Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds Recipe
These Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds are a delicious appetizer or snack featuring creamy polenta infused with garlic and onion powder, Parmesan cheese, and butter, which is then fried to golden perfection and baked for extra crispiness. Garnished with fresh herbs, they offer a savory, crispy, and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- 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 Garnishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Incorporate Cheese and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and combine evenly with the polenta mixture.
- Set the Polenta: Pour the hot polenta into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until fully set and firm enough to cut.
- Preheat Oven: While the polenta is cooling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for the final crisping step.
- Cut Into Rounds: Once the polenta is set, use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut it into rounds of your preferred size.
- Fry the Polenta Rounds: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the polenta rounds for 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Bake for Extra Crispiness: Transfer the fried rounds onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to enhance the crispiness further.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure constant stirring when adding cornmeal to avoid lumps in the polenta.
- Allow the polenta to cool completely before cutting to maintain shape during frying.
- Use a non-stick skillet and enough olive oil to prevent sticking during frying.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the cornmeal and vegetable broth are certified gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so consider salt quantity accordingly.
Keywords: Polenta, Parmesan, Crispy Appetizer, Vegetarian Snack, Fried Polenta, Italian-Inspired
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/crispy-parmesan-polenta-rounds-recipe/
