Best Vegan Polenta Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

If you’re searching for a comforting, versatile, and deeply satisfying meal that’s 100% plant-based, look no further than vegan polenta! This humble Italian staple is made from cornmeal and, when prepared thoughtfully, transforms into a creamy, hearty dish that can serve as a canvas for all sorts of delicious vegan toppings.

Whether you’re craving a rustic bowl of creamy polenta, crispy polenta fries for dipping, or a stunning baked polenta casserole, you’ll find inspiration here for every mood and occasion. In this post, I’ll share three of the best vegan polenta recipes—each one packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please vegans and omnivores alike.

Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: Polenta requires just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
• Totally Versatile: Enjoy it soft and creamy, bake it into slices, or turn it into fries—the possibilities are endless.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore its cozy, satisfying texture.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Gluten-Free and Vegan: Naturally free from gluten, dairy, and eggs, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.
• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegan cheeses for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Medium or large saucepan
• Whisk (for lump-free polenta)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking dish or sheet pan (for baked/fried polenta)
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven (for baked polenta recipes)
• Nonstick skillet (for sautéing mushrooms or frying polenta)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creamy Vegan Polenta with Garlic Mushrooms

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water (or plant milk) and 1/2 tsp salt to a gentle boil.
2. Gradually whisk in 1 cup polenta in a slow, steady stream to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy. If too thick, add a splash more water or milk.
4. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes.
6. Add garlic and thyme to the mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes more until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Spoon creamy polenta into bowls and top generously with garlicky mushrooms. Sprinkle with extra herbs if desired.

Easy Baked Polenta Squares

1. Bring 3 cups vegetable broth and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Whisk in 1 cup polenta gradually. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Stir in vegan parmesan, olive oil, and Italian herbs.
4. Pour hot polenta into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking dish and smooth the top.
5. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour).
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut chilled polenta into squares or rectangles.
7. Arrange on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp on the edges.

Crispy Polenta Fries

1. Bring 3 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta. Lower heat and stir frequently for 15-20 minutes, until thick.
3. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil.
4. Spread polenta evenly in a parchment-lined loaf pan or square baking dish. Smooth the top. Cool to room temp, then chill until firm.
5. Once set, turn polenta onto a cutting board and slice into fry shapes.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place fries on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Make it extra creamy by using unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk instead of water.
• Herb it up: Add fresh basil, sage, or rosemary for a flavor boost.
• Spice it: Stir in chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a hint of heat.
• Cheesy polenta: Mix in vegan mozzarella or cheddar shreds for meltier, cheesier results.
• Add veggies: Top with roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions.
• Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals.
• Grill it: Baked or chilled polenta can be grilled for smoky, charred flavor.

“Always add your polenta to boiling liquid slowly, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and ensure creamy results.”

Nutrition Facts

Polenta is naturally low in fat and calories, gluten-free, and a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. The following nutrition facts are for one serving (about 1 cup) of basic creamy vegan polenta (without toppings):

Adding mushrooms, herbs, or vegan cheese will slightly increase the protein and micronutrient content. For a heartier meal, top with your favorite legumes or roasted vegetables!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve creamy vegan polenta as a main dish, topped with garlic mushrooms, slow-roasted tomatoes, or vegan ragù.
• Pair baked polenta squares with a fresh green salad or a side of Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew for a cozy dinner.
• Dip polenta fries in spicy marinara, vegan aioli, or even guacamole for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
• Use polenta as a gluten-free base for vegan pizza toppings—simply bake, then top and broil until bubbly.
• For an Italian-inspired feast, serve polenta as a side to your favorite vegan protein or roasted vegetables.
• Craving dessert? Try pairing leftover creamy polenta with a touch of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon, or get inspired by this Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a sweet finish.

Conclusion

Vegan polenta is proof that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special. Whether you’re in the mood for a creamy, spoonable comfort dish, crisp oven-baked squares, or irresistible polenta fries, these recipes deliver on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Even better, they’re easy to customize with whatever veggies, herbs, or sauces you have on hand. I hope these best vegan polenta recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen—your tastebuds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

If you’ve enjoyed these recipes, why not explore more plant-based inspiration? Check out my Collard Green Casserole Recipes for another comfort classic, or try something sweet like my Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe for dessert.

Let me know your favorite way to enjoy vegan polenta in the comments!

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