Valentine Dinner Baked Polenta Rounds

Name: Valentine Dinner Baked Polenta Rounds
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Family Seasonal Food Recipes

I absolutely love creating special dishes for romantic occasions, and these Baked Polenta Rounds have become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of crispy edges and a creamy center makes them irresistible! Perfect for appetizers or a side dish, they can be topped with your favorite sauces, cheeses, or veggies, allowing for endless variations. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just a cozy evening in, I guarantee these delightful rounds will impress your loved ones and make your dinner feel extra special.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-06T14:01:34.686Z

When I first tried making Baked Polenta Rounds, I wasn’t sure how they would turn out, but they quickly became a staple in my cooking repertoire. The key is to let the polenta cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain the structure and ensures that they crisp up beautifully in the oven. I love experimenting with different toppings, providing a new taste experience each time.

One grateful evening, I decided to impress my partner with these rounds, topping them with a fresh tomato basil salsa. The combination of flavors was divine, and I received numerous compliments! I discovered that serving them warm right from the oven enhances their texture and flavor, making them a delightful addition to any romantic dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy texture outside with a creamy center that’s hard to resist
Versatile topping options to match your mood or occasion
A charming dish that adds elegance to any dinner table

Understanding Polenta

Polenta, made from ground cornmeal, is a versatile ingredient that lends itself beautifully to various preparations. In this recipe, the key to achieving the perfect texture lies in the cooking process. Bring the vegetable broth to a full boil before whisking in the polenta. This step helps to ensure that the grains cook evenly, preventing lumps and ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency. Watch the polenta closely as it thickens; continue to stir for about five minutes until it becomes glossy and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Incorporating ingredients like grated Parmesan adds flavor and richness. The cheese also contributes to the polenta’s structure, helping it to set once poured into the baking dish. If you want to explore dairy-free options, you can replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, which adds a similar umami flavor without the dairy. Just remember to taste and adjust your salt content since nutritional yeast can vary in saltiness.

Baking Techniques for Crispiness

When it comes to baking the polenta rounds, the temperature of the oven is crucial for creating that desirable crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) beforehand, so the rounds can start cooking immediately upon being placed in the oven. This helps achieve golden, crispy edges without compromising the creamy center. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should be ready in about 15 to 20 minutes, but their exact timing will depend on your oven's performance and how thick your rounds are cut.

For even crispier results, consider flipping the polenta rounds halfway through baking. This simple tip helps brown both sides evenly and enhances the overall texture. If you find that they are not browning well, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time—just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Creative Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Baked Polenta Rounds, explore various topping options beyond the cherry tomato mixture. You can load them with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a dollop of rich pesto. Each topping brings its unique flavor and complements the creamy polenta admirably. If you’re serving these at a party, consider aDIY topping bar, allowing guests to customize their rounds according to their tastes.

For a heartier meal, try pairing the polenta rounds with a simple protein source, such as grilled chicken or roasted shrimp. This balances the dish and makes it more filling while keeping it suitable for special occasions. The versatility of polenta allows for both elegant plating and comforting home dinners, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Polenta

1 cup polenta
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping (optional)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences!

Instructions

Cook the Polenta

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta and reduce the heat to low. Continue to whisk for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Set the Polenta

Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes until set.

Prepare the Rounds

Once the polenta is firm, use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out rounds. Place the rounds on a greased baking sheet.

Bake the Rounds

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the polenta rounds for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Let it marinate while the polenta bakes.

Serve

Remove the polenta rounds from the oven and top each one with the tomato mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!

These rounds are best served immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tips

Make sure the polenta is well-seasoned and experiment with different toppings to mix flavors up!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Baked Polenta Rounds can be made in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy evenings or special gatherings. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before storing. They can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and again crispy on the edges.

If you’re interested in freezing the polenta rounds, do so before the baking step. Cut them into rounds, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep well for up to two months. To cook from frozen, bake them directly from the freezer, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure they cook through.

Substitutions and Variations

The flexibility of this recipe makes it easy to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. For a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free polenta, which is widely available in grocery stores. You can also swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if you are not strictly vegetarian, which will add an extra depth of flavor. In the topping, feel free to replace cherry tomatoes with your favorite seasonal vegetables, or add a layer of sautéed greens for added nutrition.

For a spicier twist, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the polenta mixture before setting it to bake. This creates an exciting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with creamy toppings. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, for an unexpected but delicious change in flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the polenta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the polenta in advance, let it set, and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Feel free to use nutritional yeast for a vegan option or try another cheese like mozzarella for a different flavor.

→ How can I make these polenta rounds gluten-free?

Polenta is naturally gluten-free, just ensure that your vegetable broth is labeled as such.

→ What are some other topping ideas?

You can use sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a rich cheese sauce to enhance the flavor.