Transform simple ingredients into a gourmet offering with this Savory Crispy Polenta recipe—your new favorite comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Featuring creamy polenta infused with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is elevated further by its golden, crispy exterior achieved through a quick pan-fry. Ideal for entertaining or indulging on a quiet night in, these polenta slices delight with their crunchy texture and fluffy center. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, they make a stunning appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with roasted vegetables or marinara sauce. Easy to prepare and loaded with rich, savory flavor, crispy polenta is a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire that’s sure to impress.
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 25-30 minutes, or until thickened and creamy.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Pour the cooked polenta into a lightly greased rectangular baking dish or sheet pan, spreading it out evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness. Let it cool completely for about 20 minutes, or until firm.
Once the polenta is firm, cut it into squares, rectangles, or triangles, depending on your preference.
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Remove the crispy polenta from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Garnish the crispy polenta with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
1789 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.2 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.0 g | 175% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 3903 mg | 170% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 193.1 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 52.2 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 991 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 300 mg | 6% | |
*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.