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; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup breadcrumbs; Oil for spraying

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making these Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets as a healthy snack for my family. They’re not only easy to whip up, but they also provide a wonderful crunch and flavor that satisfies both kids and adults alike. Plus, I love experimenting with different vegetables to see how they impact the taste and texture. With a unique blend of crispy polenta and fresh veggies, these nuggets are bound to become a staple in our kitchen for any casual gathering or movie night at home.

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2026-01-18T03:13:18.414Z

When I first made these Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets, I wasn’t sure what to expect. To my surprise, they turned out to be a delightful blend of textures and flavors that delighted my taste buds. The polenta lends a solid base, while the assorted veggies offer a burst of freshness in each bite. Baking them instead of frying was a great decision, as it allows me to enjoy their crunch without the added oil.

One key tip I learned is to let the polenta cool completely before shaping the nuggets. This helps them hold their shape better during baking. I've experimented with various herbs and spices, and I can confidently say that a dash of smoked paprika elevates these nuggets to another level. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, and you have a winning snack!

        Why You'll Love These Nuggets
        Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior
Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables
Versatile recipe – customize with your favorite veggies and spices
Perfect for dipping in your choice of sauces

      

Polenta: The Star Ingredient

Polenta serves as the hearty base of these veggie nuggets, providing a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior. When cooked properly, polenta absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a perfect canvas for your chosen vegetables and spices. Be sure to stir continuously as you add the polenta to the boiling broth to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that sets well once cooled.

For the best results, use a medium or coarse-ground polenta, which gives a satisfying texture. Instant polenta can be a quicker alternative, but it may lack the depth of flavor and texture you get from traditional polenta. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding herbs or nutritional yeast to the polenta while cooking to enhance its flavor.

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

When it comes to the mixed vegetables, the possibilities are nearly endless! I love using colorful carrots, sweet peas, and crunchy corn for their flavor and nutritional value, but feel free to experiment with zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach. Be sure to finely chop any large vegetables to ensure they mix well into the polenta and provide a consistent texture throughout the nuggets.

It's crucial to pre-cook denser vegetables, like carrots, to soften them before mixing them into the polenta. Steaming vegetables for about 5-7 minutes not only helps with texture but also ensures they retain their vibrant colors, making your nuggets visually appealing. You can also season the veggies lightly before adding them for an extra punch of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Nuggets

Shaping the nuggets can be a fun activity, especially if you involve kids in the kitchen! Use a cookie cutter for fun shapes or simply cut them into bite-sized squares or rectangles for ease. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, lightly grease your hands with oil or dampen them with water to make shaping easier.

For the baking process, ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the nuggets inside. This helps in achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on them while baking; if they aren’t browning evenly, simply rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking. Enjoy them fresh, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smoother.

Ingredients for Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets

1 cup polenta
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for spraying

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before moving to the next step.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets.

Cook the Polenta

In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring continuously until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 5 minutes.

Mix in Vegetables and Spices

Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the mixed vegetables, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Spread and Cool the Mixture

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for another 20 minutes to set.

Shape the Nuggets

Once the mixture is firm, cut it into nugget shapes. Roll each nugget in breadcrumbs to coat evenly on all sides.

Bake the Nuggets

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated nuggets on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Once baked, let the nuggets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like parsley or basil to the polenta mixture. You can also try different types of cheese for a unique taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Consider pairing them with a variety of sauces, such as a zesty marinara, creamy ranch, or even a tangy yogurt dip. Each sauce can elevate the nuggets and introduce new flavors, making them a hit at any gathering or family movie night.

If you're looking to make these nuggets a complete meal, you can serve them alongside a fresh salad or on a bed of quinoa or brown rice. This combination not only adds more nutrients but also turns these nuggets into a hearty dish that can satisfy hunger.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storing these nuggets is simple. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about three days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture, about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again.

To freeze the nuggets, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, there’s no need to thaw—simply bake them from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes for a quick snack or meal!

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize these nuggets with your favorite cheese or spices! For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the polenta mixture. Alternatively, experiment with different cheeses like feta or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.

If you want a more savory twist, try incorporating herbs such as fresh basil, oregano, or thyme into the mixture. These can bring out the fresh vegetable flavors even more and make the nuggets truly standout snacks or appetizers at any event.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing into the polenta.

→ Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the polenta mixture and shape the nuggets ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.

→ How do I store leftover nuggets?

Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

→ Can I freeze the nuggets?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked nuggets. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag. Bake from frozen when ready to eat.