Baked Polenta Fries with Spicy Harissa Aioli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden baked polenta cut into fries, paired with a smoky and spicy harissa aioli that adds a punch of flavor to every crispy bite. This mediterranean-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes turns polenta, water, salt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp olive oil until smooth. Pour the polenta into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes until firm.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Once firm, cut polenta into 1/2-inch thick fries. Toss fries with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp paprika, then arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Bake fries for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly crispy on edges.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm polenta fries with harissa aioli for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Polenta Fries with Spicy Harissa Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Polenta Fries with Spicy Harissa Aioli?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Polenta Fries with Spicy Harissa Aioli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Polenta Fries with Spicy Harissa Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Polenta Fries with Spicy Harissa Aioli vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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