Fried polenta is a delicious, comforting dish that is loved around the world and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.
Fried Polenta makes an excellent centerpiece for any dinner table Because It’s rich and creamy yet light and crunchy. Still, it can be tricky to decide what sides to serve along with it.
It’s an excellent base for all sorts of flavors and textures, so having the right side dishes to complement it is essential.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a newbie in the kitchen, these 21 incredible sides will take your fried polenta shine.
A real Quick Solution what to serve with Fried Polenta- Salads, Vegetables, Cheese, Tomato Salad, Breaded Chicken Cutlets, Grilled Asparagus, Ratatouille, Brussels Sprouts, Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms, Salad Nicoise, Caprese Salad, Stuffed Tomatoes, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges, Garlic Bread, Mushroom Ragu, Braised Greens, Crispy Prosciutto, Grilled Zucchini, Herb Aioli, Pesto Sauce, Cheese Sauce.
21 Best Easy Sides to serve with Fried Polenta
The possibilities are endless when you combine creamy polenta with the flavor and crunch of fried breading.
But if you’re looking to create an unforgettable meal, then it’s important to choose accompaniments that will complement the fried polenta without overpowering it.
Here are some of the finest dishes to eat with fried polenta for a delicious and balanced meal.
1. Salads
A nice, refreshing salad is the perfect side dish for fried polenta.
Whether you prefer something simple like a cucumber salad or something bolder like a tomato and feta salad, there will surely be something that pairs well with your fried polenta dish.
Salads can also be a great way to add some extra vegetables and nutrients to your meal.
2. Vegetables
Fried polenta goes well with almost any veggies. Try serving it alongside roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a tasty side dish.
You can also try stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli florets.
An easy way to add flavor and texture to fried polenta is by serving it with some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or squash.
Try combining carrots, potatoes, peppers, squash, and other seasonal veggies.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables and makes them perfectly tender to go alongside your fried polenta.
Choose any combination of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, squash, red peppers, or eggplant. Sauté them in olive oil until they’re tender and slightly caramelized before seasoning them with salt and pepper—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor they bring to the plate!
Know More: What to Serve with Fried Chicken Sandwich with sauce
3. Cheese
Cheese is always a great way to add flavor and texture to any dish.
Serve your fried polenta with shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, or freshly cubed cheddar for an extra delicious addition to your meal.
Cheese provides an excellent source of calcium and protein, making it an ideal choice for those looking for more healthful options for their meals.
More- 19 Best Sides to Serve With Charcuterie Board for Dinner
4. Tomato Salad
Tomato salad is one of the most popular dishes to suit with fried polenta because it pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of cornmeal.
Choose ripe tomatoes and cut them into thick slices before adding them to your plate.
Sprinkle on some sea salt and freshly ground pepper, chopped fresh basil, and shredded Parmesan cheese for a light yet flavorful salad, or add feta cheese for a delicious Mediterranean-style salad.
You can also drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil for a richer finish.
5. Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Breaded chicken cutlets are the perfect option for making polenta into next level.
Start by marinating boneless chicken breasts in seasoned buttermilk overnight or up to 24 hours before coating them in panko bread crumbs (or any other type of breadcrumb).
Fry the cutlets until golden brown and serve alongside your crispy fried polenta for an unforgettable meal.
Know More: What Sauce Goes with Potato Wedges
6. Grilled Asparagus
The sweet, smoky flavor of grilled asparagus pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of fried polenta.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try grilling your asparagus with some garlic and lemon for an extra zesty kick.
7. Ratatouille
This classic French vegetable stew has been satisfying taste buds since the 19th century!
Its combination of eggplant, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs makes it an ideal accompaniment for your fried polenta dish.
8. Brussels Sprouts
These tiny little cabbages have become popular side dishes in recent years due to their unique flavor and nutritional content.
They are especially delicious when lightly sautéed in butter or oil and served alongside your fried polenta meal!
9. Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms
Fan earthy umami twist on traditional spinach side dishes, sauté some mushrooms in butter and top it off with fresh baby spinach leaves for an added layer of color and flavor!
This will pair nicely with any fried polenta dish you create!
10. Salad Nicoise
This classic French salad has all the makings of a perfect side dish for your fried polenta meal!
Featuring tuna, green beans, potatoes, olives & hard-boiled eggs on a bed of lettuce greens, this salad packs plenty of crunchy ingredients that’ll balance out your plate nicely!
11. Caprese Salad
A fresh mix of tomatoes & mozzarella cheese topped off with basil leaves & balsamic vinegar dressing.
This Italian salad can be served as a light entrée or as an appetizer before dinner – either way, it’s sure to be a great addition to any fried polenta dish!
12. Stuffed Tomatoes
Take advantage of summer produce by stuffing some juicy tomatoes full of savory ricotta cheese & herbs, then baking until golden brown; serve these up hot alongside your favorite version of fried polenta & you won’t regret it!
13. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes are packed full of vitamins & minerals, making them one of the best sides you can have with any meal (including yours!).
Cut them into wedges, then bake until crispy; they’ll be a tasty addition that pairs well with nearly anything on your menu!
14. Mushroom Ragu
An Italian stew is a perfect complement to fried polenta.
The rich flavors of the mushrooms and herbs pair beautifully with the subtle flavor of the polenta.
Plus, it’s easy to make in advance, so you won’t have to worry about last-minute preparation.
Know More: What to serve with stuffed mushrooms
15. Braised Greens
Braised greens are another popular Italian side dish that drives wonderfully with fried polenta.
Combining kale or spinach leaves with garlic and olive oil creates an aromatic side dish full of vitamins and minerals that complements the creaminess of the polenta nicely.
16. Crispy Prosciutto
Crispy prosciutto adds texture and flavor to any meal but especially complements fried polenta.
Pan-fry slices of prosciutto until they’re crispy, then top your plate of fried polenta with them for an extra special touch!
17. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini slices add color and flavor to any plate, but especially when served alongside fried polenta!
Grill thin slices of zucchini until tender, then season as desired before arranging them on top of your plate for added visual interest as well as taste!
18. Herb Aioli
To add some extra depth to your plate, try making an herb aioli sauce to go along with your fried polenta!
Combine mayonnaise with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme, then drizzle over your plate for added flavor at every bite!
19. Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce is another classic Italian condiment that can eat with fried polenta!
Simply combine fresh basil leaves with pine nuts and olive oil, then blend into a smooth paste before topping off your plate!
20. Cheese Sauce
Nothing says comfort food like cheese sauce! Make this creamy sauce by combining grated cheese with butter and cream, then heat until melted before pouring over your plateful of deliciousness!
21. Garlic Bread
Last (but not least), no Italian-inspired meal would be complete without some garlicky bread on hand.
Toast slices of crusty Italian bread in garlic butter until they’re golden brown perfection, then serve alongside your fried polenta for a comforting home-cooked meal.
How do you jazz up a fried polenta?
Fried polenta surely brings a smile to the faces of your loved ones and can be jazzed up quite easily, resulting in a flavorful and unique side dish.
One option to liven this dish up is to top it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even cheesy garlic sauce. Adding some heat by mixing different types of chilis into the polenta is also a great way to give it some pizzazz.
For even more flavor and texture contrast, try adding crunchy baby spinach to the mix for some freshness.
Additionally, you can serve the fried polenta alongside creamy tomato sauce for a delicious combination of flavors.
Whatever alterations you make to jazz up your fried polenta, it will definitely result in a delicious meal your family will love.
FAQs
How do you keep fried polenta from sticking?
To prevent fried polenta from sticking, be sure to use an excellent non-stick cooking surface or plenty of oil.
Before frying, make sure your polenta is cold and cut it into small cubes or triangles. Heat the pan on medium-high heat with enough oil to coat the bottom.
Add the pieces of polenta in one layer and fry on all sides until golden brown. Once they are ready, remove them from the pan and drain them on paper towels before serving.
Additionally, you can sprinkle a bit of cornstarch over the polenta pieces before frying in order to create an extra barrier against sticking. This will help keep your polenta crisp and delicious!
Can you reheat fried polenta?
Yes, you can reheat fried polenta. The most helpful way to do this is in an oven or a toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the polenta on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, occasionally flipping it until the polenta is hot and crisp.
If necessary, you can add a little bit of oil or butter to the pan to help keep it from sticking. When reheating fried polenta, make sure to watch carefully so that it doesn’t burn.