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Vegan Polenta Pizza Bites
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5 from 2 votes

Vegan Polenta Pizza Bites

These vegan polenta pizza bites are the perfect mini, gluten-free appetizer. They're easy to make and great for feeding a crowd (or tiny hands).
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: gluten-free, Pizza, vegan
Servings: 15 pizza bites
Author: Ashley

Ingredients

  • 1 tube polenta, chilled and sliced into ⅓- to ½-inch-thick rounds (I love Ancient Harvest polenta)*
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt + pepper
  • ½ cup grape tomatoes, sliced into rounds**
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, very thinly sliced
  • 1 recipe Cashew Mozzarella Cheese
  • ½ cup store-bought pizza sauce (I love Rao's)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the polenta rounds on the baking sheet. Very lightly brush the top of each slice with olive oil. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Once the oven is preheated, bake the polenta rounds for 25 to 30 minutes, or until beginning to turn golden and firm/crisp. Leave the oven on after baking.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the tomatoes and basil.
  • When the polenta is about 10 minutes away from being ready, prepare the Cashew Mozzarella Cheese.
  • Spread about a teaspoon of pizza sauce on each baked polenta round. Then, dollop a bit of cashew mozzarella onto each. Top with a few tomato rounds.
  • Bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until slightly crisp and golden.
  • Garnish with fresh basil.
  • Serve immediately.***

Notes

*A sharp, serrated bread knife works best for slicing the polenta without crushing/crumbling it.
**You can add or adjust veggie toppings to suit your tastes! I'd imagine diced or sliced mushrooms and/or peppers would be lovely on these, too. Just keep in mind the final baking time—it's only 5 to 8 minutes, and some veggies need a longer bake to soften.
***These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but can be reheated. I like to make a batch to keep in the refrigerator and then reheat two at a time in the oven for Sloane's dinner (400F for 5 minutes, or until warmed through).