Crispy Polenta Goat Cheese Balls with Bacon and Arugula in Creamy Ragu
Dive into the ultimate comfort food with these Crispy Polenta Goat Cheese Balls, artfully combined with savory bacon and peppery arugula. These delectable bites are coated in a golden crust of quick-cook polenta and Italian breadcrumbs, then lightly fried to perfection. They are served atop a rich and creamy Ragú® Parmesan and Romano sauce that adds an irresistible layer of flavor. Perfect for appetizers or a unique party dish, this recipe is sure to impress your guests while being delightfully easy to make!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
2 slices (cooked crisp, drained, and chopped)
goat cheese
6 ounces (softened)
romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated, reserve one tablespoon for garnish)
baby arugula
3/4 cup (finely chopped, divided)
egg
1 (beaten)
flour
1/4 cup
quick cook polenta
1/4 cup
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
vegetable oil
2 cups (for frying)
Ragú® Pasta Sauce
1 cup (cheese creations parmesan and romano sauce)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Polenta Goat Cheese Balls?
They are delectable fried bites made with goat cheese, bacon, and arugula, coated in a polenta crust and served with creamy sauce.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses 6 ounces of softened goat cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese.
How should the bacon be prepared for this recipe?
The bacon should be cooked until crisp, drained of fat, and then finely chopped.
What ingredients make up the crispy coating?
The coating is a golden crust made from flour, quick-cook polenta, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
What sauce is recommended for serving?
The dish is served atop one cup of Ragú Cheese Creations Parmesan and Romano sauce.
Is arugula included in the cheese mixture?
Yes, 3/4 cup of finely chopped baby arugula is used and divided within the recipe.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying the cheese balls.
Can I use regular polenta instead of quick-cook?
The recipe specifically requires quick-cook polenta to ensure the crust reaches the right texture while frying.
Is this dish suitable for a party appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a perfect appetizer or unique party dish that is sure to impress guests.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe, including the cheeses, bacon, and sauce.
How is the egg used in this recipe?
One beaten egg is used as a binder to help the polenta and breadcrumb coating adhere to the cheese balls.
Is there Romano cheese in the Ragú sauce?
Yes, the specific Ragú sauce used is the Cheese Creations Parmesan and Romano variety.
How much Romano cheese should I reserve for garnish?
You should reserve one tablespoon of the grated Romano cheese for garnishing the finished dish.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this dish?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended to provide the best flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as the ultimate comfort food.
Does the goat cheese need to be cold?
No, the goat cheese should be softened to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
How much flour is needed for the breading?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of flour for the coating process.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a crispy, golden exterior with a rich and creamy cheese center.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
Despite its gourmet appearance, the recipe is designed to be delightfully easy to make.
What is the primary cuisine style of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Italian cuisine due to the use of polenta, Romano cheese, and Italian breadcrumbs.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 2 slices of bacon for this recipe.
Is the arugula cooked before being added?
No, the arugula is chopped fresh and mixed into the cheese filling.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
The recipe specifies frying in vegetable oil to achieve the intended crispy texture.
What is the specific amount of polenta used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of quick-cook polenta for the crust.
Is the sauce served on the side or underneath?
The cheese balls are served atop the rich and creamy Ragú sauce.
Are these cheese balls vegetarian?
No, they contain bacon slices.
What type of arugula should I use?
Baby arugula is recommended for its tender texture and peppery flavor.
How much breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Can I substitute the Romano cheese?
While Romano is specified, Parmesan could be a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The specific serving count is not provided, but it is intended as an appetizer or party dish.