POLENTA BITES WITH WILD MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA

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Polenta Bites with Wild Mushrooms and Fontina image

Store-bought tubes of polenta are the ultimate appetizer shortcut: just slice and toast in the oven, top with sautéed wild mushrooms and a sprinkling of grated Fontina, then bake again until melty and irresistible. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of Sherry vinegar punch up the flavor of the mushrooms.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     New Year's Eve     Hors D'Oeuvre     Cocktail Party     Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa     Mushroom     Fontina     Vegetarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Appetizer

Yield Makes 30

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 pounds prepared polenta, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (about 30 rounds)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms (such as oyster, crimini, and/or stemmed shiitake), cut into thick slices
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Sherry vinegar
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves
4 ounces Fontina cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)

Steps:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Divide mushroom mixture between baking sheets with polenta. Top with cheese. Continue to roast until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Arrange polenta bites on a platter and serve.
  • Do Ahead
  • Mushroom mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.

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