Golden Baked Polenta Squares with Rosemary Parmesan

Golden Baked Polenta Squares My Rosemary Parmesan Recipe

By Avery MaloneSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Ready for Some Delicious Baked Polenta Squares?

Fancy a bit of Italian sunshine on your plate? I'm talking about Baked Polenta Squares . I was thinking, how can we make polenta even more irresistible? These crispy, cheesy squares are the answer!

What's the Deal with Polenta Anyway?

Italian Polenta Recipe has been around for yonks. It's basically a humble cornmeal dish. These Baked Polenta beauties are a fun, modern twist.

They're Crispy Polenta Bites on the outside and creamy heaven inside.

This Easy Polenta Recipe is perfect for beginners. It takes under two hours, with only 20 minutes of active prep. Makes enough for 4 to 6 people.

Why You'll Love These Polenta Fries

They're packed with flavour from rosemary and parmesan. Did you know polenta is a good source of fiber? Great for your gut! These Cheesy Polenta squares make fantastic Dinner Party Appetizers or a simple Polenta Side Dish with a bit of flair.

What makes them special? The perfect crunch!

Now, let's get to the good stuff. What you'll need for these Rosemary Parmesan Polenta treats:

4 cups Water
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Instant Polenta (the quick cooking kind)
1/4 cup Olive Oil, plus more for baking
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus extra
2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary, chopped
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Sounds good, right? On to the method!

Right, let’s talk grub! We're making Baked Polenta Squares . It’s proper posh nosh, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted

So, you're thinking of making some Crispy Polenta Bites , are you? Here’s what you'll need. I’ll keep it simple, yeah? I once tried a recipe with a million ingredients. Never again!

Main Ingredients

Water: 4 cups (950ml)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Instant Polenta : 1 cup (150g)
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml), plus extra for greasing. Get a decent one, yeah?
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g), grated. And grab some extra for sprinkling later.
Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons , chopped fine.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

Honestly, using fresh rosemary makes all the difference. I once tried dried. Disaster! The taste isn't remotely similar to Rosemary Parmesan Polenta .

Seasoning Notes

We need flavors that pop , yeah?

Essential Spice Combo: Rosemary and Parmesan. Classic.
Flavor Enhancers: Olive oil. That's your Easy Polenta Recipe secret weapon.
Quick Sub: If you haven’t got rosemary, thyme’s decent. Cheesy Polenta is also a delicious option!

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, keep it real.

Medium saucepan
Whisk. Makes the Instant Polenta super smooth.
8x8 inch baking dish. A must for chilling the Baked Polenta .
Parchment paper. For easy release, optional though.
Large baking sheet
Spatula

Don’t stress if you don’t have parchment paper. Just grease the dish well. For a great Polenta Side Dish , you don't need fancy tools! I've used a frying pan for baking.

It worked!

These Baked Polenta Squares are fab Dinner Party Appetizers , too. Or just a cheeky treat for yourself. These Polenta Fries are awesome dipped in a bit of garlic mayo.

Don’t judge! You’ve just nailed the Italian Polenta Recipe !

Right then, let's have a go at some Baked Polenta Squares ! Honestly, I never thought I'd be so into polenta, but these crispy little squares have totally won me over.

Think of them as a more interesting version of Polenta Fries . They're perfect for a Dinner Party Appetizers .

Cracking the Code: The Cooking Method

Alright, the secret to perfectly Crispy Polenta Bites lies in nailing the baking process. It's not just about chucking it in the oven and hoping for the best, you know? A bit of prep and attention to detail makes all the difference.

Prep Steps for Polenta Perfection

First things first: get your mise en place sorted. It just means having everything ready to go. Chop your rosemary, grate that Rosemary Parmesan Polenta and measure out your Instant Polenta .

Honestly, this simple step saves so much time. I learnt this one the hard way: I forgot to chop rosemary, and had to pause in the middle of cooking!

And, of course, preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .

step-by-step to Golden Goodness

Follow these steps:

Make your polenta following the basic recipe to this point. You'll bring water and salt to a boil. Then, whisk in the polenta.
Now, it is time to add the flavour to our Cheesy Polenta . Stir in olive oil, Parmesan, rosemary, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Then, cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour . Ideally, leave overnight.
Cut the chilled polenta into squares.
Spread the squares on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with more Parmesan and pepper.
Bake for 25- 30 minutes , flipping halfway. They should be golden brown.

You'll know they're ready when they're golden brown. Keep an eye on them!

Pro Tips for Posh Polenta

One tip? Don't overcrowd your baking sheet. It will cause soggy Baked Polenta . Another tip? Use good quality Parmesan for a proper Italian Polenta Recipe .

Avoid the common mistake of under stirring the polenta while it cooks. It'll get lumpy. make-ahead option? You can prepare the polenta up to the chilling stage a day in advance.

These Baked Polenta Squares make a great Polenta Side Dish . This Easy Polenta Recipe are fantastic.

So there you have it! These crispy squares are so easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser, I'm sure you'll love these Baked Polenta Squares.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Baked Polenta Squares

Right then, let's chat about getting these Baked Polenta Squares just perfect . Honestly, it's a pretty forgiving recipe, but a few pointers will make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Posh Chips On!

Think about how you're serving these crispy polenta bites . I reckon they look rather smart plated up with a bit of fresh pesto. Presentation is key, you know?

Fancy a dinner party appetizers ? These fit the bill. Or, for a relaxed meal, serve 'em alongside grilled chicken or a vibrant salad.

They also make a delightful Polenta Side Dish ! A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio wouldn't go amiss either.

Storage Tips: make-ahead Magic

So, you've got leftovers? No worries. Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. They'll keep for about 3 days.

For longer storage, freezing is an option. Let them cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until crispy again. Honestly, they're almost as good as fresh!

Variations: Spice It Up!

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a cheesy polenta , try adding some grated cheddar. It melts beautifully. And for a vegan option, nutritional yeast works wonders instead of Parmesan.

Just remember to check that your olive oil is vegan.

If you're feeling brave, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You could even try swapping the rosemary for thyme.

It's all about experimenting, innit? The possibilities of these Italian Polenta Recipe are endless!.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's talk nutrition. Each serving of these Baked Polenta contains roughly 250 calories. You're also getting a good dose of fibre from the polenta itself.

Remember, this is just an estimate. It depends on the exact ingredients you use. Also, Parmesan cheese adds a decent chunk of protein and calcium.

This is an easy polenta recipe after all.

So there you have it. Everything you need to know to make these Baked Polenta Squares a resounding success. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process! Making these is easier with instant polenta .

These can be served as Polenta Fries . Get in the kitchen and get baking and let me know how you get on!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Baked Polenta Squares ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended. You can prepare the polenta mixture, chill it in the baking dish, and then cut and bake the squares just before serving. This is a great way to get ahead if you're having a dinner party, saving you stress when your guests arrive.

My Baked Polenta Squares aren't getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?

Crispy polenta squares are the aim of the game, aren't they? First, make sure you're not overcrowding the baking sheet this traps steam and prevents browning. Also, ensure your oven is hot enough and try flipping the squares halfway through baking.

A light drizzle of olive oil before baking helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Baste them with a brush if you have to.

What are some variations I can try with these Baked Polenta Squares?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You can easily adapt this recipe! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or mix in some roasted garlic for a deeper flavour. Different cheeses, like goat cheese or cheddar, can also be used instead of or in addition to Parmesan.

Get creative, think like Jamie Oliver, use what you got!

How should I store leftover Baked Polenta Squares?

Leftover polenta squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven until warmed through and crispy, or pan-fry them for a quick and easy snack. I would advice not to microwave them unless you have to.

Can I make these Baked Polenta Squares vegan?

You bet you can! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy, savory flavour. Also, double check that your olive oil is vegan friendly, though most are. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this an easy swap for plant based eaters.