Polenta Pizza Recipe

Polenta Pizza Recipe

It's not a secret that pizza is one of the most loved dishes around. Full of cheesy goodness and rich flavor, it's a food that's topped the list of comfort foods for decades. That being said, most pizzas are made with a fluffy, breaded crust that perfectly holds all of the toppings in place. While pizza bread is undeniably delicious, it can cause problems for individuals who don't consume gluten. If you're following a gluten free diet or cooking for someone who is, then you're likely wondering how you can turn this family favorite into a gluten free dish. Luckily we have just the recipe for you! You can easily create a doughy pizza crust sans gluten by swapping traditional all-purpose flour with our yellow corn polenta. Interested in learning more about polenta nutrition facts and recipe ideas? Continue reading as we dive into the benefits of cooking with polenta and how you can use it to create a gluten free polenta pizza.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta, a Northern Italian dish, is made from coarsely ground cornmeal. When cooked, polenta takes on a soft and creamy texture similar to porridge. It pairs well with meats, cheese and creamy sauces and is an excellent gluten free substitute for dishes that call for pasta and other gluten-containing grains. When chilled, polenta forms a firm texture that can be sliced, fried, or layered into dishes like this Cheesy Polenta Casserole with Gorgonzola casserole and Textured Vegetable Protein Lasagna.

Polenta and Baking

Slice of polenta pizza and skillet pan Though polenta is commonly served as a savory dish, it can be worked into several recipes to create baked goods like muffins, cakes and pizza crust. Made from ground cornmeal, it adds a subtly sweet corn flavor to whatever it's combined without changing the overall taste.

Is Polenta Gluten Free?

We mentioned that polenta is an excellent ingredient to use in gluten free recipes, and it is! Because polenta is made from one whole food ingredient, corn, it's entirely gluten free and can be used to add flavor, texture and substance to a dish. When using polenta in gluten free recipes, you must choose one processed in a gluten free facility. Though polenta is naturally gluten free, it's at risk for cross-contamination when processed in facilities that contain gluten. Even the smallest amount of gluten can cause digestive upset in individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, which is why it's crucial to use products that are certified gluten free when cooking for those with dietary restrictions.

Polenta Pizza Recipe

Are you craving a giant slice of pizza without the excess calories and gluten? We have just the alternative for you. While polenta pizza isn't quite the same as traditional pizza, it is delicious. Instead of consuming a bready crust, you'll create a tender and cheesy base for your favorite pizza toppings.

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups Bob's Red Mill Organic Yellow Corn Polenta 4 1/2 cups Water 1 tsp Salt 1 cup grated Cheddar Cheese 8-10 Tbsp Tomato Sauce 1 tsp Dried Oregano 1 Red Onion 1 Red Bell Pepper 5.5 oz Spicy Chorizo 3 Small Tomatoes 10 Black Olives 4.5 oz Feta Cheese Pinch of Pepper Polenta Crust
  1. Place a large and deep pan over high heat, bringing water and sea salt to boil.
  2. Gradually stir in the polenta and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, frequently stirring to prevent sticking.
  3. Continue simmering the polenta until the mixture is very thick. (about 30 minutes)
  4. Stir in butter, and add additional salt to taste.
  5. When the polenta is cooked, stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese.
  6. Allow the polenta to cool.
  7. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the cheesy polenta onto the tray.
  8. Spread the polenta evenly and allow it to continue to cool.
Pizza
  1. Preheat the oven to 400F
  2. Top the polenta with tomato sauce and dried oregano and spread it evenly, covering the entire crust.
  3. Chope the red onion, tomatoes, pepper and sausage and spread everything atop the sauce.
  4. Add olive and crumbled feta cheese.
  5. Bake for 20-30 minutes in the oven until the cheese begins to golden.
  6. Serve immediately.

Topping Ideas

Eager to make this polenta pizza time and time again? Luckily, pizza is an easy meal to customize, which means that the toppings can be switched up each time you make it. Check out the topping ideas below to create a fun and unique pizza every time.
  • Ham, Mushrooms and Grated Cheese.
  • Bacon, onions and grated cheese
  • Ham and pineapple.
  • BBQ sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, bacon, beef mince, ham
  • Sausage and Kale
  • Pizza sauce, buffalo mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt
  • mozzarella, potato, fresh rosemary, extra virgin olive oil

Types of Polenta

Polenta with butter, pumpkin, garlic, savory and parmesan cheese in white bowl on light concrete background There are several different types of polenta available, ranging from organic polenta to tubed polenta. Here are a few of the varieties we offer at Bob's Red Mill.

Yellow Corn Polenta

A quick-cooking and creamy porridge, our Yellow Corn Polenta is made from the highest quality yellow corn. Ground traditionally, from dried corn, it's packaged and ready to use in various recipes. Turn it into a creamy breakfast porridge or use it to create a savory dinner with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. It's a staple in many gourmet Italian and Mediterranean restaurants and an essential ingredient for the classic Italian dish polenta.

Organic Yellow Corn Polenta

Made from the finest golden corn, this organic polenta features a rich flavor that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. Cook it up and serve it as a warm side dish, or spread the porridge in a pan and refrigerate it until it sets to create a homemade version or ready-to-use tubed polenta. This Organic Yellow Corn Polenta can be cut into squares and baked, grilled, or fried. It can also be used to replace pasta in dishes and served alongside roasted vegetables.

Gluten Free Yellow Corn Polenta

If you're cooking for gluten free guests, then you'll want to make sure the polenta you're serving is certified gluten free. Our Gluten Free Yellow Corn Polenta is processed in our dedicated gluten free facility and makes a delicious bowl of porridge, light lunch, or savory dinner dish.

Additional Polenta Recipes

Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie Now that you know how easy making a polenta-based pizza crust is, you're likely wondering what other delicious dishes you can create with this tasty ingredient. While a full list of polenta recipes can be found in our online recipe book, we've listed some of our favorites are here.

Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie

If your family loved the polenta pizza recipe you created, they're bound to enjoy this Three Bean Chili Polenta Pot Pie. Hearty and incredibly filling, it's loaded with beans and a creamy polenta crust that takes about half an hour to make from start to finish. Though this pie isn't lacking any flavor, ground beef or chopped chicken can be added for an extra dose of protein. Make this chili pot pie the next time you're expecting guests, and watch the compliments roll in.

Polenta Marionberry Lemon Cake

If you thought polenta was solely used to make savory dinner recipes, think again. Polenta is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create everything from pizza crust to baked goods. This Polenta Marionberry Lemon Cake is an excellent example of how polenta can be used to make a sweet and fluffy baked good. A recipe that combines our Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour, Yellow Corn Polenta, lemon zest, buttermilk and marionberries, it's a summer dessert that offers an elegance and flavor that all ages will enjoy. Use this recipe to create a full 9-inch round cake or turn it into cupcakes for a more bite-sized treat.

Basic Italian Polenta

We've talked about how polenta can be used to create several different dishes, but what about the most popular dish? Polenta itself! A classic Italian dish, just four ingredients are used to create a plate that's overflowing with flavor and opportunity. Follow the steps in this Basic Italian Polenta recipe to impress your Italian family and friends the next time they're over. It's sure to be a hit. Now that you know how to make gluten free polenta pizza, you can easily recreate your favorite dish and accommodate guests' food allergies at the same time. An easy-to-make meal, it's bound to become one of your weeknight favorites. Plus, the endless topping combinations allow you to customize it to your and your family's taste preferences. So whether you're a classic cheese and pepperoni pizza lover or prefer Hawaiian-style pizza, this polenta crust is sure to suffice. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a filling and flavorful day! Do you enjoy cooking with polenta? We'd love to hear about the different recipes you create with this ingredient. Share your favorite polenta-based meals with us in the comments below.
Bob's Red Mill
March 30 2022

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