Baked Parmesan Polenta Croutons Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Baked Parmesan Polenta Croutons made from creamy polenta seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a crunchy salad topper or a tasty snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Polenta Base
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or polenta
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook Polenta: Whisk together 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Place over medium to medium-high heat.
- Thicken Polenta: Bring mixture to a boil, then cook, stirring almost constantly, for 15-20 minutes until the polenta is very thick and sticky.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning until fully combined.
- Chill Polenta: Remove polenta from heat and transfer onto plastic wrap or into a baking dish coated with olive oil or cooking spray. Shape into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until fully cooled and firm.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet by coating it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cut and Prepare Croutons: Cut the chilled polenta into 1/2 inch cubes and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not touch. Spray the cubes lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake Croutons: Bake the cubes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning every 8-10 minutes to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Serve: Remove from oven once croutons are browned and crispy. Serve warm as a crunchy salad topping or snack.
Notes
- Use fine or medium-ground cornmeal for best results.
- Parmesan adds savory depth, but you can experiment with different cheeses if preferred.
- These croutons maintain their crispness best if served soon after baking.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to preserve crunch.
- Ensure the baking sheet is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Keywords: polenta croutons, baked polenta, parmesan croutons, vegetarian croutons, salad topping, Italian snack
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/baked-parmesan-polenta-croutons-recipe/
