Flavorful Polenta Pizza Bites
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, these vegan polenta pizza bites are a quick, healthy, and flavorful snack. Naturally gluten-free and topped with plant-based cheese and fresh veggies, they make perfect party appetizers, lunchbox treats, or easy weeknight bites.
Equipment
- 1 cookie sheet (large)
- 1 spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tube pre-cooked polenta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup pizza sauce or 3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese gluten-free and soy-free optional
- Toppings of choice e.g., olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper preheating ensures the polenta slices cook evenly and develop a lightly golden crust. While the oven warms, gather all your ingredients and equipment—this makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Prepare the Polenta: Carefully remove the polenta from its packaging. Using a sharp knife, slice the polenta into 1 cm (approximately ½ inch) thick rounds. Try to make them uniform in thickness so that each bite cooks evenly and maintains a consistent texture.
- Oil the Baking Sheet: Take a large cookie sheet and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the oil. This step prevents the polenta slices from sticking and helps them develop a light, crisp bottom during baking.
- Arrange Polenta on Sheet: Place the polenta slices in a single layer on the oiled baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced slightly apart to allow even airflow and browning. Avoid crowding the slices to ensure each piece gets crispy edges and a tender interior.
- First Bake – Crisp the Base: Put the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake will firm up the polenta, helping it hold its shape when you flip it. You’ll notice the edges beginning to turn lightly golden.
- Flip the Polenta: After 20 minutes, carefully use a spatula to flip each polenta round. This step ensures both sides achieve a firm, slightly crisp texture. Return the sheet to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. The polenta should now feel slightly firm to the touch but still soft inside.
- Prepare Toppings: While the polenta is baking, gather your pizza toppings. Spread out your chosen vegetables, vegan cheese, and sauce. If using fresh tomatoes, slice them thinly to ensure they cook fully in the final baking step.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the polenta has finished baking, remove the cookie sheet from the oven. Gently spread ½ cup pizza sauce (or layer the sliced tomatoes) over each polenta round. Sprinkle 1 cup of vegan mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by any additional toppings you desire. Layering carefully ensures each bite is flavorful and balanced.
- Final Bake – Melt and Brown: Return the sheet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cheese. Around the 8-minute mark, check to see if it has melted completely. If not, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes to achieve a slightly golden, bubbly finish. This step adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor.
- Serve Warm: Remove the polenta pizza bites from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve them warm, as this is when the cheese is melty, the polenta is tender, and the flavors are at their peak. These bites are perfect for party platters, quick snacks, or lunchbox treats.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them on a cookie sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. These bites also taste great cold, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or school lunch option.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked polenta for convenience; it saves time and holds together better than fresh-cooked polenta.
- Slice the polenta evenly, around 1 cm thick, to ensure uniform cooking and a pleasant texture.
- For a crisper bite, lightly brush the polenta rounds with olive oil on both sides before baking.
- Choose a high-quality vegan cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella-style shreds, to achieve that classic pizza pull.
- Customize toppings according to preference—roasted vegetables, olives, or fresh herbs all work beautifully and add flavor and color.
