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Extra crispy and heavy on the parmesan, these Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter Polenta Fries with Lemon Aioli make for the best simple summer appetizer! A quick batch of instant polenta is easily turned into crispy oven-baked polenta fries that are beyond delicious. Toss these crispy fries with garlic parmesan herb butter and serve with creamy lemon aioli…plus a side of ketchup. The best, slightly addicting summer appetizer, afternoon snack, or side dish to accompany just about any meal!
I didn’t think there could be a way to make polenta (or french fries for that matter) any better, but this recipe does just that. Oh my gosh, these polenta fries are GOOD. Plus fun and easy too!
You guys, I am in love with this recipe. There is just something so good about these fries. They’re garlicky (but in a non-overpowering way), cheesy, and heavy on all the summer garden herbs.
They’re crispy on the outside, but somewhat soft and creamy inside. Best of both worlds and just beyond delicious. Yes, I’m being dramatic, but I promise, I’m telling it like it is.
I’ve actually been wanting to make polenta fries for years. They’ve been on my never-ending list of “recipes to test” for what seems like forever.
A few weekends ago I was reminded of polenta fries once again by none other than my sister in law, Lyndsie. She said she’s been craving polenta fries. The second she brought up the idea I knew I was making them. But oven-baked, and with lots and lots of herbs.
When I set out to make these fries I knew they needed to include a few things before I could share the recipe. First, extra crispy was a must. I love a crispy french fry, so the crisp factor had to be GOOD. That said, I wanted the inside to be creamy and soft, more polenta like.
And second? These fries also needed to be a little garlicky, slightly cheesy, and extra herby.
With an overflowing herb garden, every last recipe has to be heavy on the herbs right now. I’m loving it.
I wasn’t sure how hard these fries would be. I know making polenta is easy, but what about polenta fries? Well, turns out they are just as easy. I actually had a lot of fun making these cute little fries!
Here’s how this works. Start out by making a fast batch of quick-cooking polenta. I like to use Bob’s Red Mill quick-cooking polenta. They take just minutes to make and are super easy. To that creamy polenta, add garlic, some parmesan, and fresh herbs too. Once the polenta is cooked, simply spread it out in a square baking dish and freeze until the polenta stiffens up. This takes only fifteen minutes or so, it’s quick.
Now, pull the polenta out of the pan and cut it into fries. Yes, it’s that easy. Once the polenta is firm, it’s so simple to work with, you’ll be shocked…which for some reason makes the process even more fun and exciting.
Once the polenta is cut into fries, gently toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then bake until crispy.
While the fries bake, mix up some melted salted butter, garlic, and plenty of fresh herbs. I like to use a mix of fresh basil and oregano, but you can use whatever you love most. Rosemary would be great with these!
Tossing the fries in garlicky herb butter takes them from really good to really amazing and gives the fries an extra special touch.
For the mayo, I made a “cheaters” mayo. I just used my favorite avocado oil mayo, lots of fresh lemon, and a good pinch of cayenne pepper for some added heat. I kept this mayo simple. I just wanted a creamy dip for the fries that wouldn’t actually outshine the fries themselves. The mayo dip just makes them better.
Once the fries come out of the oven, toss them with the herb butter while still hot. Then serve immediately with aioli and a side of ketchup too…I can’t do fries without ketchup.
Oh. So. Very. Good!
I’m warning you now, these fries are a little addicting. My recommendation…make a double batch…these fries disappear fast. Oh, and add extra flaky sea salt on top too.
Excited to serve these all summer long and even into the fall for game-day. They’re going to make the perfect appetizer, snack, and or dinner accompaniment to just about any meal…see tomorrow’s recipe for more on that!
Looking for other fun side dish and appetizer recipes? Here are a few ideas:Â
Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini
Mac and Cheese Stuffed Oven Fried Zucchini Bites
Parmesan Popovers with Crispy Sage Garlic Butter
Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots
Lastly, if you make these garlic parmesan herb butter polenta fries with lemon aioli, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
How could o keep these crisp if bringing to a friends house?
Hey Amy,
I would assemble and cut the fries and then bake at your friend’s house. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This looks like another amazing recipe of yours! Is it possible to do the first two steps one day, and then the rest the next day? I can’t wait to have them! Thank you!
Hey Michelle,
Yes that would totally work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
So delicious! Good thing we went for a bike ride since it said 6 servings and we are only two people! It got gobbled up.
Thank you Lisa! xTieghan
I made this yesterday and they were SO GOOD!!
I will definitely be making it again and again and again!
Thank you so much Amy! xTieghan
Hi! Is it ok to use dried herbs?
Thank you so, much!
You have the best recipes I’ve ever tried 🙂
Hi Yanna,
Absolutely dried herbs would be totally fine! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
first time making or even eating polenta but when I saw the recipe I bought some to make this tonight! no fresh herbs except fresh basil but subbed everything else with dried herbs and turned out delicious! definitely a make again!
Thank you so much Gillian!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Amazing!!
Thank you so much Rachel! xTieghan
The aioli really works great with this. It’s so easy to make and both crispy and delicious. Had these with a pepper jack cheeseburger- great pairing.
Thank you so much Steve!! xTieghan
I have 2 tubes of already – prepared polenta in the fridge. Wonder if they would work? They wouldn’t have the herbs and garlic mixed through, but maybe worth a try??
Hey Meryl,
I would say to go for it! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made these tonight! Only mistake was not greasing the pan but they still turned out yummy without the middle flip!
Thank you so much Sydney!! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Making this as we speak. Love keeping lots of polenta on hand!
Thank you so much! I hope these turn out amazing for you! xTieghan
A person shouldn’t be this excited about polenta fries, but I am! Can’t wait to try these! There’s an amazing restaurant in my town, Morristown, NJ called South & Pine @southandpine. When you come back to NYC, you should definitely make the short trip and try their polenta fries. Truly delicious. Every dish is amazing just like yours. Something tells me chef Leia Gaccione and you should meet!
Haha I love that you are! I will definitely try to get there! Thank you for the suggestion, JoAnn! I hope you try this recipe if you get a chance! xTieghan
Could this be done in an air fryer?
Hi Mia,
So sorry but I do not own an air fryer, so I am unsure of how these would turn out. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
These Look Delish! Just need some polenta now. *heading over to Thrive to add it to my cart*
Love that!! I am really glad you like this and I hope it turns out amazing for you, Johanna! Thank you! xTieghan
I LOVE IT!!
Thank you so much Clare! xTieghan