Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds: An Irresistible Polenta Appetizer Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Polenta Rounds are a delectable appetizer featuring golden, crispy slices of polenta enhanced with garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. Pan-fried to perfection, these rounds offer a satisfying crunch paired with rich flavors, perfect for serving as a snack or party starter. Optional toppings like pesto, marinara, or goat cheese add versatile taste options to this Italian-inspired treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 polenta rounds 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
Optional Garnish and Toppings
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Pesto
- Marinara sauce
- Goat cheese
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep Polenta: Slice the tube of polenta into ½-inch rounds. Pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring they will crisp up nicely during cooking.
- Season and Coat: Evenly sprinkle both sides of the polenta rounds with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese to build flavorful crusts.
- Pan-Fry: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the polenta rounds in a single layer in the skillet and fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side until each is golden brown and crisp. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and to achieve even browning.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked polenta rounds to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by your choice of toppings such as pesto, marinara, or goat cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Patting the polenta dry before frying is essential to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can prevent proper browning and crisp texture.
- For a lighter alternative, bake the polenta rounds at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- These polenta rounds make a great make-ahead appetizer; you can slice and season the polenta a day in advance.
- Experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika or nutritional yeast, and try various cheeses for diverse flavor profiles.
Keywords: Crispy Polenta, Parmesan Polenta Rounds, Italian Appetizer, Polenta Snack, Easy Party Appetizer, Pan-Fried Polenta
