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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Baked Polenta Chips

    Published: Oct 14, 2019 · Modified: May 8, 2023 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links · 66 Comments

    2562 shares
    • 553
    Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegan
    Jump to Recipe
    Baked Polenta Fries with a text title overlay.

    If you are looking for a side dish with a difference, that takes minimal effort, then Baked Polenta Chips are for you. You just put them in the oven and wait for them to get all crispy and golden brown on the outside and creamy and delicious in the middle. A great alternative to potato chips and lot of different options for seasoning too.

    A plate of polenta fries next to a red towel.

    These Polenta Chips (or Polenta Fries if you like) can be eaten as a side dish, appetiser or just eaten as a snack. We would happily eat chips every day of the week, and sometimes do. But when they start to get a bit boring, we change things up a bit and use something other than white potato to make them. Polenta makes incredible chips.

    Sometimes we make Sweet Potato Fries, Baked Carrot Fries or our Baked Garlic Potato Wedges, but recently we have been making these polenta fries a lot.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love them
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to Make Baked Polenta Fries - Step by step
    • What is polenta?
    • Seasoning
    • Serving Suggestions
    • FAQ
    • Extra tips
    • More side dishes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love them

    • A delicious alternative to potato chips - If you are looking for something a bit different, then this polenta chips recipe is it.
    • Perfect texture - Crispy on the outside and fluffy in the centre.
    • Versatile - Lots of seasoning options, so you never have to have them the same way twice.
    • Low in calories - Just 108 calories a serving

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • Polenta - We used a pre-cooked block of polenta to make these, as it saves so much time. However, you could make it yourself from scratch by boiling and simmering polenta in stock and them pouring it into a lined baking tray and cooling and then putting in the fridge to chill overnight. You can then cut it like you would a pre-cooked block.
    • Olive oil - You can swap this for sunflower or vegetable oil.
    • Garlic granules - Garlic is a simple flavour to add, but you can add any flavours you like. Add a Cajun or Mexican seasoning or even some curry powder for an Indian twist.
    • Salt and pepper - These polenta fries need to be well seasoned.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to Make Baked Polenta Fries - Step by step

    Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
    One: Cut the polenta into fries and put on a baking tray.

    Polenta cut into fries on a black baking tray.

    Two: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt and pepper. Put into the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until crispy.

    Oven Baked Polenta Fries on a black baking tray.

    Three: Serve with dips.

    What is polenta?

    Polenta is a fairly new ingredient to our house, but where has it been all our lives? It's amazing! Polenta is boiled cornmeal and then it can be set in blocks (which you can buy in supermarkets where the pasta is) and then cut that into chips.

    It's a Northern Italian store cupboard staple that is made by grinding corn into flour. It has a rich yellow colour, and has a slightly sweet flavour.

    Although you can eat it thick and creamy like a porridge, if you allow it to set then you can cut it up and fry or bake it. You serve it instead of potatoes, pasta or rice or use it in place of breadcrumbs to coat chicken or fish when frying - it has a really nice texture.

    We buy the blocks ready made to make our chips, but you can cook the cornmeal up yourself to save money.

    Seasoning

    We try to make our recipes as adaptable as possible, and that usually comes down to the seasonings. We just added some garlic to this polenta chips recipe, to keep it simple, but there is so much more that you can do with them. Herbs are always a good addition and some dried oregano and thyme work well.

    Fancy something spicy? A sprinkle of cayenne goes a long way here or even some fajita seasoning. Our Peri Peri Seasoning is amazing on polenta chips too.

    If you like your fries cheesy, and who doesn't, then about 10 minutes before the polenta chips are cooked, sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan on them and put them back in the oven. Cheesy chip perfection!

    Seasoned polenta fries with dip.

    Serving Suggestions

    Chips need dip. It's some kind of law or something. We have got you covered with a wide selection of dips that would go perfectly with these. Why not try our Healthier Homemade Ketchup or Healthy BBQ Sauce if you want to keep it traditional. Want something a bit creamier? Try dipping these into our Homemade Healthy Ranch or Southwest Sauce.

    Chips and burgers are a good combination too and we have got you covered there as well. Try our Air Fryer Burger, Cajun Chicken Burger or Hidden Vegetable Burgers.

    We also think they make an amazing side dish to our Air Fryer Steak.

    Polenta chips on a red rimmed plate with two pots of dip.

    FAQ

    Can you make baked polenta fries in advance?

    You can chop the polenta into chips and add the oil and seasoning and then put on a tray and cover. They can stay like this for a few hours until you are ready to put them in the oven to cook them.

    How to make the polenta from scratch

    We used a pre-cooked block of polenta to make these, as it saves so much time. However, you could make it yourself from scratch by boiling and simmering polenta in stock and them pouring it into a lined baking tray and cooling and then putting in the fridge to chill overnight. You can then cut it like you would a pre-cooked block.

    Can you make polenta fries in the air fryer?

    Yes, these get lovely and crispy in the air fryer and will take just 10-15 minutes.

    How to store polenta fries

    We would recommend eating these straight away, as they can become rubbery when left and they don't reheat very well. So try to only make as many as you need.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • Keep the seasonings simple, or get really creative. Cayenne or fajita seasoning adds some spice or some oregano and thyme add some Italian flavour.
    • Make these cheesy by adding a sprinkle or Parmesan 10 minutes before they are finished.
    • If you are making your own polenta, you can add some cheese into it.
    • Serve with our healthy ketchup and BBQ sauce or our healthy ranch dressing.
    • If using store bought polenta, then pat it dry before slicing it up.
    • Make sure that all the chips are cut to the same size, so they cook evenly.

    More side dishes

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      Easy Homemade Oven Chips
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      Roasted Lemon Asparagus
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      Salt and Pepper Chips
    • Garlic and Parsley Roasted Carrots in a white bowl.
      Garlic and Parsley Roasted Carrots

    If you’ve tried these polenta fries, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Baked Polenta Fries on a white plate with small pots of ketchup and mayonnaise

    Baked Polenta Chips

    By: Dannii Martin
    If you are looking for a side dish that takes minimal effort, then baked garlic polenta fries are for you. You just put them in the oven and wait for them to get all crispy, golden brown and delicious.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    the words low fat in a white circle.
    Low Fat
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant in a pot.
    Vegan
    4.72 from 45 votes
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: British
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 45 minutes mins
    Total: 45 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 108kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 500 g (10 oz) Polenta
    • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
    • 1 pinch Sea salt
    • 1 pinch Black pepper

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
    • Cut 500 g Polenta into fries and put on a baking tray.
    • Drizzle with 1 tablespoon Olive oil and sprinkle over 1 teaspoon Garlic powder and 1 pinch Sea salt.
    • Put into the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until crispy.

    Recipe tips

    • Keep the seasonings simple, or get really creative. Cayenne or fajita seasoning adds some spice or some oregano and thyme add some Italian flavour. Try our French Fry Seasoning or Peri Peri seasoning too.
    • Make these cheesy by adding a sprinkle or parmesan 10 minutes before they are finished.
    • If you are making your own polenta, you can add some cheese in to it.
    • Serve with our healthy ketchup and BBQ sauce or our healthy ranch dressing.
    • If using store bought polenta, then pat it dry before slicing it up.
    • Make sure that all the chips are cut to the same size, so they cook evenly.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.3mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lauren

      May 06, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      I've made these a few times now as a side dish with grilled chicken and they are fantastic. We've served them to guests and gotten great reviews! I do find that they take quite a while in the oven, about an hour or so, to get crisped up, but it's worth it. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    2. Samantha

      July 16, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      These look amazing! I'm definitely making these tonight to accompany my turkey burgers. Just wondering--do these need to be flipped at all during the 40-minute bake time, or are they just fine lying flat?

      Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Carol Rich

      July 07, 2015 at 7:37 pm

      I am gluten-free for the same reason you are. I figured it out by trial and error, briefly thought I might have celiac disease, but I don't. I just feel better and have fewer digestive issues if I don't eat gluten. I can always use new recipes and ideas. I don't have a website, but maybe I should. I have collected some really good gluten-free recipes, some even my gluten-eating family like. I invented brown rice goulash, that's a favorite.

      Reply
    4. Emily Leary

      February 16, 2015 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      I had polenta chips at a restaurant recently and they were thick, stodgy, flavourless affairs that I wouldn't order again. Cutting them into slim fries sounds far more appealing - will definitely try this.

      Reply
    5. Lisa from Lisa's Life

      February 07, 2015 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      I still have never tried polenta but these are making me want to!

      When I took the York test many years ago it tested for about 130 food and drink substances, good to hear they're making progress :)

      Reply
    6. Fran

      February 06, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      Me again! Just wondering if you think these would freeze ok?

      Reply
    7. Rach @ This Italian Family

      February 04, 2015 at 7:53 pm

      I've never had polenta fries before, but they sure look yummy! Also, sorry to hear about the food allergies, but at least you know now! That's definitely good information to have!

      Reply
    8. Jan @GlugofOil

      February 04, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Great idea Dannii - I have to give these a go. As you say they're far healthier too :)

      Reply
    9. Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

      February 04, 2015 at 10:11 am

      It does sound like a mixed weekend. Well done on your running though! Polenta is something I forget about a lot of the time, so I love this reminder to pull it out. The chips look delicious.

      Reply
    10. P

      February 03, 2015 at 11:05 pm

      5 stars
      It has been a while since I had polenta, and honestly when I had it, I wasn't a fan because I wasn't that creative with it. But making fries with it sounds like an awesome idea! And when paired with the right sauce, it must be delicious :D

      Reply
    11. Sarah @tamingtwins

      February 03, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      I've only ever eaten polenta fries at Pizza Express ;) Will definitely try them after reading this though Dani. Thank you! x

      Reply
    12. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

      February 03, 2015 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      I made polenta fries at a cookery school once and have been meaning to recreate them ever since! The version we made was deep-fried, but your baked ones look just as tasty :)

      Reply
    13. Alison

      February 03, 2015 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      Polenta is one of those things I have never tried but is on my list. These look amazing. Sorry to hear about your gluten problem but hopefully now you know you can get on top of it

      Reply
    14. Alex

      February 03, 2015 at 10:11 am

      These sounds so yummy ! Deffo want to try them out !!
      Fab post :)
      Alex xox

      Reply
    15. Julie

      February 03, 2015 at 9:54 am

      Wow. I can't believe how mean some people can be. Good for you for keeping your head high and not letting it get to you. That takes a very strong person.

      On a superstar note, I am going to get one of those tests as I have though for a while I might have a wheat intolerance. Thanks for sharing your honest review.

      Reply
    16. Fran

      February 03, 2015 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      Well I'm a bit of a lurker and love your blog but thought I'd bite the bullet and post this time! This couldn't have come at a better time for me because I just bought a block of polenta yesterday for the first time in one of my spontaneous moments. Then got home and thought why did I buy this?!
      Looking forward to trying it!

      Reply
      • Fran

        February 03, 2015 at 7:12 am

        Ps I can't believe how spiteful people can be, easier said than done I know but ignore the comments. You have done amazingly with your weight loss and it's about being healthy and strong. Also cliche as it sounds but kindness and a warm heart tops thin and spiteful any day. That's what matters to people who know you.

        Reply
    17. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

      February 03, 2015 at 3:49 am

      5 stars
      Polenta is amazing! I agree with you, baked fries have the satisfying texture without all the grease. Great recipe :)

      Reply
    18. Ellie

      February 03, 2015 at 2:20 am

      I love polenta! isnt it a simple carb though? Like potato, white rice or white flour?

      Reply
    19. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods

      February 03, 2015 at 1:08 am

      Congrats on your run and I can't believe someone would say that to you. People!!
      Now these 'fries' are something to get excited about. Using polenta to make fries is such a great idea! They look delicious!

      Reply
    20. Jessica @ kiwiyogirunner

      February 03, 2015 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow these look amazing!! I've never tried polenta but seriously, I am salivating. Sorry if that's tmi :) thanks for the awesome recipe!

      Reply
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