Polenta is a popular cornmeal that’s been used for centuries in Italy and other parts of Europe as an alternative to rice, pasta or potatoes.
It has a very distinct flavor and texture that makes it perfect for use in a wide range of dishes.
Fried polenta recipes are one of the most delicious ways to enjoy this versatile grain.
With this in mind, we are going to look at 25 scrumptious fried polenta recipes that are sure to make your mouth water!
1. Buttery Breakfast Fried Polenta Slices
For a sweet breakfast take on fried polenta, consider this recipe.
You’ll need some salt, water, cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and butter for frying and of course, that all-important polenta.
Combine two and a half cups of water with salt in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Mix the remaining water with the polenta and when the water is dissolved, stir in the vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon.
Reduce the heat and keep stirring until thick, then refrigerate the mixture overnight and heat it in a skillet with butter the following morning. Slice in some more polenta and you’re done!
2. Polenta Fries
Polenta fries are a great alternative to regular fries if you are looking for something healthier.
That doesn’t mean that they can’t be flavorful, though. You can add in a wide range of ingredients to make things interesting, such as dried oregano, rosemary, or thyme.
3. Pan-Fried Polenta With Mushrooms
If you’re looking for a simple yet tasty dish to make, then this pan-fried polenta dish with mushrooms could be what you’re looking for.
It is also a great way to utilize any leftover polenta that you might have spare.
Pan fry some squares of polenta and top it off with some sautéed mushrooms for a small meal on its own or as a side dish.
4. Fried Polenta Appetizers
Quick, delicious, and super easy to make, these fried polenta appetizers are sure to make for a convenient and tasty snack.
To make these bite-sized treats, make sure that you make your polenta ahead of time.
You’ll also need some flour, buttermilk, breadcrumbs, and peanut oil to fry up the appetizer.
5. Fried Polenta
Regular fried polenta- such as made with this particular recipe- can be made within 20 minutes and can easily become a tasty snack for any occasion.
Add some marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese to make things a bit more interesting.
6. Baked Polenta Fries
If you are looking for an even healthier option when it comes to polenta fries, this recipe could be what you are looking for.
This baked variation of polenta fries is still relatively quick to make, but it involves baking the food in the oven rather than finishing them off by frying them.
7. Fried Polenta, Avocado, & Poached Egg Breakfast
This fifteen-minute recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new for their breakfast.
All you need is one egg, half an avocado, salt and pepper, butter, olive oil, and polenta.
You can add some extra ingredients too, such as Parmesan shavings or fresh kale.
8. Hot Air Fried Polenta Rounds
These snack-like slices of air-fried polenta would make for a great treat or appetizer.
This is an even more simple recipe than some of the others we have discussed, as all you will need is some extra virgin olive oil, a pre-cooked polenta roll, and an air fryer.
9. Air-Fried Cajun Polenta Fries
If you want to spice up your polenta fries, you can always opt for some cajun polenta fries.
Add in some Cajun seasoning alongside salt and olive oil and voilà! You’ll have some delicious cajun-flavored polenta fries that will make the perfect side dish or a tasty snack in its own right.
10. Easy Fried Polenta Chips
Another excellent polenta snack, these Polenta Chips appetizers need to be sliced as thin as possible in order for them to stay crispy.
Once cooked, you can use them with just about anything, from curry powder to dried thyme or smoked paprika.
11. Fried Polenta Rounds With Mozzarella
This recipe is similar to the previous fried polenta rounds that we mentioned earlier, though it livens things up a bit by adding some mozzarella to create a perfect party canapé.
You can also add dried tomatoes, peppers, and chili powder to the mix to create a spicier version of the appetizer.
12. Fried Polenta With Chorizo
Want to up your polenta canapé/appetizer game? This recipe is the perfect way to do so, as it adds a range of ingredients on top of that tasty fried polenta.
This particular recipe includes chorizo, jarred piquillo peppers, Spanish olives with pimentos, and cilantro leaves.
This is a must for those who want to put a Mediterranean twist on their fried polenta.
13. Garlic Parmesan Polenta
For a cheesy, garlicky treat that is sure to go down a treat with those who enjoy savory snacks, this fried garlic Parmesan polenta is a perfect choice.
Alongside the usual ingredients- such as polenta, salt, butter, and water- you’ll also need some grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and vegetable or canola oil.
14. Fried Polenta Cakes With Pesto
If you are looking for a treat that is a bit softer than some of the crisp, fried polenta recipes on this list, these fried polenta cakes could be a great choice.
There is also the inclusion of homemade pesto in this recipe, which you can make with walnuts, garlic, basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.
15. Cheesy Polenta Fries With Red Pepper Tomato Marinara
For the cheese fans among us, these cheesy polenta fries are a must-try.
To make this snack as deliciously cheesy as possible, you can include ingredients such as Parmesan, bacon fat, or heavy cream.
16. Fried Polenta Cakes
Another cake variation, this recipe includes a range of spices and ingredients such as dried oregano, corn oil, dry ground thyme, and chicken broth.
The cakes are pan-fried to crisp perfection if done right, making for a perfect appetizer or side dish.
17. Fried Polenta Cakes With Mushrooms And Prosciutto
If you are looking to make your fried polenta cakes a little more interesting and varied in terms of taste, consider this recipe, which throws some prosciutto, onions, and sautéed mushrooms into the mix along with some Marsala wine.
This take on the dish would make for a perfect dinner party appetizer.
18. Pan-Fried Polenta With Bruschetta Topping
Simple yet delicious, this recipe turns pan-fried polenta into the perfect bruschetta by taking the standard recipe and including chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, minced onions, and Parmesan cheese. This is a great twist on the classic Italian snack.
19. Fried Polenta Cheese Fritters
For another cheesy take on fried polenta, these cheese fritters can be made by including a cup of whole milk, grated Edam cheese, canola oil, and chopped parsley. This is another fantastic choice if you are a sucker for cheese!
20. Parmesan Polenta Balls
This unique take on fried polenta offers a crunchy exterior with a creamy interior to create a decadent snack and appetizer.
You can add to the deliciousness by serving them up hot with some marinara sauce.
21. Fried Polenta Cakes
Another general fried polenta cake recipe, this particular choice involves mixing a cup of polenta with three and a half cups of water.
Stir it up in a pan until it boils and then alternate between turning down the heat, stirring, then turning it up and stirring again.
Alternate this for around 30 to 60 minutes. This takes a little longer than some of the other recipes here, but it should make for some perfectly crisp polenta.
22. Quick Fried Polenta With Sausage Marinara
Create your own Italian-themed polenta dish with this fried polenta sausage marinara recipe! You’ll need a pound and a half of ground Italian sausage, marinara sauce (preferably with Parmigiano-Reggiano), and shredded mozzarella.
23. Deep-Fried Polenta
This recipe includes some homemade velouté- classic French mother sauce- for you to include with your polenta.
For the sauce, you’ll need onion, minced garlic, white wine, vegetable stock, peeled raw potatoes, whipping cream, canola oil, and salt and pepper.
You will also need the standard ingredients to make your own polenta.
24. Polenta Fritta
Simple yet delicious, this recipe is pretty standard. That being said, simplicity truly can be the best kind of option when it comes to cooking.
Simply cut up your polenta into slices, season the breadcrumbs and once the oil in your pan is hot enough, fry them up until they are golden brown.
25. Herbed Polenta Fries
This herby take on polenta fries is made by cooking up your polenta with rosemary, sage, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
These make for a more flavorful choice when it comes to polenta fries.
Summary
So there you have 25 of the most amazing fried polenta recipes! Hopefully, you’ll have found something here that you want to try out next time you fry yourself up some delicious polenta.