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    Entertaining Recipes » Polenta Chips

    Polenta Chips

    Posted On August 1, 2023 By Mirlene Last updated August 3, 2023 13 Comments

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    Baked Polenta Chips Pinterest Pin

    These Baked Polenta Chips (Mayi Moulen Fri) make for the best summer snack or appetizer. They are crunchy on the outside with a soft interior. Serve them with a creamy Mascarpone Dip for a bright sunny day delight.

    Polenta Chips Topped with thyme and mascarpone dipping sauce

    We all love snacking, and these baked fries are incredibly delicious and simple to make.  

    These polenta fries (or mayi moulen chips) are perfect to serve as an appetizer or as a side dish. However, many people are giving up on fried chips because they aren’t healthy. However, these chips are baked instead of deep fried. 

    The mascarpone dipping sauce adds a refreshing touch to the fries.  

    Polenta fries on black tray with fresh herbs

    Polenta Chips

    Polenta chips start by cooking the polenta or cornmeal in water. Cooking the cornmeal (mayi moulen)  help achieve the creamy and soft consistency, which is poured into a pan and helps with solidification. 

    Once the polenta is cooled down, you can cut them into desired shapes, such as fries or wedges. When the polenta is baked, deep fried, or grilled, it achieves a crispy exterior. 

    Ingredients Used To Make Polenta Fries

    When it comes down to uniqueness, there are various points. To begin with, the Polenta Fries are made from cornmeal but give the satisfaction of “potato chips”. 

    polenta in baking tray

    For this reason, it has an earthy and slightly sweet flavor, which makes it taste even better. Also, when the solidified polenta is fried, grilled, or baked, it helps achieve a fine contrast between a smooth interior and a crispy exterior. 

    The following ingredients are used to make this recipe. The full recipe with the exact measurements 

    Polenta – Any cornmeal will work. You can use coarse cornmeal or fine cornmeal. It is not necessary for the package to state “polenta”. Any yellow cornmeal will work. 

    Cajun Spice – Cajun Spice is used in this recipe to season the dish.  

    Parmesan Cheese – Creates a depth of flavor and enhances the flavor of the polenta fries. 

    Polenta fries on black tray with fresh herbs

    These polenta chips are also gluten-free as cornmeal is the base ingredient. It’s a promising option for people who cannot enjoy regular chips because of gluten or even if they are trying to follow a healthy lifestyle. 

    Not to forget, pairing them with the mascarpone dipping sauce will take you to the streets of Italy and its rich culinary history. 

    In many cases, people add cheese, spices, and herbs on top because it enhances the base flavor. 

    How To Make Polenta Chips

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the water, cajun seasoning, 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil, and salt to taste then bring to a quick boil.

    Polenta Chips - Boiling liquid and seasoning
    washing polenta
    Stirring Polenta

    Spread the polenta to a smooth top surface then transfer the tray/dish to the refrigerator to cool and set. When ready to bake, cut the polenta into desired fries size, and brush with oil. 

    spreading polenta
    Cutting polenta fries
    Brushing Polenta Fries with oil
    Hand holding polenta chips

    Mayi Moulen Fri Mascarpone Dipping Sauce

    While the polenta fries are baking, mix up the mascarpone dipping sauce. In a medium size bowl, add the heavy whipped cream. 

    Mascarpone Dipping Sauce

    I like to start whisking it on low speed and gradually work my way up with the speed. That way, I’ll minimize the risk of splashing the cream all over the counter. 

    Once you have whipped up the cream to a smooth, light, and fluffy texture, add the remaining ingredients. This is to include parsley flakes, garlic powder, salt to taste, milk, and mascarpone cheese. 

    Mascaporne dipping sauce

    You can also add dry basil, dill, or rosemary. 

    Once you are done, whisk the mixture to a light and creamy texture, not fluffy, just creamy. Then set the dipping sauce aside in a cool place until you are ready to use it. 

    Lemon juice is also great with this sauce, as it complements the cheese well and enhances the flavor of all the ingredients combined. 

    Finishing Up Your Polenta Fries – Pairing Suggestions 

    Polenta chips or polenta fries are pretty versatile, as you can flavor them with different herbs, spices, and cheese. 

    Similarly, you don’t have to worry about the pairing. To begin with, it can be enjoyed with mascarpone dipping sauce, but the balsamic glaze is perfect if you want to elevate the flavor even more. 

    Some other options include herbed sour cream, guacamole, cheese sauce, salsa, pesto, aioli, and marinara sauce. 

    mascarpone with mayi moulen fri

    Personally, we love the richness provided by the cheese sauce, and it also adds a touch of luxury. 

    How To Store Them

    If you have made more than you can eat out of excitement, we recommend cooling them down to room temperature and using an airtight container. 

    Ensure that you place the fries in a single layer and parchment paper before adding the second layer.

    Keep in mind that you can only refrigerate them for a day or two, especially if you don’t want the soggy chips. 

    These polenta chips are utterly delicious, and it’s up to you what you want to pair them with! 

    More Fun Side Dishes To Try

    If you’re looking for other fun side dishes to try, here are a few ideas: 

    Air fryer Mexican Street Corn On The Cob

    Air Fryer Smash Potatoes 

    Air Fryer Shoestring Fries 

    Fried Yams

    Yucca Fries 

    Polenta fries on black plate

    By the way, it warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from our site.

    We’d especially love to know if you have tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Also, we would appreciate it if you could give it a star rating below!

    Polenta fries on black tray with fresh herbs

    Polenta Chips

    Savory Thoughts
    These Baked Polenta Chips (mayi moulin) are crunchy on the outside with a soft interior.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine Haitian, Italian
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 267 kcal

    Equipment

    • Electric Whisk
    • 8 x 8 Baking Dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Cup Polenta
    • 2 ½ Cups Water; or broth
    • 1 ½ tsp. Cajun Spice
    • 2 Tbsp. Grapeseed Oil; Divided
    • ¼ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
    • Salt To Taste

    Mascarpone Dipping Sauce

    • ¼ Cup Heavy Whipped Cream
    • ¼ Cup Mascarpone Cheese
    • Salt To Taste
    • 1 tsp. Parsley Flakes
    • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
    • ½ Cup Milk Of Your Choice; More if needed

    Instructions
     

    • To prepare the polenta: Preheat the oven to 430℉. Wash the polenta and set it aside.
      In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the water, cajun seasoning, 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil, and salt to taste then bring to a quick boil.
      Then add the polenta. Stir well to remove any lumps and reduce the temperature to medium-low.
      Stirring Polenta
    • Continue stirring until the polenta starts to thicken (while stirring). Then add the parmesan cheese. Continue to stir to mix well. 
      Once well incorporated, remove the dish and transfer it to a lined 8×8 baking tray.
      Spread the polenta to a smooth top surface then transfer the tray/dish to the refrigerator to cool and set. 
      When ready to bake, cut the polenta into desired fries size, and brush with oil. 
      Place the polenta fries on a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  
      Hand holding polenta chips
    • To make the mascarpone dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream until light and fluffy. Then add the Mascarpone cheese and the seasoning. Continue to whisk to mix well. 
      Then add the milk. Adjust the seasoning if needed it. Whisk to a creamy texture (not thick and fluffy) to resemble a dipping sauce. 
      Place the dipping sauce in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
      Mascarpone Dipping Sauce

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4ServingsCalories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 7gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 1337mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ned

      August 03, 2023 at 11:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love polenta! These chips are genius! Thank you so much for this delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        August 07, 2023 at 6:39 pm

        Thank you, Ned

        Reply
    2. Nikki

      August 03, 2023 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      What a great way to have polenta. It’s not just a side dish anymore.

      Reply
    3. Holley

      August 03, 2023 at 9:57 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow are these delicious!!! I love that this recipe is not only gluten free but savory. I will definitely make this again!

      Reply
    4. Cathleen

      August 03, 2023 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      I have never made anything with polenta before, so I am so excited to try these chips! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    5. Lana

      August 03, 2023 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      I wanted something different to make with a bulk polenta order and found this. Shocked how much I loved it! Even without a dip they just taste so good!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        August 07, 2023 at 6:40 pm

        Thank you, Lana

        Reply
    6. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      August 02, 2023 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      The polenta’s subtle corn flavor adds a unique twist to the classic potato chip. Easy to make and so addictive, they make a fantastic appetizer or snack. Dip them in your favorite sauce, and you’re in for a treat!

      Reply
    7. Ali

      August 02, 2023 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never thought to use polenta to make chips, this is such a great idea! Going to try this recipe for dinner this week.

      Reply
    8. dana

      August 02, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      These are so wonderfully crispy and tasty! Absolutely love how they turned out and plan to make them again.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        August 02, 2023 at 2:23 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    9. Carrie Robinson

      August 02, 2023 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great idea for a side dish or appetizer! Just serve up with a few dipping sauces and you are good to go. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        August 02, 2023 at 2:23 pm

        Thank you

        Reply

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