The joyful crunch of these Crispy Herb Polenta Squares creates an atmosphere of happiness in my kitchen. You know that satisfying sound when you bite into something perfectly golden and crispy? That’s what awaits you with this dish! I first discovered polenta during a dinner party, where a friend served it so delightfully seasoned, I couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. With its creamy interior and a delightful crunch, it quickly became a household favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for impressing guests. Plus, with the option to customize it for gluten-free and vegan diets, you can cater to everyone’s taste buds! The combination of roasted veggies adds vibrant color and nutritious value, creating a dish that’s not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes. Let’s dive into creating these savory bites that are sure to transform your meals and banish boring fast food once and for all!

Why love Crispy Herb Polenta Squares?

Satisfying Crunch: The irresistible golden-brown exterior delivers that joyful crunch, elevating any meal with each bite.
Flavorful Herbs: Infused with aromatic herbs, these squares bring vibrant flavor, making them a standout side dish or appetizer.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily adapt this recipe for guests with dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can indulge without a second thought.
Colorful Roasted Veggies: Topped with a medley of roasted veggies, it adds nutrition and visual appeal, turning the dish into a stunning centerpiece.
Time-Saving Preparation: Utilize pre-cooked polenta logs for a quicker option, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family dinners or parties, you’ll have friends and family asking for seconds—and the recipe! For more great ideas, check out my Air Fryer Tacos for a delightful twist on comfort food!

Crispy Herb Polenta Squares Ingredients

• Get ready to make the magic happen with these delicious Crispy Herb Polenta Squares!

For the Polenta

Yellow Cornmeal – The base ingredient for creating the perfect polenta texture; opt for medium or coarse ground for best results.
Vegetable Broth – Adds a flavorful touch when cooking the polenta; you can substitute with water for a lighter version.
Salt – Essential for enhancing the overall taste; feel free to adjust this to suit your personal preference.
Black Pepper – Adds a hint of mild heat; freshly cracked pepper is ideal for a fresher flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Brings creaminess to the dish; swap with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese – Provides a savory kick; use nutritional yeast for a delightful vegan alternative.

For the Roasted Vegetables

Mixed Vegetables – A colorful blend, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus, roasted for added flavor; don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonal varieties.
Cherry Tomatoes – Offers a burst of sweetness and moisture; you can use different tomato types if you prefer.
Garlic – Elevates the dish with aromatic depth; fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor.
Olive Oil – Crucial for achieving a crispy texture and roasting the vegetables; extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended.
Dried Italian Herbs – Adds an aromatic touch to the veggie mix; fresh herbs make a lovely substitute if you have them on hand.

Now that you have everything you need, let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!

How to Make Crispy Herb Polenta Squares

Prepare the Polenta: In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Whisk in the yellow cornmeal and salt, stirring frequently until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.
Chill the Polenta: Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm, which will help achieve that delightful crispiness.
Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss mixed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway.
Bake the Polenta Squares: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the chilled polenta into squares. Brush each square lightly with olive oil, then arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble and Serve: Plate the polenta squares attractively and generously top them with the roasted vegetable mix. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Crispy Herb Polenta Squares

Fridge: Keep leftover crispy polenta squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the squares by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To re-crisp, reheat frozen or refrigerated polenta squares in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Assembly Tip: If you plan to freeze them, consider storing the polenta squares and roasted vegetables separately. This helps retain the texture of both components when serving later.

Expert Tips for Crispy Herb Polenta Squares

Chill for Crispiness: Ensure the polenta is chilled adequately for at least 2 hours to achieve that perfect, crispy texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to elevate the flavor of your Crispy Herb Polenta Squares, making every bite more vibrant.
Don’t Overcrowd: When baking, spread the polenta squares evenly on the baking sheet; overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Brush Generously: Lightly brush each square with olive oil before baking to enhance browning and create extra crunch on the exterior.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or your personal favorites; this dish is incredibly versatile and adapts well.
Perfect Flipping Technique: Flip the polenta squares halfway through baking for even crispness and to achieve that desirable golden-brown color on all sides.

Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Herb Polenta Squares

Feel free to explore these delightful twists, ensuring your Crispy Herb Polenta Squares are uniquely yours!

Vegan Option: Substitute unsalted butter and Parmesan cheese for vegan butter and nutritional yeast to keep it entirely plant-based.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cornmeal instead of traditional cornmeal if you have gluten sensitivities.
Flavor Boost: Add some fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme into the polenta mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Roasting Variety: Experiment with roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets for a different taste and vibrant color in your dish.
Cheesy Twist: Incorporate shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the polenta while cooking for an indulgent, cheesy flavor.
Spice it Up: For those who love a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix before roasting.
Nutty Flavor: Drizzle with a touch of toasted sesame oil before serving, giving your dish a rich, nutty quality.
Pesto Finish: Top your finished squares with a dollop of basil pesto for a fresh, herby finish that elevates the entire dish.

What to Serve with Crispy Herb Polenta Squares?

The delightful crunch and flavorful herbs of these polenta squares create a wonderful base for your meal ensemble.

Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed in olive oil and garlic, these beans add a crisp, savory element that complements the polenta beautifully.
Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness, providing a refreshing crunch with every bite.
Balsamic Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of roasted veggies, making for a hearty, satisfying pairing.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly seasoned sautéed spinach offers depth and a nutrient boost, making the meal not only delicious but also wholesome.
Chilled Tomato Soup: Its vibrant flavors enhance the dish, and the cool soup’s acidity pairs wonderfully with the savory polenta squares.
Classic Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine elevates the meal, enhancing the herbs’ richness and the roasted vegetable flavors.
Homemade Hummus: A herby hummus provides a creamy dip option, perfect for pairing with polenta squares and adding more flavor layers.
Dark Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this rich, velvety treat rounds off the meal with a sweet indulgence, balanced by the savory courses.
Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzling this over the polenta squares adds a fragrant finish that ties together all the flavors on your plate.

Crispy Herb Polenta Squares Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best cornmeal for my polenta?
Look for medium or coarse ground yellow cornmeal for the best texture in your Crispy Herb Polenta Squares. This type of cornmeal will create the creamy consistency you want when cooked.

How can I store leftover crispy polenta squares?
Store any leftover polenta squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh, and I recommend reheating them in the oven to regain that delightful crunch!

Can I freeze crispy polenta squares?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the cut polenta squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.

What can I do if my polenta isn’t thickening properly?
If your polenta isn’t thickening, ensure that you’re whisking constantly while cooking and allow it to cook for the full 5-10 minutes over medium heat. If it’s still runny, let it cook a bit longer—it should form a smooth yet firm mixture. If you’ve added too much liquid, you can always gradually incorporate more cornmeal to achieve the desired thickness.

Are there any dietary considerations for crispy polenta squares?
Yes, this recipe readily accommodates gluten-free and vegan diets. To make them dairy-free, use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. Always check labels to ensure everything is indeed gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

How do I reheat the crispy polenta squares without losing their crunch?
For best results, reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method restores their crispiness, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy. If the squares were previously frozen, allow them to thaw slightly before placing them in the oven.