Polenta Pizza Crust (Easy Recipe)

If you’re someone who loves experimenting with unique dishes or needs a delicious gluten-free option, polenta pizza is a must-try! Polenta, a staple in Italian cuisine, is traditionally served as a creamy mash made by cooking cornmeal with milk and water, often enriched with butter. But in this recipe, we transform it into a versatile pizza crust that’s perfect for holding your favorite toppings.

The result? A soft, flavorful base with a tender texture that pairs beautifully with vibrant toppings like marinara, mozzarella, and crisp vegetables. While the crust lacks the crunch of traditional pizza dough, adding fresh ingredients like bell peppers, arugula, or even pickles brings a refreshing crispness to every bite. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or just love trying new dishes, this polenta pizza is sure to impress.

Table of contents:

• Equipment required
• Ingredients required
• Procedure
• Step-by-step picture
• Video Tutorial
• FAQ
• Recommended recipes
• Recipe Card

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What equipment do I need to make easy polenta pizza recipe:

Baking Tray

Used to shape and bake the polenta base. Ensure it’s lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Pizza Cutter

Perfect for slicing the pizza into even portions without disturbing the toppings.

Weighing Scale

Ensures precise measurements for ingredients like polenta grits and liquids, crucial for consistency.

Chefs Knife

Ideal for chopping vegetables and slicing toppings like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

Big Bowl

Use this for prepping and tossing your toppings or mixing ingredients if needed.

Heavy Bottomed saucepan

Essential for cooking the polenta. A sturdy base ensures even heat distribution to prevent scorching.

What ingredients do I need to make polenta pizza:

• Polenta Grits: The star ingredient, providing structure and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor. Polenta’s natural starches thicken and set when cooked, creating a firm base that holds up under toppings.
• Water & Milk: A mix of these liquids ensures the crust is creamy yet firm when baked. Milk adds richness, while water balances the texture. The combination of milk and water adds richness and flavor to the crust, while salt enhances its natural sweetness.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds tangy, umami flavor to complement the mild polenta. (Check out my No-Knead Pepperoni Focaccia recipe for a homemade marinara sauce!)
• Mozzarella Cheese: The melty goodness that makes pizza irresistible. Also yes, that signature cheese pull can only be done with this beauty! You can also check out my viral kunafa recipe which uses cream cheese as its filling for that melty warm filling with that crunchy kunafa outside.
• Toppings: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add freshness, flavor, and texture. Crisp veggies like arugula or spinach provide a refreshing crunch to balance the softness of the crust.
• Oregano & Chili Flakes: Bring an Italian touch to the final dish.

Step-by-Step procedure to make an easy Polenta Pizza recipe:

1. Cook the Polenta

1. In a saucepan, bring water, milk, salt, and pepper to a gentle boil.
2. Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. The starch in the polenta will gelatinize, creating a smooth, spreadable texture.

2. Shape the Crust

1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Spread the hot polenta onto the tray in a pizza shape using a palette knife. Smooth it out to ensure an even base.
3. Let the crust cool, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

3. Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F).
2. Spread marinara sauce over the chilled polenta base.
3. Top with mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Feel free to add fresh arugula or pickles for extra texture.

4. Bake & Serve

1. Bake the pizza for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish with oregano and chili flakes.
3. Slice and serve warm.

Step-by-step pictures on how to make gluten-free polenta pizza:

Frequently Asked Questions about Polenta Pizza:

Can I make this pizza vegan?

Yes! Swap milk with plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and use vegan cheese.

How can I add more crispness to the crust?

To make the crust slightly crispier, you can bake the polenta base for 10 minutes before adding the toppings.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the crust, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Alternatively, freeze it for up to 1 month.

What other toppings work well with polenta pizza?

Try roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fresh herbs like basil work well as polenta pizza toppings. For a gourmet twist, add a drizzle of truffle oil after baking.

Is polenta pizza healthy?

Yes, it’s a lighter, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza. Pair it with fresh, nutrient-rich toppings for a wholesome meal. If you are like me, we just love pizza anyway, so feel free to check out my pizza recipe that is loaded with all the things you love!

What Flavour is polenta?

An Italian storecupboard staple, polenta has its roots in the peasant cuisine of northern Italy. It’s made by grinding corn into flour or meal. It has a rich yellow, yolk-like color and has a slightly sweet flavor. Polenta can be cooked to be creamy and thick, or allowed to set and then sliced.

Bring more Italian-inspired recipes and breads:

• Burrata Pizza Recipe: Perfect for pizza night!
• No-Knead Pepperoni Focaccia: Learn to make marinara sauce.
• Garlic Focaccia: A no-knead bread recipe for beginners.
• Tiramisu (No Alcohol, No Raw Egg): End your Italian meal with this classic dessert.
• Best Veggie Focaccia: Another quick and easy focaccia recipe.

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”Polenta

April 15, 2025

Servings: ”8″

Difficulty: ”Easy”

”Polenta

By: Alisha Sarkar

Ingredients

• ”###

Directions

• Step 1 (https://www.notion.so/Polenta-Pizza-17170ff7584580ef9307f86763207416?pvs=21) recipe for a delicious marinara!*)
• Step 2 **Mozzarella Cheese**: Grated, as needed
• Step 3 **Vegetables**: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or your choice
• Step 4 **Oregano & Chili Flakes**: For garnish” ]In a saucepan, bring water, milk, salt, and pepper to a gentle boil.
• Step 5 Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Step 6 Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. The starch in the polenta will gelatinize, creating a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Step 7 Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
• Step 8 Spread the hot polenta onto the tray in a pizza shape using a palette knife. Smooth it out to ensure an even base.
• Step 9 Let the crust cool, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
• Step 10 Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F).
• Step 11 Spread marinara sauce over the chilled polenta base.
• Step 12 Top with mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Feel free to add fresh arugula or pickles for extra texture.
• Step 13 Bake the pizza for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Step 14 Garnish with oregano and chili flakes.
• Step 15 Slice and serve warm.

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