Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets

Name: Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry); 1/2 cup grated carrot; 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Easy Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely adore these Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets! They bring a delightful crunch combined with a medley of vibrant vegetables and a hint of Italian herbs. Perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or even a main dish paired with a fresh salad. What I love most is their versatility; you can swap in your favorite veggies or experiment with different seasonings. It’s a dish that’s both fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat!

Created by

Rosamund Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-19T23:25:35.060Z

Creating these Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets was an adventure that made my kitchen feel alive with color and flavor. I experimented with different combinations of vegetables and spices, and I found that the key to achieving that perfect crunch lies in baking them at a high temperature for just the right amount of time. The result was a crispy exterior that held the delightful textures of the veggies within.

One specific tip I discovered during my trials was to let the polenta mixture cool completely before forming the nuggets. This step helps them maintain their shape while cooking, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy every time. I can't wait for you to try them!

        Why You'll Love These Nuggets
        Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful inside
Packed with healthy vegetables and herbs
Perfect as a snack or a side dish for any meal

      

The Perfect Polenta Base

Polenta is the star of these nuggets, acting as a delightful base that's both creamy and hearty. When cooking it, make sure to whisk continuously while adding the polenta to avoid lumps. It should cook on low heat to prevent burning, becoming thick and smooth in about five minutes. A golden hue indicates it's ready to mix with the veggies, which adds texture and nutrition to your nuggets.

Moreover, let the polenta cool slightly after cooking. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to shape into nuggets later. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding grated cheese or nutritional yeast to the polenta for an extra cheesy flavor profile without the dairy.

Choosing the Right Veggies

The beauty of these nuggets lies in their versatility. You can substitute the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. For instance, corn, chopped spinach, or finely diced mushrooms could all work well here. Each vegetable brings its unique flavor, moisture content, and nutrients, so feel free to get creative in your combinations.

Don't forget that moisture levels in the veggies can affect the final texture of your nuggets. Always squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. For a more intense flavor, try sautéing your onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil before mixing them into the veggie blend. It'll add a beautiful depth to the overall dish.

Baking for Maximum Crispiness

Baking is essential for achieving that delicious crispy exterior. When drizzling olive oil over the nuggets, ensure you cover them evenly for a golden finish. The trick is to turn the nuggets halfway through baking – this not only allows even cooking but enhances the crunchiness on both sides. Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark to prevent over-browning. They should be golden with a firm exterior.

If you're planning to make these nuggets ahead of time, you can prepare the formed nuggets and freeze them before baking. Freeze them on the baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a container. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll still achieve that delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious veggie nugget experience:

For the Polenta Base

1 cup polenta
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Veggie Mix

1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced

For Coating

3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the nuggets:

Prepare the Polenta

In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta, salt, and pepper, cooking over low heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Shape

Once the polenta has cooled, fold it into the vegetable mixture. Form small nuggets using your hands and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Coat the Nuggets

In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Dredge each nugget in the breadcrumb mixture, then place back on the baking sheet.

Bake

Drizzle the nuggets with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Enjoy your crispy nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the veggie mix. You can also try adding cheese for a creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Polenta Veggie Nuggets are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They shine as a standalone appetizer, but you can pair them with various dipping sauces like marinara or a zesty yogurt dip to enhance their flavor. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, balancing the nuggets' richness.

You can also create a delightful appetizer platter by arranging the nuggets with an assortment of crudités and dips. This variation allows guests to mix and match, making for a fun dining experience. Serve at room temperature for parties, as they remain delicious even after they cool down.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to prepare these nuggets in advance, consider making the polenta base the day before. Store the cooled polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember that you'll need to allow it to come to room temperature for easier handling when forming the nuggets.

For storing leftovers, keep the cooked nuggets in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your nuggets aren’t holding together while baking, it might be that the polenta was too soft or there wasn't enough vegetable moisture squeezed out initially. In this case, consider adding an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help with binding next time or cooking the polenta a bit longer to firm it up.

On the other hand, if they come out too dry, it may be due to overbaking them. Keep an eye on the nuggets and adjust the baking time according to your oven’s characteristics. Remember that every oven is different, and a small tweak could lead to perfectly crisp nuggets that are also moist inside.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

→ How long will the nuggets last in the fridge?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the nuggets?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked nuggets on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?

They are delicious with marinara, hummus, or even a spicy aioli!