Description
These **Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds** are the perfect quick and elegant appetizer. Made from sliced tube polenta, crusted with parmesan, and pan-fried until golden brown, they’re crunchy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and easy to customize with toppings like pesto, marinara, or cheese, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, dinners, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (18 oz / 510 g) tube of polenta, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more if needed)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Optional Toppings: Pesto, marinara sauce, goat cheese, sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep Polenta: Slice the tube of polenta into ½-inch rounds. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season and Coat: Sprinkle both sides of polenta rounds with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a layer of Parmesan.
- Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry polenta rounds in a single layer for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
- Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Garnish with herbs and serve warm with your favorite toppings or dips.
Notes
- Pat the polenta dry before frying for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet — it prevents proper browning.
- For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Great make-ahead option: slice and season polenta a day in advance.
- Try variations with paprika, nutritional yeast, or different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 polenta round
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds, Fried Polenta Recipes, Polenta Appetizers, Easy Tube Polenta Recipe, Gluten Free Polenta Snacks, Pan Fried Polenta Cakes