Gluten-Free Crispy Polenta Fries

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Gluten-Free Crispy Polenta Fries! Crafted from creamy cornmeal, these golden-baked fries boast a perfectly crisp exterior and a tender, cheesy center, thanks to the optional addition of grated parmesan. Infused with fragrant Italian herbs, a touch of paprika, and a hint of black pepper, every bite is a flavor-packed delight. This easy and versatile recipe requires minimal prep—just pour, chill, slice, and bake for flawless results! Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a gluten-free side dish, serve these polenta fries with your favorite dipping sauce for a snack you'll crave time and time again.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in 1 cup of coarse cornmeal, reducing heat to medium-low. Continue whisking until the mixture is thick and smooth, for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese, if using, for added richness.

Step 4

Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the polenta mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5

Let the polenta cool at room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until it is firm.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Once the polenta is firm, invert it onto a cutting board and cut it into fry-like shapes – about 1/2-inch thick sticks.

Step 8

Place the polenta fries onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush or drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 9

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika evenly over the fries.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until the fries are golden and crispy on the outside.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm alone or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1355.3 grams (1355.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1646

Total Fat 65.00g	83%
Saturated Fat 26.20g	131%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Sodium 4194mg	182%
Total Carbohydrate 196.00g	71%
Dietary Fiber 10.30g	37%
Total Sugars 1.60g
Protein 62.20g	124%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1389mg	107%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 505mg	11%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.2%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 48.5%