Transform your mealtime with these irresistible **Polenta Toasties with Mushroom Sauce**, a delightful blend of crispy golden polenta squares topped with a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce infused with garlic and fresh thyme. The recipe begins with velvety Parmesan-enriched polenta, cooled to perfection and pan-fried for a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with its soft interior. The earthy mushroom sauce, heightened with a touch of heavy cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, brings gourmet charm to every bite. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying vegetarian main course, this recipe is easy to make and ready in under an hour. Whether for entertaining or indulging solo, these polenta toasties make comfort food feel elevated and unforgettable.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt and then slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the polenta thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of the butter.
Pour the polenta into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool completely until firm, about 30 minutes (you can speed this up by refrigerating it).
Once firm, cut the polenta into squares, rectangles, or triangles, depending on your preference.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the polenta slices in batches until they are golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, add the thyme leaves, and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with black pepper to taste.
Arrange the crispy polenta toasties on a serving platter and spoon the mushroom sauce generously over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Calories |
1576 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.0 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.8 g | 319% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 277 mg | 92% | |
| Sodium | 4250 mg | 185% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.7 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g | ||
| Protein | 57.1 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1380 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 896 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.