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Fried Polenta Cheese Fritters

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These fried polenta cheese fritters offer a delightful contrast between a crisp, golden exterior and a beautifully soft, savoury centre. By combining traditional yellow cornmeal with the mellow, nutty flavour of Edam cheese, this vegetarian dish transforms simple cupboard staples into an impressive snack or side dish. The addition of a little sugar to the batter helps the fritters caramelise perfectly in the frying pan, resulting in a rich colour and a satisfying crunch that makes them completely moreish.

Ideal for entertaining, these homemade fritters can be prepared well in advance and kept in the fridge until you are ready to fry. Serve them as a tasty appetiser alongside a spicy tomato relish or as a gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. Their bite-sized shape makes them particularly popular at dinner parties or as a comforting family treat that is best enjoyed hot and freshly seasoned with a garnish of bright, flat-leaf parsley.

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Ingredients for Fried Polenta Cheese Fritters

  • 190g yellow cornmeal

  • 60g plain flour

  • 60ml sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 240ml whole milk

  • 240ml water

  • 120ml (packed) coarsely grated Edam cheese (about 90g )

  • 1 1/2 cups canola oil

  • Chopped fresh parsley

How to make Fried Polenta Cheese Fritters

Lightly oil 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan. Whisk first 4 ingredients in bowl. Bring milk and 240ml water to boil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in dry ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until very thick, whisking constantly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in cheese. Transfer batter to prepared pan; press to even layer. Chill until cold.

Cut fritter batter into 3 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 8 rectangles. Turn rectangles out of pan onto work surface. Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add fritters to skillet and sautée until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer fritters to paper towels to drain. Arrange fritters on platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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