Crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries

$Crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries need simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup cornmeal - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a tasty snack. The cornmeal forms the base, while the cheese adds a rich flavor. The garlic and onion powders give the fries a nice kick. With just a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious treat. Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the taste. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results. This dish is great for sharing or as a fun side. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch, perfect for any occasion. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling the broth. Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth into a medium pot. Heat it on medium until it bubbles. This step adds a lot of flavor to your fries. 2. Now, whisk in the cornmeal. Gradually add 1 cup of cornmeal to the boiling broth. Use a whisk to stir constantly. This helps prevent lumps in your polenta. 1. After whisking, reduce the heat to low. Cook the polenta for 10-15 minutes. Stir it frequently. This ensures it thickens and pulls away from the pot sides. 2. It's time to add seasonings and cheese. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until everything is well blended. 1. Once mixed, pour the polenta into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly to about 1 inch thick. Let it cool for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. This helps it set and firm up. 2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After the polenta has set, cut it into fry shapes, about 1/2 inch wide. This will create perfect fry sizes. 3. Arrange the cut fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking. 4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fries. Toss them to coat evenly. This will help them crisp up in the oven. 5. Bake the fries for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Remove them when they are golden and crispy. 6. Lastly, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve these delicious fries hot and enjoy! To get the best texture, stir the polenta constantly. This helps keep it smooth. If you stop stirring, lumps form. Cook the polenta until it pulls away from the pan's sides. This means it's thick enough. Want to boost flavor? Try adding spices like paprika or cayenne. They give a nice kick. You can also switch up the cheese. Cheddar or feta can work great instead of Parmesan. For perfectly crispy fries, flip them halfway through baking. This helps them cook evenly on all sides. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. This temperature makes the fries golden and crunchy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cornmeal: For the best flavor and texture, opt for freshly ground cornmeal if available. It enhances the taste of your polenta fries significantly. Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the polenta is chilled for at least 2 hours before cutting. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice into fry shapes. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Adding smoked paprika or Italian herbs can give your fries a unique flavor. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the fries towards the end of the baking time. Every oven is different, and you want them crispy but not burnt. {{image_2}} You can customize your polenta fries by using different cheeses. Try cheddar for a sharp bite or mozzarella for a milder taste. Each cheese adds its own flavor, making your fries unique. You can also switch out vegetable broth for chicken broth. This adds a richer, savory flavor to the polenta. If you want a vegan option, use water instead of broth. It will still taste good with the right seasonings. To spice things up, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. This gives the fries a nice kick. You can adjust the heat to suit your taste. Herb-infused versions are another great option. Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning. This adds a fresh taste that pairs well with the crispy fries. Dips or sauces really elevate your crispy fries. Try serving them with marinara, aioli, or ranch dressing. These add fun flavors and make your snack even more enjoyable. You can also serve polenta fries with a side salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette complements the fries well. It adds a healthy touch to your meal and balances the richness of the fries. To keep your crispy Parmesan polenta fries fresh, store them properly. First, let them cool to room temperature. Then, place the fries in an airtight container. This helps to keep them crispy and prevents moisture. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Remember to layer parchment paper between the fries if you stack them. This will help avoid sticking. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is using an oven. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. For extra crispiness, you can also use an air fryer if you have one. Enjoy your tasty snack just like when they were fresh! You can tell polenta is cooked when it thickens and pulls away from the pan. Look for a smooth texture with no lumps. Stir it frequently for about 10-15 minutes. The polenta should feel thick and creamy. Once it reaches this stage, you can add the cheese and seasonings to enhance the flavor. Yes, you can prepare these fries in advance. After cooking the polenta, pour it into a greased dish and let it cool. Once set, cover it and store in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to bake, simply cut it into fry shapes and follow the baking instructions. To keep your fries crispy, ensure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding them, as this traps steam. Toss the fries in olive oil before baking. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. Baking at a high temperature also helps achieve that perfect crunch. Now you have a clear path to make tasty polenta fries. We covered the ingredients and step-by-step process. I shared tips to get the right texture and crispiness, plus variations to try. Remember, you can experiment with flavors and pair your fries with dips or salads. Store any leftovers well, and reheating is easy. Enjoy creating your own version of crispy polenta fries!$

Crispy Parmesan Polenta Fries

Deliciously crispy fries made from polenta and topped with Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low, and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to about 1-inch thickness.
Allow the polenta to cool and set in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Once set, cut the polenta into fry shapes (approximately 1/2 inch wide).
Arrange the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss to coat them evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add herbs or spices of your choice.

Keyword appetizer, fries, polenta, vegetarian