Polenta Bites with Wild Mushrooms and Fontina

Crispy rounds of polenta topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and melted Fontina cheese. These elegant appetizer bites feature a delicious combination of creamy polenta, earthy mushrooms, and rich cheese, finished with fresh parsley and a hint of sherry vinegar.

8 servings
52 min

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds prepared polenta
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms
  • 2 whole shallots
  • ¼ cup Sherry vinegar
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup parsley
  • 4 ounces Fontina cheese
  • 1 cup coarsely grated cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush both sides of polenta slices very lightly with oil and arrange on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Roast polenta until lightly golden brown and warmed through, about 25 minutes.

    25 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, melt butter with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until tender and browned, about 12 minutes. Add shallots, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley.

    17 min

  3. 3.

    Divide mushroom mixture between baking sheets with polenta. Top with cheese. Continue to roast until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Arrange polenta bites on a platter and serve.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Mushroom mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.