Have you ever had Polenta chips?  These aren’t any polenta chips.  This easy delicious baked parmesan polenta chips recipe can be served in many fun ways!!

These are made from pre-cooked polenta and are a healthier alternative to typical  French fries.  However, believe me, these polenta chips are full of flavor and I can’t wait to share these easy detailed instructions.

The great thing about easy baked polenta chips is they take minimal effort, have basic ingredients, and make a great side dish.  

Tip:  These will be great for air fryer polenta fries too.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from coarsely ground yellow cornmeal. It has a similar consistency to porridge or grits and can be served as a creamier texture or solidified and cut into various shapes. Polenta is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or used as a base for other dishes. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly in northern Italy. Polenta can be flavored with various ingredients such as cheese, herbs, or spices to enhance its taste.

Is Polenta Gluten Free?

Polenta is naturally gluten-free. It is made from cornmeal, which is derived from corn, and does not contain gluten. However, it’s essential to ensure that the polenta you use is certified gluten-free, as there can be a risk of cross-contamination during processing if it is produced in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains. To be certain, you can look for packages labeled “gluten-free” or certified by a reliable gluten-free certification organization.  Ancient Harvest is the brand in this recipe so it’s both organic and gluten free.

Parmesan Polenta Chips With Recipe Card

Baked Parmesan Crispy Polenta Fries

Equipment Needed:

• sheet pan
• cutting board
• aluminum foil or a piece of parchment paper
• knife
• medium size bowl
• spatula

Ingredients:

• polenta log from the grocery store or check Walmart or Amazon
• olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
• black pepper
• sea salt or kosher salt
• grated parmesan Reggiano cheese

Tip:  I find olive oil to be the better option than cooking spray to coat the polenta.

Cutting, Preparing, And Baking The Parmesan Polenta

Preparing For Crispy Polenta Fries

Tip: Let the polenta come to room temperature before cutting it into chips. This will help with the cutting process and ensure even slices.

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees f.

Step 2: Cut Polenta Into Chips

On a cutting board, slice the polenta into 1/4-inch thick slices.

Step 3: Coat The Chips

To coat the polenta chips evenly, divide them into two batches. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the first batch and gently toss to coat. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Repeat this process with the next batch.

Top Tip: Doing this in two batches ensures better coverage, allowing each polenta slice to be coated well with olive oil.

Step 4: Arange On Prepared Baking Sheet In A Sigle Layer

Arrange the polenta chips in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Sprinkle With Sea Salt And Black Pepper

Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the polenta chips, adjusting the amount to taste.

Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese Until Golden Brown

Sprinkle the top of the polenta with Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip over the polenta chips and continue baking until they turn golden brown.

This polenta I being served with a panko-crusted cod recipe and the combination is amazing. Who doesn’t love fish and chips? It’s also an easy weeknight meal.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve crispy and flavorful Parmesan polenta chips that are perfect as a snack or appetizer. The parmesan melts into the polenta. Enjoy!

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Other Topping Suggestions:

• garlic powder
• dried thyme
• Italian seasoning
• sage pesto, sundried tomato pesto, or even basil pesto or your favorite dipping sauce 

Appetizer Suggestion:

To create an exceptional appetizer for your dinner party, enhance your polenta chips by adding grilled chicken or pork, and topping them with delectable cheeses such as provolone, gouda, or Asiago. For a neater and more convenient eating experience, I recommend cutting the meat into small pieces, perfectly suited for party food.

To take these appetizers to the next level and make them truly unforgettable, consider complementing them with a quick and easy port reduction sauce infused with brown sugar. This delightful addition will add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, elevating it to new heights.

Assemble These Delicious Polenta Chip Appetizers:

• Prepare the baked Parmesan polenta chips using the recipe mentioned earlier, ensuring they are crispy and golden.
• Grill the chicken or pork until fully cooked, then cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Place a small amount of the grilled chicken or pork on each polenta chip.
• Top the meat with a generous portion of your preferred cheese, such as provolone, gouda, or Asiago.
• To melt the cheese and achieve a slightly warm temperature, place the assembled polenta chips under a broiler or in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Once the cheese has melted and the appetizers are warmed through, remove them from the heat.
• Drizzle the port reduction sauce with brown sugar over the top of each polenta chip, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Remember, it’s best to add the chicken or pork and cheese just long enough to melt the cheese and slightly warm the ingredients. This ensures the flavors meld together while maintaining the crispness of the polenta chips.

With these additions, your polenta chip appetizers will be an instant hit, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Enjoy the culinary journey!

Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with.

Does This Work For Creamy Polenta?

Yes, this polenta can indeed be made into a creamy polenta. In fact, we have prepared it this way numerous times with great results. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious creamy polenta:

Ingredients:

• 1 tube polenta
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• chicken stock or vegetable stock
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, sage, or chopped thyme) for extra flavor (optional)

Instructions:

• In a medium-sized pot, break up the polenta with a potato masher to ensure a smoother texture.
• Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming in the polenta.
• Add the sea salt, butter, and grated fresh Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• Place the pot over medium heat and continue stirring until the polenta reaches a creamy consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
• If desired, add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or chopped thyme to enhance the flavor of the creamy polenta. Stir well to incorporate the herbs.
• Once the polenta reaches the desired creamy texture, remove it from heat.
• Serve the creamy polenta as a wonderful side dish. 

It pairs well with a variety of main courses such as pork, chicken, and grilled or sautéed shrimp.

Look for recipe coming to your inbox soon!

Tip: Storing leftover polenta:

Store leftover creamy polenta in an airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator when reheating add the polenta mixture to a small pot and heat through.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make these easy delicious baked parmesan polenta chips recipe. Also, I hope you give these a try along with the creamy polenta and the polenta topping suggestions. You will love it all! This is the perfect time of year to make this easy and delicious dessert perfect for any time of year.

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