Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy fry that's not your ordinary potato – but a luxurious, cheesy polenta masterpiece that will transform your dinner game forever! These Baked Parmesan Polenta Fries are about to become your new obsession, offering a gourmet twist on the classic French fry that will have your family and friends begging for more. Forget everything you know about side dishes – this recipe is about to redefine comfort food with its perfect blend of crispy exterior and creamy interior.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the polenta fries will bake evenly and become crispy.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Once the polenta is thick, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pour the cooked polenta onto the baking sheet and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Allow the polenta to cool for about 10 minutes until it firms up slightly. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Once the polenta is firm, use a sharp knife to cut it into fry-shaped strips. You can make them as thick or thin as you prefer.
- Drizzle olive oil over the polenta fries and toss gently to coat them evenly. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Arrange the polenta fries in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake the polenta fries in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- While the fries are baking, prepare your favorite accompaniment for a "Very Yummy Supper." This could include a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a hearty tomato sauce for dipping.
- Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the baked Parmesan polenta fries hot, alongside your chosen accompaniment for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor
- Ensure your polenta is extremely thick before spreading to guarantee crispy results
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each fry space to crisp up
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly dust the fries with cornstarch before baking
- Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary or thyme for added depth
- Serve immediately after baking for the ultimate crispy texture
- If the polenta is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help it firm up before cutting
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create uniform fry shapes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
