Baked Polenta Fries Recipe

Baked Polenta Fries Recipe

If you love creating fun and flavorful snacks for the family and are searching for a recipe that everyone will love, you're in the right spot. Here at Bob's Red Mill, we love cooking with polenta, and one of our favorite ways to use it is to create delicious snack recipes. For the ultimate kid-approved snack that pairs well with any main dish, we suggest making a big plate of baked polenta fries. Crispy, crunchy and oh-so-delicious, they're simple to make and loved by everyone. Eager to get started? Continue scrolling to find a step-by-step recipe along with some of our best polenta baking tips.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta is a corn-based dish that's made by combining coarsely ground cornmeal, water and salt. Originating from Northern Italy, polenta is now a dish served worldwide and loved by many. Though it's typically enjoyed in place of potatoes or rice and topped with cheese, it can be used in several baked recipes to create everything from cake to fries. The polenta nutrition facts can offer a better understanding of polentas nutritional composition and health benefits.

Different Types of Polenta

polenta When searching for polenta at your local grocery, you may notice a few different types available. The type you choose will largely depend on the recipe you're making and what it's paired with. At Bob's Red Mill, we offer three different types of polenta: Yellow Corn Polenta, Gluten Free Yellow Corn Polenta and Organic Yellow Corn Polenta.

Yellow Corn Polenta

Our Yellow Corn Polenta is quick-cooking and makes for a rich, creamy, porridge-style dish. Made from the highest quality yellow corn, it's ground the traditional way and is an essential ingredient in countless recipes.

Gluten Free Yellow Corn Polenta

If youre wondering, Is polenta gluten free? then we have good news! Though similar to our traditional Yellow Corn Polenta, this Gluten Free Yellow Corn Polenta is made in our dedicated gluten free facility and is certified gluten free. This being so, it's safe for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity to enjoy and is the best option when making gluten free recipes.

Organic Yellow Corn Polenta

Certified organic, this Organic Yellow Corn Polenta is made from freshly milled organic cornmeal, and it's the main ingredient in Basic Italian Polenta. When cooked, it makes a delicious porridge that can be used in several recipes to create filling and flavorful meals and appetizers.

Tubed-Polenta

While you won't find pre-made polenta at Bob's Red Mill, you may find it at your local grocery. Tubed polenta often comes pressed into a log-like shape and is ready to eat or use in a variety of tubed polenta recipes. Convenient for days when you're in a time crunch, it can be used to make many of the same recipes that traditional polenta can. When reheated, tubed polenta will replicate the same creamy texture of traditional polenta. However, traditional polenta is often more flavorful.

Baked Polenta Fries Recipe

Polenta fries with tomato sauce and cheese Ready to put your cooking skills to the test and make this easy Baked Polenta Fries recipe? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Pre-Cooked/Tubed Polenta
  • 1 package Tubed Polenta
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Yellow Corn Polenta
  • 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Yellow Corn Polenta
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock
  • 4 Tbsp Butter
  • cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • tsp Sea Salt
  • Pinch of Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Directions

Pre-cooked Polenta
  1. Preheat oven to 425F.
  2. Remove pre-cooked polenta from the package and pat dry.
  3. Cut polenta into long finger-sized pieces.
  4. Add olive oil, herbs and pepper to a large bowl and toss in the polenta until it's thoroughly coated.
  5. Place fries on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until the edges have browned.
Yellow Corn Polenta
  1. Bring chicken stock to boil in a medium-sized pot.
  2. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and add the polenta. Stir until all of the polenta has been incorporated.
  3. Add butter, parmesan, herbs and salt. Stir until the butter melts, and the polenta begins to thicken. (2-3 minutes)
  4. Pour cooked polenta into a lined baking dish and spread it evenly.
  5. Chill polenta in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 425F.
  7. Once chilled, remove the polenta from the tray and cut it into fries.
  8. Place the polenta fries on a baking tray.
  9. Brush with olive oil and bake for 30 minutes until the fries are golden.

Tips for Making Polenta Fries

Follow the tips below to ensure that your polenta fries are a success.

Pre-Cooked Polenta Tips

  • Always pat pre-cooked polenta dry before cutting it.
  • Check the ingredients of pre-cooked polenta before purchasing. Some brands have added flavorings, salt and preservatives that may change the flavor/texture of the recipe.
  • Cut the fries into the same shape so that they cook evenly.

Yellow Corn Polenta Tips

  • Allow proper time for the polenta to chill and set. While this can be accomplished in a few hours, polenta can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Chicken stock can be replaced with water or vegetable stock.
  • Olive, vegetable and sunflower oil can be used to cook polenta until it's a crispy golden brown.

Seasonings to Try with Polenta

Sweet and spicy salmon rub Eager to put your own spin on this Baked Polenta Fries recipe? The great thing about polenta is that it quickly absorbs whatever flavors it's combined with. We encourage you to play around with the flavors you use and add your favorite herbs and spices to these fries when making this recipe. When using Yellow Corn Polenta, we recommend adding the seasoning to the liquid you're cooking with to ensure that it properly soaks up all of the flavors. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorite seasonings to add to these fries.

Basic Rub

Spices and herbs aren't the only things that can be used to coat these fries, and this rub proves it! A combination of brown sugar, sea salt, paprika, black pepper and garlic powder, this Basic Rub tastes delicious when used to create a batch of baked polenta fries. In addition to forming a great taste, it adds a bit of a crunch to the fries boosting the texture. Have some leftovers? Use it to grill meat, vegetables, or even pineapple!

Sweet and Spicy Salmon Rub

While serving salmon alongside baked polenta fries isn't a bad idea, you can still create a delicious sweet and spicy flavor if you don't have any on hand. Instead of using this Sweet and Spicy Salmon Rub atop of salmon, combine it with broth when making the polenta. The fragrant spices in this blend will create a batch of fries bursting with flavor. In addition, you can easily make this recipe paleo-friendly by substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar.

Dip Recipes and Serving Suggestions

Vegan "Cheesy" Cauliflower Dip Seasoning isn't the only way you can turn these Baked Polenta Fries into a tasty treat. To create a filling meal, you can also serve them with dips, salads, or meat. So if you're baking up a batch of these fries and are unsure what to serve them with, keep reading. We rounded up a couple of our favorite dips that taste excellent alongside these fries.

Vegan "Cheesy" Cauliflower Dip

It's no secret that fries taste great when dipped into a warm, cheesy sauce. But what kind of dip can you make for those that can't enjoy dairy? If you're cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, make this Vegan "Cheesy" Cauliflower Dip. Dairy free, vegan and gluten free, it embodies the same cheesy flavor of your favorite dips sans dairy. The perfect snack to serve at your next game day gathering, it's creamy, flavorful and downright addictive.

Spicy Bengal Dip

The next time you make baked polenta fries, pair them with this Spicy Bengal Dip. An appetizer recipe that's unexpected and delicious, this dip is easy to prepare and accommodates most dietary restrictions. In addition, it is naturally gluten free and vegan and contains none of the top-eight allergens. Wondering what to do with the leftovers? After enjoying this dip with fries, or use it as a sandwich spread! Ready to make this Baked Polenta Fries recipe yourself? Follow the steps above, and we're sure it will turn out delicious. Whether you choose to pair these fries with a dip and enjoy it as a snack or add it to a protein-filled dinner plate, it's sure to be a hit. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope you have the best day full of flavor and food! If you're searching for more delicious ways to use the polenta in your pantry, check out this Short Ribs and Polenta Recipe, or use it to create this Polenta Pizza. Do you enjoy adding polenta to your baked recipes? We'd love to hear about the different ways that you use polenta in the kitchen. Share your favorite polenta-based treats with us in the comments below!
Bob's Red Mill
March 22 2022

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