Sweet and Hot Polenta Fries
Crispy, golden perfection meets bold flavor in these Sweet and Hot Polenta Fries—a fun and fiery twist on a classic snack or side dish. Made from creamy, Parmesan-laced polenta infused with honey and a hint of red pepper flakes, these fries strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Once set and sliced, the fries are brushed with a smoky paprika and olive oil blend before being baked or air-fried to crunchy, irresistible glory. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique accompaniment to your favorite main dishes, these polenta fries shine when paired with dips like spicy aioli or tangy yogurt sauce. With minimal prep, this recipe delivers maximum flavor in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, and salt to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in the polenta to avoid lumps, stirring continuously.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
Mix in honey, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the cooked polenta into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or an air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Once the polenta has set, carefully remove it from the baking dish and cut it into fry-like shapes (about 1/2-inch thick).
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Brush this mixture lightly over the polenta pieces.
Arrange the polenta fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each fry for even crisping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the fries halfway through, until golden and crispy. In an air fryer, fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve hot as is or with a side of spicy aioli, ketchup, or yogurt-based dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
411 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.0 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 861 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.9 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 315 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 162 mg | 3% | |
*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.
