Do Some Weekend Cooking With These 17 Vegetarian Polenta Recipes
Updated on March 13, 2023
Polenta, birthed from the heart of Italy, is a delicious dish that offers such a variation in terms of flavoring and recipes that we haven’t even begun to be able to try them all. Traditionally, you may know this bite as some type of hot porridge. But there are, in fact, so many ways to utilize the cornmeal and turn it into a true work of art – for our taste buds to enjoy. Let’s do some weekend cooking with these 17 vegetarian polenta recipes, shall we?
17 Delicious Vegetarian Polenta Recipes
1. Polenta Pancakes with Summer Berries
Wake up with some buttered polenta and fresh summer berries. Doesn’t that sound like the most delicious Sunday brunch option? What’s so amazing about this recipe is just how easy it truly is. Novices rejoice! We’ve found a special one for you!
“Some pancakes are all about the berries, or the chocolate or maybe something even fancier that I simply cannot think of right now because my mind is having a buttered polenta moment.” –Half-Baked Harvest
2. Vegan Polenta Stacks with Squash & Cashew Cream
Both beautiful and delicious, these polenta stacks – filled with layers of squash and cashew cream – are what a vegan’s fall dreams are made of. Use these at any family potluck or to compliment Thanksgiving this year. And there may or may not be some vegan BBQ sauce involved.
“There’s something about stacked food that just screams fancy. These vegan polenta stacks would make an eye-catching entree for the holiday table or a dinner party. Vegan & gluten-free.” –Cadry’s Kitchen
3. Grilled Polenta Rounds with Salsa & Black Beans
Light up any summertime affair with these mini rounds with fresh salsa. Some jalapenos or hot sauce could top these cuties off as well as some vegan sour cream!
“Grilled Polenta Rounds with Black Bean and Avocado Salsa-this easy summer appetizer is great for entertaining! ” – Two Peas & Their Pod
4. Spinach & Mushroom Polenta Stacks
Parmesan can be found within the nooks and crannies of these delicious, veggie-filled treats! And we’re all about the cheesiness today folks.
“These Spinach and Mushroom Polenta Stacks are as flavorful as a vegetarian meal could ever be and as impressive as anything you’d be served at a restaurant!” –The Flavor Bender
5. Polenta Cakes w/ Red Wine Mushrooms
You may be surprised to learn that this fancy sounding recipe is actually made with pre-made polenta. Yes, you hear it right – which means – quite literally ANYONE can have a go at making this and impressing friends at their next dinner party.
“I topped them with red wine mushrooms and some shredded cheese to up the deliciousness! At first I was weary of polenta, but now I’m totally hooked on it’s creamy texture and slightly sweet taste! ” – 2 Teaspoons
6. Grilled Polenta & Zucchini Salsa
Ya’ll this meal screams to be eaten on the back porch when the sun is just right in the sky. It’s fresh, it’s delicious, and it’s completely guilt-free.
“At the end, I stirred in some diced avocado and topped it onto my grilled polenta. A perfect light meal for summer!” – Love and Lemons
7. Sauteed Polenta with Marinara Sauce
Go the Italian route with this polenta masterpiece. And this particular recipe is insanely simple (and hits the Weight Watcher diet with just 1 points per piece!).
“For me, 3-4 slices of polenta with marinara and a little Parmesan cheese is a perfect lunch meal, and since it cooks up so quickly, it’s definitely lunch-time friendly, too.” – Food Fun Family
8. Cheesy Polenta & Mushroom Pizza
Who knew your pizza day could be made with a bit of polenta on the plate? You’ll want to check out how you can create one of the more innovative polenta recipes on our list by hopping over now!
“Skip traditional dough and liven up pizza night with a more flavorful base for your pie. Polenta makes a delicate and delicious foundation for a mixture of button mushrooms, shiitakes, shallots and Gruyère cheese.” – Woman’s Day
9. Slow Cooker Mini Meat Loaves & Polenta
Comfort food is something that polenta can be a part of too. You can turn traditional polenta into a mini meat loaf – one that will feed the entire fam (which they will want 2nd helpings of).
“Get reacquainted with this throwback dinnertime classic.” – Woman’s Day
10. Eggplant Polenta Stacks
This is one of those recipes that are both yummy, but just so beautiful to look at too. It’s a great bite for when you want to impress or need an awesome appetizer to spice up dinner.
” Add eggplant and onion. Cover and cook over medium-high heat 4 minutes, stirring a few times until slightly softened.” (and that’s just the beginning!) – Woman’s Day
11. Beans & Greens with Lemon Parmesan Polenta
Light and delicious, this is another Woman’s Day recipe that we’re falling-in-love with. It’s a great dish for a spring, patio picnic and it’s filled with fresh flavors!
“Greens add a sharp bite and flavorto thiscreamy, cheesy dish.” –Woman’s Day
12. Pesto Polenta Bites with Tomato Bruschetta
Here’s another small bite that we know will hit the dinner party or potluck just right. Use this as a summertime holiday appetizer or addition to the family BBQ.
“These crispyPesto Polenta Bites with Tomato Bruschetta are theperfect quick, easy and healthy bite-sized appetizer recipe! The fresh flavors will make it hard not to fill up on them!” – Joyful Healthy Eats
13. Polenta Veggie Burgers
Yes, you can turn polenta into a burger. The flavorful pesto and veggies class up the sandwich with ease and no guilt!
“That crispy, creamy bite of polenta mixed with the warm, garlicy pesto and the tender roasted veggies— now that’s my kind of burger! It’s literally different from ANY meat-less burger I’ve ever had. Such a great way to change things up every now and then.” – Pumpkin & Peanut Butter
14. Spicy BBQ Chickpea & Crispy Polenta Bowls
There’s a lot to love and be excited over when it comes to this bowl. It’s filled with fresh ingredients and it’s packed with BBQ! We love this as a meal-prepped lunchtime option as well.
“This is everything I could want in a meal. It’s colorful, easy, quick, ridiculously healthy, a little spicy and I mean… there is pan-fried polenta going on. So good.” –Half-Baked Harvest
15. Griddled Polenta with Eggplant Salsa
Eggplant salsa may not sound like the best of the best – but we promise it’s packed with a lot of punch and fun flavors. Check it out and see if any of it sounds like it may strike your fancy.
“Brush both sides of each wedge with a little of the remaining oil and barbecue or griddle for 5 mins on each side until charred and hot through. Serve a couple of wedges per person, topped with a generous spoon of the eggplant salsa.” – IBS Sano