Crispy Baked Polenta Chips (vegan)

This crispy baked polenta chips recipe is super easy to make, and a healthier alternative to fries. Serve with a quick avocado pesto for a light lunch or snack.

You guys loved my polenta cake recipe, so I’m back with another recipe featuring this epic grain: crispy baked polenta chips! They’re quick, easy, healthy and oh so tasty. What more could you want from a side dish/ snack/ breakfast? (okay, I think I went too far…?)

What exactly is polenta?

Polenta is yellow cornmeal. It is made by grinding dried corn, and is often eaten as a ‘porridge’ by cooking it in water. What you may not know, is that chilling this porridge causes it to firm up, so we can make it into chips – yay! And to make things even easier, I’m using ready-made polenta in this recipe (though I have also given instructions for you to make your own if you’d like to).

Is Polenta Healthy?

Polenta is a low-fat carbohydrate rich in fiber. If you know me, you’ll know I’m in a long-term relationship with carbs, which doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. However, carbohydrates are essentially sugar molecules, which means that they have the potential to increase your blood sugar levels. Luckily, polenta has a low glycemic index, meaning that it breaks down to sugar less easily in the body than say, white bread. You get me?

I don’ t know if I’d go as far as calling polenta a “superfood” (what even is a superfood these days?!) but it’s definitely one of my favourite grains. And guess what? It’s super cheap! So move aside fancy overpriced quinoa, and step in super affordable and tasty polenta.

How to make Baked Polenta chips:

Making your own polenta chips at home couldn’t be easier. All you need is some ready made polenta and a few seasonings, and you’re good to go! This is one of those whack-everything-on-a-tray and chuck it into the oven kinda recipes, i.e. the best kinda recipe for busy people looking for healthy eats. YAY!

I chose to serve my polenta chips with a super quick avocado pesto. You could also make your own traditional-style vegan pesto if you prefer. This dip is made by simply mixing fresh chopped basil, lemon juice and seasonings with some mashed avocado. Zero blender, zero oil, and zero nuts. (So basically not even pesto anymore. But whatever this is, it sure is tasty.)

What to serve with Polenta Chips:

Polenta goes with EVERYTHING. Trust me, polenta is the new potato. I love to make these chips to have with black bean burgers for a healthier take on a diner-style meal. Alternatively, you can eat them on their own for a light lunch with some hummus. You could also make a sandwich on the side, cus why not?

I do hope you try this recipe! If you do, tag me on Instagram @shivanilf – I love to see your creations! You can also say hello on Pinterest and Facebook – I hope to see you there!

Shivani xo

If you like this recipe, you may also like:

• Easy vegan black bean burgers
• Vegan naan pizza
• How to make falafel
• The ultimate vegan sandwich
• Beetroot hummus

Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Crispy Baked Polenta Chips

This crispy baked polenta chips recipe is super easy to make, and a healthier alternative to fries. Serve with a quick avocado pesto for a light lunch or snack.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, vegan

Servings: 2

Calories: 282kcal

Author: Shivani Raja

Ingredients

For the Polenta Chips:

• 300 grams Ready-Made Polenta
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
• Spray Oil

For the Avocado Pesto:

• 1/2 Avocado
• 1 sprig Fresh Basil
• pinch Salt
• pinch Pepper
• 1/4 Lemon juiced

Instructions

For the Polenta Chips:

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Slice the polenta into chips and spread out on a baking tray.
• Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast, then toss together gently to make sure the chips are evenly coated.
• Spray lightly with the spray oil.  Bake at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

For the Avocado Pesto:

• In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Finely chop the basil, then add to the mashed avocado along with the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serve immediately with the hot polenta chips. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you don’t have ready made polenta, you can make your own by cooking 150g polenta according to packet instructions, then pouring into a tray and transferring to the freezer to firm up. Once cool and firm, continue from step 1.

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