Crispy baked polenta fries, tossed in garlic and smoked paprika and served with a tangy barbecue sauce. These polenta fries are the perfect snack, or to serve alongside your fav burger!

My sister and I like to swap recipes. She likes to try new things as well– and when she told me that she make fries out of polenta, I had to try it myself! Apparently her boyfriend likes these more than regular french fries… is that possible? 

Well, let me tell you. These were good. So good, that Nick and I snarfed down the entire plate in probably less than two minutes. 

Smoky Polenta Fries with BBQ Ketchup | Zen & Spice

The idea is from the fantastic vegetarian recipe blog, Oh My Veggies. I used her method of slicing and baking, and then added my own spices. I wanted to create more of a “southern” vibe. 

First, you slice the polenta into fries. They should be the shape of the “thick cut” fries you can order at restaurants. 

How to cut polenta into fries! | Zen & Spice

Next, you’ll toss in olive oil, garlic powder and smoked paprika and bake for 25 minutes, until the polenta is nice and crispy. 

The great thing about polenta is that it’s lower in carbohydrates and higher in fiber! One tube of polenta, cut into fries, make two hearty side servings of polenta fries. Each serving has only 150 calories (not that we’re counting), and 7g of fiber. It’s a perfect snack that will be sure to keep you full until your next meal. Or, serve it alongside your favorite hamburger. It’s almost grilling season, after all! 

The dipping sauce is an even ratio of ketchup to BBQ sauce to create a tangy, spicy and sweet sauce. YUM!

Here’s the recipe for Smoky Polenta Fries with BBQ Ketchup: 

Smoky Polenta Fries with BBQ Ketchup
Serves 2
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 24-ounce tube polenta, plain, cut into 1-inch thick fries
  2. 2 tsp olive oil
  3. 1 tsp garlic powder
  4. 1 tsp smoked paprika
  5. salt and pepper
  6. 1/4 cup ketchup
  7. 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  3. Place polenta fries on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
  4. Place in oven and bake for 25 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and BBQ sauce.
  6. Split into two servings alongside the dip!
Adapted from Oh My Veggies
Adapted from Oh My Veggies
Zen & Spice https://zenandspice.com/

12 Comments

  1. I loved this recipe when I saw it on FB, but love it even more now that I know you make it from the tube of polenta!! Totally trying this ASAP!

    1. Yes, it makes it SO much easier!!

  2. I always pictured polenta fries being very long and labor intensive to make, so thanks for clearing that myth up! Will definitely be trying these very very soon

    1. Let me know what you think when you try them! :)

  3. there is a place is CA that serves ranch polenta fries- maybe my favorite appetizer dish of all time! Cannot wait to make this at home- especially with easy tubed polenta- genius!

    1. Omg. I am going to need to figure out how to make ranch polenta fries. That sounds amazing

  4. First, these look DELICIOUS. Second, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed a classic red and white plaid napkin. #foodbloggerproblems

    1. Thanks! And yes haha it comes in handy! :)

  5. I just made polenta fries for the first time last week – have to admit I was skeptical. But they were really good! This ketchup sounds like a game changer, since I always need a dipper :)

    1. BBQ sauce makes everything better!

  6. I’ve been wanting to try polenta fries forever! These look simple and tasty!

    1. They come together in a cinch!

Comments are closed.