to cool and set for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the Oven: While the polenta is setting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the rounds.
- Cut Polenta Rounds: Once the polenta is firm, cut it into rounds using a cookie cutter or glass to achieve uniform shapes.
- Fry the Rounds: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the polenta rounds for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy.
- Bake for Extra Crispiness: Transfer the fried polenta rounds to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to enhance their crisp texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking during frying.
- The vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a richer flavor if desired.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of freshness—feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Allow the polenta to cool and set completely for easy cutting and frying.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure that the cornmeal and all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Keywords: parmesan polenta, crispy polenta rounds, fried polenta, appetizer, Italian side dish, polenta recipe, vegetarian snack
