Polenta Appetizers

Impress your guests with these elegant and flavorful Polenta Appetizers, the perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering. Featuring crispy, oven-baked polenta rounds infused with Parmesan and butter, these savory delights are topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and fresh basil for a vibrant burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, this recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients for a stunning presentation that's both gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these polenta appetizers are a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with your favorite wine or cocktail, making them the ultimate choice for entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup Instant polenta
• 4 cups Water
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 12 units Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 units Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 unit Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the instant polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 3

Reduce heat to low and cook the polenta for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

Step 4

Remove the polenta from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5

Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 6

Pour the cooked polenta into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 8

Remove the polenta from the dish and cut it into 12 even squares or rounds using a cookie cutter.

Step 9

Brush both sides of the polenta pieces with olive oil and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 10

Bake the polenta pieces in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 11

Remove the baked polenta from the oven and top each piece with a halved cherry tomato, a small fresh basil leaf, and a crumble of goat cheese.

Step 12

Sprinkle each appetizer with a pinch of ground black pepper.

Step 13

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1722.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1624.5

Total Fat 129.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 270.2mg	0%
Sodium 4870.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 40.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.6g
Protein 81.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1364.8mg	0%
Iron 4.2mg	0%
Potassium 588.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.4%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 9.8%