Grilled Polenta Rounds

Elevate your side dish game with these savory Grilled Polenta Rounds, a delightful blend of crispy golden edges and creamy, cheesy centers that are bursting with flavor. Made from simple pantry staples like coarse cornmeal, a splash of butter, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this gluten-free recipe transforms humble polenta into elegant rounds perfect for any occasion. Once cooled and set, the polenta is cut into circles and brushed with olive oil before hitting the grill, where it develops irresistible charred lines and a subtly smoky flavor. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a unique gluten-free bread alternative, or the perfect foundation for toppings like roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms. Ready in under an hour and garnished with fresh parsley, these grilled polenta rounds are as versatile as they are delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the salt.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the polenta to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the polenta thickens, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3

Once the polenta is thick, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 4

Line a baking sheet or shallow baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the cooked polenta onto the prepared surface and spread it into an even layer about 1/2 inch thick. Allow it to cool and firm up, about 30 minutes.

Step 5

Once the polenta has set, use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut the polenta into rounds (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter).

Step 6

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of each polenta round with olive oil.

Step 7

Place the polenta rounds on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden-brown grill marks appear.

Step 8

Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1324.4 grams (1324.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1596

Total Fat 71.30g	91%
Saturated Fat 30.10g	151%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 110mg	37%
Sodium 3302mg	144%
Total Carbohydrate 192.40g	70%
Dietary Fiber 9.40g	34%
Total Sugars 1.50g
Protein 42.20g	84%

Vitamin D 14IU	70%
Calcium 736mg	57%
Iron 5mg	29%
Potassium 262mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.6%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 48.7%