Polenta Chips

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.

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 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”. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 

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