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Polenta Fries

Polenta fries baked with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning served with ketchup on the side.

I love French fries as much as the next person. However, with all their unwanted sodium, saturated fats, and carbohydrates, I’m always looking for healthier alternatives. From Healthy Carrot Fries to Butternut Squash Fries to Zucchini Fries, I’ve tried just about every healthy fry alternative in the book.

Or so I thought. Enter: Polenta Fries. Polenta is a coarsely ground cornmeal with a texture and consistency similar to that of grits. It has a subtle, corn-like flavor that is super versatile for any combination of spices. If you’ve never tried polenta fries, then it may seem crazy, but hardened polenta actually has a fantastic texture for french fries.

One of the greatest things about these fries is that they are unbelievably easy to make. When using pre-packaged polenta, these tasty fries come together in just 30 minutes. Easy, quick, and delicious—what’s not to love?

If you’re looking to really take this recipe to the next level, you can make Polenta Fries using homemade polenta. Instead of using the prepackaged kind, you can make your own polenta from scratch. Wait for it to cool and harden, then cut it into fries and follow the recipe. I don’t typically go this route, but I know some people love making their own.

This healthy side dish is perfect for pairing with all your favorite burgers and sandwiches. I’ve served it for my family dozens of times and it’s always been a huge hit in my home. Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments!

Tube pf polenta being cut into fries on a wooden cutting board.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta is an age-old Italian delicacy made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It has a flavor and texture reminiscent of grits, and its subtle corn flavor pairs well with just about almost anything that you pair it with.

Polenta is super easy to make from home, using just a few basic ingredients. All you have to do is bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add your cornmeal. Turn the heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Then, butter a baking dish and pour in the mixture.

Let it cool to room temperature and it will solidify into polenta as it cools. If you don’t have the time for this, you can find packaged polenta at most grocery stores!

Looking for more tasty ways to enjoy polenta, try this Baked Italian Polenta, Creamy Basil Polenta, or Mushroom and Spinach Polenta.

Key Ingredients

To make these delicious crispy fries, you will need just a few key ingredients:

  • Polenta: Polenta is made of ground cornmeal, water, butter, salt, and pepper. When baked into fries, it gets crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it the perfect potato alternative for homemade fries.
  • Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds tons of delicious, cheesy flavor to these healthy fries. For a gooier cheese, try swapping out the parmesan for mozzarella cheese.
  • Italian seasoning: I love seasoning my Polenta Fries with Italian seasoning, but you could really use any spices you prefer. If you want to make Italian seasoning at home, just combine basil, fresh oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Crispy baked polenta fries with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet with dipping sauce.

Recipe Tips

Here are my top tips for making the best homemade Polenta Fries:

  • If making your polenta from scratch, play around with the recipe! You can add your favorite spices and even some parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
  • If making your polenta from scratch, it will need at least an hour in the refrigerator to set before you are able to slice it into fries. Make sure you plan accordingly with this in mind.
  • If you are opting for prepackaged polenta, be sure to pat it dry before cutting it into fries. This will help to ensure that the fries get nice and crispy.
  • Make sure to cut your fries into even strips to ensure that they cook evenly. I recommend cutting your polenta into long, horizontal sheets, then cutting those in half. Then, slice them into fries that are about ½ inch thick.
  • To make these fries vegan, swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast still has an umami-rich cheesy flavor and tons of nutrients.

Polenta Fries Seasoning Ideas

Although this recipe calls for Italian seasoning, you can really use any seasoning that you would like for these delicious Polenta Fries! Here are a few ideas for spices and herbs that pair well with fries:

  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne powder
  • Paprika or smoked paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried parsley
  • All-purpose seasoning
  • Cajun seasoning

How to Store Polenta Fries

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rarity in my household), you can easily store them to save for later. Just transfer your leftover fries in an airtight storage bag or container, then store them in one of two ways:

  • In the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
  • In the freezer for up to 3 months.
Calories 147, Total Fat 5g, Total Carbohydrate 19g, Protein 5g, Serving Size 4.5 oz.


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