
Crispy Polenta Chips with Roasted Red Pepper Basil Cream
An original appetizer featuring baked polenta chips until crisp, served with a smooth roasted red pepper, yogurt, and basil cream. It offers contrasting textures, vibrant color, and a Mediterranean-style flavor perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 120 g instant polenta (for the base crujiente)
- 500 ml water (for cocinar the polenta)
- 5 g salt (divided)
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese (for mezclar with the polenta)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided entre chips and cream)
- 140 g roasted red bell pepper (pelado and without semillas)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the cream)
- 10 g fresh basil (leaves sueltas)
- 6 g garlic (chopped)
- 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 g black pepper (to taste)
- 0.5 g red pepper flakes (optional, for a toque picante)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 3 g of the salt and slowly pour in the polenta while whisking to prevent lumps.
- 2
2. Cook the polenta for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon olive oil, mix well, and remove from the heat.
- 3
3. Spread the hot polenta onto a lined tray or pan, making a layer about 1 cm thick. Let it cool for 15 minutes until firm.
- 4
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the firm polenta into triangles or sticks. Arrange them on a baking sheet with space between each piece and brush with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- 5
5. Bake for 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway through, until the chips are golden and crisp around the edges.
- 6
6. Meanwhile, make the cream: in a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red bell pepper, Greek yogurt, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, the remaining 2 g salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend until smooth.
- 7
7. Taste the cream and adjust salt or lemon if needed. Chill until serving so it thickens slightly.
- 8
8. Serve the polenta chips warm or slightly hot with the roasted red pepper basil cream for dipping.
Chef tips
For crispier chips, let the polenta cool completely before cutting and bake it on parchment paper. The cream also works well as a spread for toast or sandwiches.
Substitutions
You can replace Parmesan with a similar aged vegetarian hard cheese. Greek yogurt can be swapped for thick plain yogurt. If you do not want heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Tomato Bruschetta
20 min

Roasted Cucumber Spoons with Lemon Ricotta, Crispy Cumin Chickpeas and Mint Oil
40 min

Crispy sweet potato spoons with whipped feta, dill cucumber, and spiced walnut
42 min

Crispy Cucumber Cups with Smoky Chickpea Mash and Herbed Yogurt
35 min

Crispy Eggplant Bites with Lemon Tahini Cream, Fresh Pomegranate, and Mint
45 min

Crispy wonton bites with smoky corn cream and chives
38 min