How to Make the Perfect Crispy Polenta Fries
Italian · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
These golden and crispy polenta fries are a crowd-pleasing vegan appetizer with a crunchy exterior and a soft creamy center. Completely plant-based, these vegan fries are baked to perfection and perfect for dipping in marinara or vegan ranch.
Why this recipe works
This Crispy Polenta Fries recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 180 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 tube pre-made polenta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Slice
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice polenta into fry-shaped sticks about half an inch thick.
Step 2: Season
Place polenta sticks in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt then gently toss to coat all sides evenly.
Step 3: Bake
Arrange polenta fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet ensuring they do not touch each other. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes before serving. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or vegan ranch dip on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pre-made polenta tube → homemade cooked and chilled polenta cut into sticks
- smoked paprika → regular paprika or chili powder for heat
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Placing fries too close together on the pan causing them to steam instead of crisp
- Not flipping halfway through resulting in uneven browning
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 180 calories, 4g protein, 30g carbs, 5g fat, 2g fiber.
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