These baked polenta fries with a golden brown outside and a gooey middle make the perfect snack, side dish, or appetizer!
Polenta fries are a great healthier alternative to classic french fries and they taste just as delicious! This recipe requires no frying, no breading, and no fancy equipment. These are one of my favorite side dishes!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s so simple! There are only four easy steps to this polenta fries recipe so no experienced cooking skills are required. So if this is your first time making it, don’t worry!
- These crispy fries pair so well with an oven baked steak and/or hamburgers that are a great alternative from regular potato fries!
- These aren’t just plain polenta fries! Cheese was added for that cheesy flavor and bacon was added too, because who doesn’t love bacon? (If you don’t, that’s ok. I still adore you… simply just make this recipe without it!)
- Clean up is so easy. You’re only dirtying a few dishes which makes the clean-up process a breeze.
Polenta is coarsely ground corn, and polenta fries is simply a way to use polenta. Mix polenta with a few other ingredients like cheeses, fresh herbs and spices and oils, and then slice in to “fries” and bake!
Polenta is a complex carbohydrate that’s loaded with fiber and protein which is going to help keep your belly full! Not to mention, polenta is a great source of vitamin A. There’s nothing better than enjoying yummy food that doesn’t break your diet!
Yes! Polenta is a gluten-free grain that’s made from corn meal. Cornmeal does not contain any wheat or gluten so it’s safe for celiac disease and other gluten intolerances.
Pre-Cooked Polenta or Instant
You know me, if it can be made with a shortcut, I’ll probably do it. But I don’t always have pre-cooked (tube of polenta) on hand so it’s nice to have the instant or quick-cooking in the pantry.
You can use either for this recipe but in order to add the cheeses and the bacon, I’ve provided the recipe below, using the quick-cooking polenta.
If you have the pre-cooked on hand, grab a cutting board and simply slice in to fries, season accordingly, and bake the same way! (Tip: tubed polenta tends to have moisture so it’s best to gently dry with paper towels before cutting.)
Ingredient List
For this recipe, you’re going to need a few basic ingredients such as…
- Quick-cooking polenta (you can find this & instant polenta at the grocery store too!)
- Water
- Minced garlic
- Bacon (cooked and chopped)
- Cheddar Cheese
- Thyme leaves
- Chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (not pictured) – only a pinch of salt if desired, as the polenta may already be salty!
- Extra virgin olive oil (not pictured)
Step by Step Directions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the polenta, garlic, thyme, chives, cheddar cheese, bacon, and salt and pepper. Stir until the polenta is thick, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off, cover the saucepan, and let the polenta sit for 5 minutes. (Image 1)
- Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Scoop the polenta into the baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Freeze it for 15 minutes. (Image 2)
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Lift the polenta out of the baking dish and cut into fries about ¼ inch thick. Place the polenta fries on a greased baking sheet and gently toss with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. (Image 3) Spread the fries in an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway in between cooking. (Image 4)
Can I use Bacon Bits?
Yes! You can swap out chopped air fryer bacon for bacon bits if needed. The flavor will not be as strong, but it will work in a pinch.
Party Appetizer
I absolutely LOVE the look of these when hosting a party. Simple line a basket or wire cone stand (like you see at the restaurants) with something fun like newspaper, or parchment paper, and place fries inside! I can’t wait to serve these at our next burger bar or hot dog bar!
How Do I Store Leftover Polenta Fries?
Baked polenta sticks (or fries) can be stored in an airtight container (or a bowl covered in plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, rebake your crispy fries for 10-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F. (Or try reheating in your air fryer!)
The Best Dipping Sauce Ideas
These crispy polenta fries would pair so well with your favorite sauce, like:
- marinara sauce
- chipotle aioli sauce
- jalapeño ranch
- spicy cajun aioli
- basil pesto sauce
The sauces would add an extra “kick” to this recipe!
Related Recipes
- Air fryer egg-plant fries are another delicious and healthier alternative to traditional french fries. You’ll be surprised how fast and easy it is to cook up a batch of them with an air fryer! Or try these loaded air fryer tater tots or sweet potato fries!
- Another one of my go-to side dishes is roasted brussels sprouts. They’re seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and are to-die-for!
📖 Recipe
Polenta Fries Baked with Cheese and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the polenta, garlic, thyme, chives, cheddar cheese, bacon, and salt and pepper. Stir until the polenta is thick, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off, cover the saucepan, and let the polenta sit for 5 minutes.
- Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Scoop the polenta into the baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Freeze it for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- Lift the polenta out of the baking dish and cut into fries about ¼ inch thick. Place the polenta fries on a greased baking sheet and gently toss with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Spread the fries in an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway in between cooking.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Julianne Hodges says
Just made this polenta fries recipe and it was AMAZING! I never knew how easy it was to make crispy polenta fries!
Jessica says
Ahhh! That’s so awesome to hear that you’re a new fan of polenta fries! They are super easy!!