Ingredients
• 1 (18 oz) tube prepared cooked polenta (or homemade: 1 cup cornmeal + 4 cups water + ½ tsp salt, simmered 20 min)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan, rosemary, or chili flakes
Instructions
- Slice: Cut polenta into ¼”-thick rounds or triangles. Pat dry with paper towels (dry = crispier!).
- Season: In a bowl, toss slices with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper (and any extras like Parmesan).
- Choose your method:
- Oven-Baked (healthier):
→ Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
→ Arrange on parchment-lined sheet in single layer.
→ Bake 20 min, flip, bake 10–15 min more until deeply golden and crisp. - Pan-Fried (ultra-crispy):
→ Heat 2 tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high.
→ Cook 3–4 min per side until golden brown and crusty.
- Oven-Baked (healthier):
- Serve hot with marinara, aioli, or crumbled feta.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION (per serving, serves 4):
Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20–30 min | Total Time: 25–35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: 140 | Net Carbs: 22g | Fats: 6g | Protein: 3g