17 Recipes That Prove *Polenta* Is a Gluten-Free Gal’s BFF
Mar 06, 2017
After you go gluten-free, one of the first things that you notice is all of the recipes you see on Pinterest that promise to taste *exactly like* former comfort foods, but just… don’t. But when it comes to creamy polenta, it’s always been naturally gluten-free — so you’re eating the real deal. Here are 17 recipes you can make with polenta that will have your tastebuds doing the happy dance ALL DAY LONG.
Breakfast
Tuscan Polenta Bread With Shallots and Rosemary
This richly textured cornbread tastes so delicious topped with a pat of butter or drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It makes a wonderfully *toast-y* breakfast or a hearty addition to your fave soup at lunch or dinner. (via Pure Foods)
Huevos Rancheros Polenta Bowls
When you go gluten-free, a lot of your fave brekkie items become, well, obsolete. (Looking at you, blueberry muffins, biscuits and gravy, and cinnamon rolls.) Thankfully, huevos rancheros is still on the menu! Serve yours with corn tortillas or on a rich bed of cornmeal. (via Salted Plains)Sweet Buttered Polenta Pancakes With Fresh Summer Berries
Pancakes get a gluten-free makeover with pre-packaged polenta, butter, powdered sugar, real maple syrup, and whatever fresh berries you can get your hands on. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Polenta French Toast Sticks
These little polenta sticks are fluffy and tender on the inside and crispy-crunchy on the outside. They make perfect dippers for pure maple syrup or honey — your choice. (via The Gourmet RD)
Skillet Margherita Polenta Pizza
One of the first things you miss when you go GF is pizza, no lie. But this quick and easy twist on the classic Italian margherita pizza is not just gluten-free — with minor substitutions, clean eaters, vegetarians, and vegans can enjoy it too. (via Simple Healthy Kitchen)
Lunch
Pesto Polenta Bites With Tomato Bruschetta
When you’re craving a light lunch that feels substantial, you can’t go wrong with bruschetta. This GF version also makes a perfect appetizer if you’re feeding a crowd. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)
Roasted Shrimp and Polenta With Pancetta Crisps
There’s nothing better than an easy-peasy sheet-pan recipe — except for maybe this one that calls for even easier *tubed* polenta. (via The Pig & Quill)
Mexican Street Corn Grilled Polenta Bites
If everyone’s fave street foods arepas and elote had a baby, it would look something like this. (via Snixy Kitchen)
Spicy Chicken Burrito Bowls With Cheesy Polenta
These spicy polenta bowls are like a big, warm, cheesy cuddle. It’s the perfect recipe when you’re craving some healthy comfort food. (via The Cook Report)
Cheesy Shrimp Polenta Bites
Baked polenta bites are surprisingly crispier than fried and the char draws out the salty flavor in the cheese. Topped with grilled shrimp, they make a perfect light lunch or snack. (via Healthy Nibbles & Bits)
Baked Polenta Fries With Spicy Marinara Sauce
These fries are a great substitute when you’re missing things like fried zucchini or mozzarella sticks. Serve them as a side at lunchtime or as party food at your next game night or TV viewing party. (via Recipe Runner)
Halibut With Corn, Leek, Sage, and Polenta
This seafood recipe is gourmet-level good, but so easy to make — promise! (via Feasting at Home)
Dinner
Cuban Beef and Chorizo Picadillo With Creamy Polenta
Picadillo is a Cuban classic, and don’t even think about leaving out the raisins and olives, which pair so well with the chorizo. Polenta provides exactly the right creamy backdrop to all the spicy-sour-salty-sweetness going on in the stew. (via Gringalicious)
Cheesy Polenta Covered Mexican Tamale Pie
Everyone loves tamales, but no one loves the assembly line of labor required. This easy-peasy version has all the flavors you crave, without the hassle. (via Gringalicious)
Ricotta Goat Cheese Polenta Bake With Mushrooms, Greens, and Caramelized Onions
This cornmeal bake calls for ricotta and goat cheese that melt together in the oven to become a mouth-watering bite. (via Gather and Dine)
Fire Roasted Slow Cooker Chili
Chili and cornbread are a perfect pairing, and this casserole takes that idea to the next level. The polenta bakes right on top of the chili in the oven, so what’s not to love? (Oh My Veggies)
One-Pot Cheesy Turkey Tamale Pie
When cheesy polenta is involved, you know a recipe is going to be good, and this one does not disappoint. The turkey makes a nice change from beef and makes this a must-bookmark recipe for future holiday leftovers. (via Half Baked Harvest)
