Crispy Spanish patatas bravas topped with spicy tomato sauce and creamy garlic aioli

Crispy Fried Polenta with Marinara Sauce

by

Golden bites of comfort with Italian flair

If you’re craving something crispy, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying, this Crispy Fried Polenta with Marinara Sauce hits every note! Made from creamy polenta that’s cooled, sliced, and lightly fried to golden perfection, each bite is crunchy on the outside and tender inside perfect for dipping into rich, garlicky marinara sauce. 🍽️ This dish is an easy win for cozy dinners, elegant appetizers, or vegetarian meal nights. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up leftover polenta! Quick, budget-friendly, and oh-so-delicious this Italian-inspired recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes (for setting polenta)
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Polenta:

  • 1 cup cornmeal (polenta)
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Frying:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)

For Serving:

  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • 8×8-inch baking dish (for setting polenta)
  • Sharp knife
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Paper towels (for draining oil)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Cook the polenta: Bring water (or broth) and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  2. Simmer until thick: Reduce heat and stir frequently for 10–12 minutes until thick and creamy.
  3. Finish & set: Stir in butter and Parmesan. Spread the hot polenta into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
  4. Cut into pieces: Once set, slice polenta into rectangles, triangles, or rounds whatever you love! 🍴
  5. Coat lightly: Dust each piece in flour to help crisp up the edges.
  6. Pan-fry to perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry polenta slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve warm: Arrange on a plate with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with basil and enjoy! 😋

Pro Tips

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the polenta a day before and fry it fresh when ready to serve.
  • Dairy-free option: Omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
  • Serving idea: Serve over a bed of sautéed spinach or with a poached egg for brunch.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 plate3409g44g13g3g4g