Gluten Free Spicy Sausage Polenta Bites
These little polenta bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even sit down — golden-edged rounds topped with spicy crumbled sausage, bubbling mozzarella, and a spoonful of marinara. The base is made from coarse-ground cornmeal cooked low and slow with chicken broth and Parmesan, then chilled until firm enough to cut into neat rounds and bake until crisp at the edges. Cornmeal is naturally wheat-free, so there's no swapping or substituting required here — the whole recipe is built around ingredients that work without any modification. The topping comes together fast in a skillet while the rounds are in the oven, with spicy Italian sausage broken into savory crumbles and kicked up further with red pepper flakes. A quick second bake melts the mozzarella into that glossy, slightly bubbly finish that makes these look way more impressive than the effort involved. Fresh basil scattered on top right before serving adds a bright, herby contrast to all that richness. This recipe makes 6 servings, so it's ideal for a small gathering or a weekend snack spread where you actually want people to be impressed.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the polenta
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup coarse-ground cornmeal (polenta)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the topping
- 1 lb spicy italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, chicken broth, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a thin, steady stream, then reduce the heat to low.
- 2
Cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until it pulls away from the sides of the pan and holds its shape when a spoonful is dropped back in, about 20–25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, Parmesan, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
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