Beer Cheese Polenta Fries

Introduce a gourmet twist to your appetizer or side dish repertoire with Beer Cheese Polenta Fries. This recipe combines the creamy, comforting texture of polenta with the rich, bold flavors of beer cheese, creating an irresistible dish that's crispy on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside. Once chilled and cut into fries, these polenta sticks are either fried or baked to golden perfection, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional fries. Perfect for dipping, these polenta fries are a unique and flavorful way to start a meal or accompany your favorite mains.

Ingredients:

For the Beer Cheese Polenta:

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup cornmeal (polenta)

1/2 cup beer cheese spread (see note for a simple recipe)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying/Baking:

Vegetable oil for frying, or

Olive oil for baking

For Serving:

Marinara sauce, aioli, or your choice of dipping sauce

Note: For a simple beer cheese spread, blend together 1/4 cup softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar, 2 tablespoons beer (a lager or ale), a pinch of garlic powder, and a dash of mustard until smooth.

 

Instructions:

Prepare the Polenta:

Cook Polenta:

In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Add Beer Cheese:

Stir in the beer cheese spread and butter until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Chill:

Pour the polenta into a greased baking dish, spreading it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Cut and Cook Fries:

Prepare Fries:

Once chilled and firm, turn the polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into fries.

For Frying:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the polenta fries in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

For Baking:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the polenta fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until crispy, about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.

Serving:

Serve your Beer Cheese Polenta Fries hot, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce. These fries make a fantastic appetizer or side dish, offering a delightful combination of creamy polenta, flavorful beer cheese, and a crispy exterior. Perfect for entertaining or as a novel addition to your meal, these polenta fries are sure to impress with their unique flavor and satisfying texture. Enjoy the gourmet twist on a classic comfort food, making every bite a memorable experience.