Polenta Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms

Delight your taste buds with these elegant Polenta Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms, a show-stopping appetizer that's simple to make yet packed with gourmet flavor. Golden, crispy rounds of tender polenta form the perfect base for a luscious topping of caramelized cremini mushrooms, infused with garlic, onions, thyme, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for deep, savory richness. Finished with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this recipe is as visually stunning as it is irresistibly delicious. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a sophisticated snack, these gluten-free polenta bites are sure to impress your guests with their perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re ideal for any occasion that calls for elegant and easy-to-make small bites!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Polenta (pre-cooked or tube polenta)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 250 grams Cremini or button mushrooms
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 medium Yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 30 grams Parmesan cheese (optional, grated)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the pre-cooked polenta into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If using homemade polenta, spread it evenly in a baking dish and refrigerate until firm, then cut into rounds using a cookie cutter or knife.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the polenta rounds in batches and cook until crispy and golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt the butter along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to caramelize, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms are fully caramelized and coated in a glossy sauce. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 8

To assemble, place the crispy polenta rounds on a serving dish. Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized mushrooms onto each round.

Step 9

Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the bites while they are still warm.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your Polenta Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(989.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1186.9

Total Fat 76.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 77.8mg	0%
Sodium 3306.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 99.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 12.4g
Protein 28.7g	0%

Vitamin D 34.0IU	0%
Calcium 453.8mg	0%
Iron 4.9mg	0%
Potassium 1489.5mg	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: 57.4%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 33.1%