Cheesy Polenta Tarts with Blue Cheese, Tomatoes & Pine Nuts
Polenta Bites With Blue Cheese, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts Recipe
Overview
These delightful Polenta Bites with Blue Cheese, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts are like little savory tarts, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. They’re filled with the rich flavors of blue cheese, the sweetness of grape tomatoes, and the nuttiness of pine nuts, all set in a bed of creamy polenta. Easy to make ahead and bake just before serving, they make for a stunning appetizer or snack.
Recipe Information
- Name: Polenta Bites With Blue Cheese, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 polenta bites
- Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- Salt to taste
Nutrition Facts (per serving of 1 polenta bite)
- Calories: 51.5
- Fat: 2.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 5.4mg
- Sodium: 99.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 0.1g
- Protein: 2.7g
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these Polenta Bites step by step:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. | Lightly butter 24 mini muffin cups. |
| 2. | In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a boil over medium-high heat. |
| 3. | Reduce heat to medium and gradually whisk in the yellow cornmeal. |
| 4. | Cook until the mixture is very thick, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. |
| 5. | Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste. |
| 6. | Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of the hot polenta into each buttered mini muffin cup. |
| 7. | Using the back of a spoon, pack the polenta firmly into the cups. |
| 8. | Make an indentation in the center of each polenta tart with your finger, creating a space for the filling. |
| 9. | Chill the polenta tarts until cold and set, approximately 3 hours. They can also be made 1 day ahead and kept chilled, covered. |
| 10. | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil. |
| 11. | Using the tip of a knife, gently lift the chilled polenta tarts from the muffin pan and transfer them, indented side up, to the prepared baking sheet. |
| 12. | Place one cube of crumbled blue cheese into each indentation in the polenta tarts. |
| 13. | Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and pine nuts evenly over the blue cheese in each tart. |
| 14. | Top each tart with 2 quarters of grape tomatoes. |
| 15. | Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the polenta is warmed through, about 5 minutes. |
| 16. | Transfer the baked polenta tarts to a serving platter. |
| 17. | Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the tarts just before serving. |
Serving Suggestions
These Polenta Bites are best served warm, right out of the oven. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties, gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a complete meal. The combination of creamy polenta, tangy blue cheese, and sweet tomatoes is sure to delight your taste buds.
Tips for Success
- Chilling Time: Make sure to allow enough time for the polenta tarts to chill and set properly. This helps them hold their shape when baking.
- Cheese Melting: Keep an eye on the oven while baking to ensure the cheese melts just right without overcooking the polenta.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or toppings to suit your taste. Goat cheese or feta can be excellent alternatives to blue cheese, and you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
These Polenta Bites are not only delicious but also relatively low in calories and carbs, making them a guilt-free indulgence suitable for various dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
With their blend of textures and flavors, these Polenta Bites with Blue Cheese, Tomatoes, and Pine Nuts are a standout appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy creating these savory bites and savor the compliments that come your way! 🧀🍅
