Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Polenta Bites are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy. The polenta provides a hearty base, while the cheese melts into the center, creating a rich and indulgent bite. With minimal ingredients and a simple preparation process, these bites are quick and easy to make. They’re also incredibly versatile—you can serve them with marinara sauce, pesto, or any dip of your choice. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these cheesy treats are guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
3 cups water or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella)
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Optional for serving:

Marinara sauce, pesto, or sour cream for dipping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water (or vegetable broth) to a boil. Gradually stir in the polenta, reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. If the polenta becomes too thick, you can add a bit more water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
Add the Cheese and Butter: Once the polenta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan, cheddar cheese (if using), and butter until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Chill the Polenta: Transfer the polenta to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Let the polenta cool and firm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.
Cut the Polenta into Bites: Once the polenta has firmed up, cut it into small squares or rounds using a knife or cookie cutter.
Pan-Fry the Bites: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the polenta bites in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
Serve: Arrange the cheesy polenta bites on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, or sour cream for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes (plus cooling time for the polenta)
Total time: 1-2 hours (including cooling time)

Variations

Add More Cheese: For extra cheesy bites, you can mix in more cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or even fontina when making the polenta.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the polenta mixture for a spicy kick or drizzle with spicy marinara sauce.
Herbs and Garlic: Add fresh garlic or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the polenta while it cooks for additional flavor.
Vegan Version: To make these bites vegan, use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese alternatives such as nutritional yeast, vegan mozzarella, or dairy-free cheddar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cheesy polenta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These bites freeze well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the polenta mixture ahead of time, let it cool and firm up in the fridge, then fry the bites later when you’re ready to serve. The bites can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the polenta bites in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the polenta bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Can I use instant polenta?

Yes, you can use instant polenta for a quicker version of this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times and then proceed with adding the cheese and butter.

Can I make these bites gluten-free?

Yes, polenta is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Can I serve these with other dips?

Absolutely! You can serve these cheesy polenta bites with various dips like a tangy yogurt dip, chimichurri, or even a creamy spinach and artichoke dip.

How can I make these polenta bites more crispy?

For extra crunch, you can coat the polenta bites lightly in gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal before frying them.

Conclusion

Cheesy Polenta Bites are a wonderfully versatile and flavorful appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, cheesy center paired with the crispy exterior creates a satisfying bite, and the easy preparation process makes them a great option for last-minute gatherings or meal prepping. With endless options for customization, these bites are sure to become a crowd favorite every time you make them! Whether you serve them with a dip, as a side dish, or on their own, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Cheesy Polenta Bites

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Cheesy Polenta Bites are a crispy, cheesy, and savory bite-sized appetizer or snack made with creamy polenta and melted cheese. These delightful morsels are quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a variety of dips or enjoy them on their own for a comforting treat!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (plus cooling time for the polenta)
Total Time: 1-2 hours (including cooling time)
Yield: undefined
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water (or vegetable broth) to a boil. Gradually stir in the polenta, reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Once the polenta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan, cheddar cheese (if using), and butter until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Transfer the polenta to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan. Let the polenta cool and firm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set.
Once the polenta has firmed up, cut it into small squares or rounds using a knife or cookie cutter.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the polenta bites in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Arrange the cheesy polenta bites on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, or sour cream for dipping.

Notes

For extra cheesy bites, mix in more cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or fontina when making the polenta.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the polenta mixture.
To make it vegan, use dairy-free butter and vegan cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast, vegan mozzarella, or dairy-free cheddar.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg