Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets

Name: Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., marinara or ranch)

Highlighted under: Natural Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely love creating snacks that are not only delicious but also healthy. These Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets are a perfect example of that! By using polenta as a base, I found a wonderful way to incorporate veggies while still delivering a satisfying crunch. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just looking for a quick snack, these nuggets are sure to impress. They are easy to make, and I often enjoy pairing them with a zesty dip for an extra kick. Trust me, you won’t regret adding them to your menu!

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-01-21T22:09:34.563Z

When I first experimented with these Polenta Veggie Nuggets, I was unsure how they would turn out. To my delight, the combination of crispy outer layers and a creamy polenta center was a winning formula. I made sure to add a variety of colorful vegetables to keep things interesting and nutritious.

One tip I learned during my kitchen experiments is to let the polenta cool completely before cutting into nuggets. This helps them hold their shape better during the baking process. Trust me, this small step makes a big difference!

Why You'll Love These Nuggets
Crispy exterior with a creamy polenta interior
Loaded with healthy, colorful veggies
Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce

The Importance of Polenta

Polenta serves as the backbone of these veggie nuggets, providing a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior. By using coarse cornmeal, you'll achieve a loved crunch after baking. Make sure to continuously stir the polenta in boiling vegetable broth for about 10 minutes to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. If you find the polenta too thick, add a little more broth to achieve your desired texture before chilling.

While traditional recipes often use cornmeal, you can also experiment with flavored polenta. Consider adding herbs or spices directly into the cooking polenta for an extra layer of flavor. This not only enhances the taste but also allows you to get creative with different flavor profiles for your nuggets.

Veggie Variations

The mixed veggies in this recipe can be customized to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would all work wonderfully here. Just be sure to chop them finely to ensure they integrate well into the polenta without overwhelming the mixture. Avoid using watery vegetables like cucumbers, as they can affect the consistency of the nuggets.

Having leftover veggies? Feel free to toss in other cooked vegetables or even mix in some finely grated cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a cheesy twist. Just remember that adding too much moisture can make the nuggets difficult to shape, so keep an eye on the overall wet ingredients.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets can easily be made ahead of time. Once cut into shapes, you can freeze them uncooked. Arrange the shaped nuggets on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you are ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time for a perfectly crispy result.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place them in the oven instead of the microwave to maintain the crunchy texture. A quick 5-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) will revive their crispiness.

Ingredients

For the Nuggets

1 cup polenta
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, corn)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

For Serving

Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., marinara or ranch)

Instructions

Prepare the Polenta

In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the polenta, stirring continuously until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Mix in Veggies

Fold in the mixed veggies and parmesan cheese into the thickened polenta. Stir well to combine.

Shape the Nuggets

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once set, cut into nugget shapes.

Coat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Dredge each nugget in breadcrumbs and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serve

Enjoy the crispy nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different veggies or add herbs to customize your nuggets to your liking!

Troubleshooting Tips

If your polenta mixture seems too dry or crumbly, it's likely that it hasn't absorbed enough liquid. Simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth while cooking to reach the right consistency before chilling. On the other hand, if it feels too wet, add additional breadcrumbs to the mixture to balance the moisture during the shaping process.

Another common issue is nuggets falling apart while baking. Ensure the polenta has cooled completely before cutting and shaping. If they're still fragile, consider longer chilling time to help them firm up. Also, adding a touch more parmesan can improve the binding quality.

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair them with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or hummus for a delightful snack. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the top just before serving for an added burst of freshness.

You could also serve these nuggets as a side dish alongside a vibrant salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. They are excellent for a light lunch, or as an appetizer at a party, meaning there’s truly no wrong way to enjoy them!

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. Simply double or triple the ingredient amounts while maintaining the same cooking and baking times. If you're making a large batch, consider using multiple baking sheets to ensure even cooking and crispness.

For smaller gatherings or snack times, feel free to halve the recipe, but the chilling and baking times may still remain the same. This way, you can experiment with different flavors or dips without committing to a large quantity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the polenta mixture and shape the nuggets a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

→ Are these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, these nuggets can be a great gluten-free option.

→ Can I freeze the nuggets?

Yes, these nuggets freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage.

→ What can I serve with these nuggets?

They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a zesty yogurt dip.