If you are looking for a filling snack or a party/potluck appetizer or snack, then you are in the right place. These semi-homemade polenta bites with store-bought instant polenta tubes are easy to make and can be customized easily.
Semi-homemade polenta bites!
While I have used my homemade guacamole and roasted tomatoes as the toppings, I went with store-bought instant polenta tubes for the base. As much as I love making dishes from scratch, I equally love quick and easy semi-homemade recipes also. When you plan for a party or get-together, these kinds of recipes come in handy for sure. Ok, now let’s talk about the three layers(bottom to top) and the alternatives or other substitutions. Layer 1: The first layer or the bottom layer is the polenta. As I mentioned before, I used a store-bought polenta tube. All you have to do is slice them and bake them. That’s it.
Toppings
The subsequent two layers are the toppings. The combination of guacamole with roasted tomatoes was delicious, and it was a massive hit in our place. If you try with any other toppings, do let me know in the comments. Layer 2: I used homemade guacamole and topped the baked polenta with a generous amount of it. You can use creamy/chunky guacamole as per your choice. Layer 3: I used homemade roasted tomatoes with garlic. You can roast the tomatoes well ahead and use them for this dish. Alternatively, you can use store-bought canned tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes, or bell peppers as well. You can even skip the tomatoes and use the tomato salsa instead.
Other topping ideas
The sky is the limit when it comes to the toppings. Some other topping ideas are,
sauteed mushrooms and spinach with cheesemozzarella with fire-roasted tomatoes and basilpesto with roasted tomatoes and cheese
The list goes on. :-) The topping sauce: I made a simple topping sauce, and that’s completely optional. I mixed ketchup and Tabasco sauce with water and drizzled it on top of the polenta bites. You can serve this polenta with ketchup or marinara too.
Dietary specifications and storing suggestions
As you can see, this recipe is vegan(make sure you skip the cheese in guac), gluten-free and nut-free naturally, making it perfect for all. You can serve this dish warm or cold. I would recommend preparing the toppings and bake the polenta bites ahead and refrigerate them. Assemble them before serving. Do no assemble and store them. If needed, warm the baked polenta bites in the microwave before adding the toppings. Since I haven’t tried refrigerating the polenta bites with the toppings, I cannot talk about the shelf life. Now without any further ado, here is the video and the recipe.
Watch me make polenta bites!
Polenta bites / baked polenta recipe with step-wise pictures
Preheat the oven at 375 deg F. Slice the instant polenta tube into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices or wedges.
Place the sliced polenta on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
Brush some olive oil on top of the polenta bites, as shown in the video. Bake the polenta slices at 375 deg for 8 minutes.
Now flip the polenta bites and brush some olive oil on top of the flipped side. Increase the oven temperature to 400 deg F and bake for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes of baking, let the polenta slices cool for 10 minutes. Then, add one heaped tbsp of guacamole on top of the baked polenta slices followed by roasted tomatoes. Mix the ketchup and Tabasco sauce with water, drizzle on the top of the polenta bites, and serve.
Recipe Notes
If you prefer crispy polenta, bake for 3 to 4 more minutes. The toppings are entirely customizable. As these polenta bites can be served warm or cold, you can slice and bake them first and then add the toppings of your choice before serving.Adjust the amount of guacamole as per your preference.The sauce is optional.
Are you looking for vegetarian appetizers? Then check these recipes!
Loved this recipe?
If you try these polenta bites, please don’t forget to comment and rate this recipe. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I will get to it ASAP. Make sure to follow me on my Pinterest or Instagram or join my Facebook Group for recipe updates and simple Indian meal ideas.
📖 Recipe
