22 Easy Recipes That Use Polenta Tubes (2024)

Cuke-a-Mato Broiled Polenta

Slices of tubed polenta keep their shape really well, which allows you to assemble this colorful appetizer a couple of hours in advance. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and heat under the broiler for a few minutes when you're ready to serve.

Pesto Polenta Lasagna

This recipe uses slices of ready-made polenta instead of lasagna noodles. "My best friend is allergic to wheat and gluten. Polenta lasagna is one of our favorite main dishes to share at dinner parties, since all us wheat-eaters love it too. The dish lends itself nicely to variations and is surprisingly quick to prepare," says one Allrecipes community member.

Vegan Arepas Made with Polenta

Arepas are small Venezuelan flatbreads stuffed with a meat or cheese filling. In this clever version, slices of premade polenta are used instead of flatbread. Each slice is topped with black bean puree, crispy tofu, fried banana, avocado, and a spicy mango salsa for a delicious restaurant-style vegan meal.

Air Fryer Polenta Fries

Precooked polenta is easily sliced into long, thin slices to make french fries. Serve with aioli, pesto, or ketchup. You can also cut the polenta into wedges to resemble potato wedges. Due to the thickness, you will need to add 10 minutes to the cook time.

Polenta with Spicy Sausage-Veggie Sauce

Slices of precooked polenta are broiled until golden brown, then topped with a meaty pork sausage and vegetable sauce. Try using different flavors of sausages, or vegetarian sausages if you prefer.

Cheesy Polenta Casserole

Home cook Jolee added this 5-star review after making this easy-to-assemble casserole with a tube of polenta, a jar of marinara sauce, and three types of cheese: "This was a delicious and different casserole. I will definitely double the recipe next time—it disappeared too quickly."

Polenta Pizza

"I had a package of prepared polenta on the shelf, which I had purchased quite some time ago. Not wanting to waste it, I searched online and found this polenta pizza recipe. Tasted wonderful and is a nice change of pace—an excellent way to use prepared polenta," says reviewer cookin'gal.

Baked Polenta Slices with Tomatoes and Yellow Squash

Recipe contributor katiemae wanted to use up her garden tomatoes and squash in an easy recipe: "These baked polenta slices are a nice change of pace from pasta dishes," she says. Try a flavored tubed polenta, like garlic, basil, or sun-dried tomato, for an extra boost of flavor.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta

This recipe shows you how to cook down a tube of ready-made polenta with a little bit of stock and Parmesan cheese to create a foolproof, deliciously creamy polenta side dish that's ready to serve in just 5 minutes.

Ratatouille with Polenta Rounds

Homemade ratatouille is topped with precooked slices of polenta and mozzarella cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling. "I found this dish very flavorful! The leftovers were even better the next day. I will definitely make it again, especially in the summer when I can get my hands on fresh zucchini and tomatoes," says recipe reviewer Mermaid62.

Vegan 'Meat' Sauce on Polenta

A vegan bolognese-style sauce is served on top of crispy polenta slices. Alternatively, you can cook down the tube of prepared polenta with a few tablespoons of stock to create a creamier side dish served with meat sauce.

Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Feta Polenta Casserole

Slices of ready-made polenta form the base of this casserole, so you don't have to make it from scratch. A rustic sausage, tomato, and bell pepper sauce forms the second layer and is topped with crumbled feta and goat cheese. Reviewer cat says: "This recipe is at the top of our list for best meals!"

Italian Summer Squash Polenta Bake

This top-rated recipe simply involves topping a layer of prepared polenta slices with sautéed summer vegetables and grated cheese. "This was an easy and delicious summer dinner. We just melted the cheese under the broiler, so the polenta stayed crispy under the marinara sauce," says Doughgirl8.

Grilled Polenta Bites with Black Bean Salsa

A precooked tube of polenta is sliced into rounds and heated on the grill until crispy around the edges but still soft inside. Top with a homemade spicy black bean salsa for an easy summer appetizer.

Polenta and Vegetable Casserole

Beans and corn are spooned on top of ready made polenta slices, then topped with fajita-seasoned vegetables, salsa, and cheese to make this comforting, Mexican-inspired polenta casserole.

Air Fryer Shrimp and Polenta

Place these slices of prepared polenta in the air fryer for a crispy edge and top with shrimp, tomatoes, and a rich, seasoned butter for a substantial appetizer or light lunch.

Chicken, Mushroom, and Polenta Lasagna

Layers of ready-made polenta slices are topped with pesto, chicken, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. "My husband has a gluten intolerance so thought I'd give this recipe with polenta a try," says reviewer mommajama. "The overall combination of flavors is good, and it's a lighter dish than traditional lasagna."

Grilled Polenta with Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are macerated in sugar and a brandy-based orange liqueur while precooked slices of polenta are warmed on the grill. This recipe is perfect for a grown-up alfresco dessert. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Air Fryer Polenta Pizza Bites

You can really make these polenta pizza bites your own. While the recipe only calls for four ingredients, adding some pizza sauce, Italian herbs, or your favorite toppings brings the dish to life.

Spinach, White Beans, and Baked Polenta Slices

"I love this veggie-packed dish. I've served the veggie topping over polenta, couscous, and with gnocchi to rave reviews with each variation," says recipe creator kelseymay28. "Even my unadventurous mom liked it! Leftovers are delicious, too. Plus, it's quick and easy. Sprinkle with additional paprika, if desired."

Fried Polenta Squares with Creamy Mushroom Ragu

These crisp polenta squares are topped with a richly savory mushroom mixture that boasts garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Enjoy a decadent bite that shows just how delicious precooked polenta can be,

Crispy Polenta Bites with Jammy Tomato Topper

"A tasty party app gets the vegetarian treatment in these crispy polenta bites with jammy tomato topper," says recipe creator Sarah Brekke. "With a few quick adjustments, this recipe can feed the meat lovers and vegans in your life, too."

More Inspiration

• Check out our complete collection of Polenta Recipes.
• Best Italian Recipes for Beginner Cooks
• Quick and Easy Italian Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less