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Gluten-Free Savory Polenta and Herb Cakes with Sun-Dried Tomato Relish

By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished May 4, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Mediterranean-inspired 35 mins glutenfreevegetariandairyfreefamilyfriendlyeasymaincourseappetizersidedishkidfriendlysavoryquickrecipes

These gluten-free savory polenta and herb cakes are creamy and flavorful, ideal for family meals, quick appetizers, or sides. Served with a bright sun-dried tomato relish, this dairy-free, vegetarian, and kid-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish comes together in under 40 minutes.

Gluten-Free Savory Polenta and Herb Cakes with Sun-Dried Tomato Relish
Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Total 35 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineMediterranean-inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 1 cup gluten-free polenta (coarse cornmeal)
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking polenta)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for frying)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth and salt to a boil.
  2. Gradually whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
  3. Cook the polenta for about 15-20 minutes until thickened and creamy, stirring frequently.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, nutritional yeast (if using), chopped parsley, basil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper.
  5. Transfer the polenta to a shallow baking dish or rimmed tray, spreading it evenly to about 3/4-inch thickness. Let it cool completely until firm, about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up setting.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the sun-dried tomato relish by combining the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  7. Once the polenta is firm, turn it out onto a cutting board. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 3 inches diameter), cut into cakes. Alternatively, slice into squares.
  8. Place the gluten-free flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each polenta cake in flour on both sides, shaking off excess.
  9. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
  10. Fry the polenta cakes 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches, adding more oil if needed.
  11. Transfer cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  12. Serve the warm polenta and herb cakes topped or accompanied by the sun-dried tomato relish.
  13. Enjoy as a gluten-free main course, appetizer, or side dish with your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but you can customize it further based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

  • Polenta: Use fine cornmeal if you prefer a smoother texture, but ensure it's labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Water or Vegetable Broth: Substitute with chicken or beef broth if not strictly vegetarian or vegan for added depth of flavor.
  • Olive Oil: For a different flavor profile, use avocado oil or melted coconut oil. Avoid using butter to keep it dairy-free.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Leave out if unavailable, or substitute with finely grated vegan Parmesan or omit entirely — it only adds a subtle cheesy flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Basil): Swap with other fresh herbs like cilantro, thyme, or oregano depending on what you have on hand.
  • Garlic: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, but fresh will always give better flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Substitute with a splash of lemon juice or orange zest for a different citrus note.
  • Gluten-Free Flour for Coating: Use chickpea flour, almond flour, or rice flour as alternative gluten-free coatings to achieve a crispy outer layer.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Relish Ingredients: If you can't find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, use dry ones rehydrated in warm water or substitute with roasted cherry tomatoes. For maple syrup or agave nectar, honey (if not vegan) or simple sugar syrup can work.

These swaps allow you to tailor the recipe to vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, or family-friendly needs without compromising delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Allergen Overlap Note

While all recipes in this Gluten-Free category on Freeflourish are developed to avoid gluten-containing ingredients, please be aware that cross-contamination risks may still exist during ingredient sourcing, processing, or in shared kitchen environments. Many recipes also cater to additional dietary preferences and restrictions such as dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, and family-friendly needs, but individual allergens may still be present depending on specific ingredients used.

For those with severe allergies or sensitivities—especially to gluten, dairy, nuts, or other common allergens—always check the packaging of each ingredient for certification and manufacturing practices. Use dedicated utensils and cookware to prevent cross-contact, thoroughly clean surfaces, and consider preparing meals in an allergen-controlled environment.

Recipes tagged under categories like Gluten-Free Baking, Quick & Easy, Holiday & Seasonal, and Soups & Salads may incorporate specialty ingredients or gluten-free flour blends, so vigilance is key to maintaining safety. When substituting ingredients, ensure replacements meet your specific allergen requirements.

Your safety is our priority. Please review all ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about food allergies or intolerances.

Texture Expectations

Gluten-free recipes often vary in texture compared to their wheat-based counterparts, and these savory polenta and herb cakes are no exception. Made primarily with coarse gluten-free polenta, these cakes achieve a satisfyingly creamy and tender interior once cooked and set, thanks to the slow cooking process that hydrates the cornmeal fully. When cooled and sliced, the polenta firms up enough to maintain its shape while still offering a soft bite.

Coating and pan-frying the cakes in olive oil creates a crisp and golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy inside, delivering a delightful textural interplay. This outer crust provides a pleasant crunch without being tough or overly dense, which is common in gluten-free frying applications.

Keep in mind that polenta-based cakes are naturally less elastic than gluten-containing baked goods, so they may be slightly more delicate when handling and turning in the pan. To help with this, coating with gluten-free flour adds a light barrier that improves browning and crust formation.

The sun-dried tomato relish served alongside adds a fresh and slightly chunky texture that complements the smooth richness of the cakes, with bursts of chewiness from the tomatoes and peppers.

Variations in texture can occur depending on the type and grind of polenta used; coarse polenta yields a heartier, grainier mouthfeel while finer polenta results in a silkier finish. Additionally, refrigeration time affects firmness: longer chilling firms the cakes more, making them easier to cut but slightly less creamy inside.

Overall, expect a harmonious balance of creamy, tender, and crisp textures that showcase the versatility and satisfying nature of gluten-free savory dishes, perfect for family meals, appetizers, or sides on Freeflourish.

Dining With Non Gf Family Note

Preparing gluten-free meals in a household with both gluten-free and non-gluten-free members can be seamless with a few mindful practices. To prevent cross-contamination and ensure everyone enjoys their meals safely, consider the following tips:

  • Separate Cooking Tools and Surfaces: Use distinct cutting boards, utensils, and pans dedicated exclusively to gluten-free meal prep. Clean all surfaces thoroughly before starting to avoid gluten traces.
  • Store Ingredients Separately: Keep gluten-free flours, grains, and processed foods stored separately from gluten-containing products to reduce accidental mix-ups.
  • Cook Gluten-Free Dishes First: Prepare and cook gluten-free recipes before handling gluten-containing items to minimize airborne flour contamination.
  • Use Fresh Oils and Cooking Media: Avoid reusing oil or cooking mediums that have been in contact with gluten ingredients, especially when frying.
  • Label Foods Clearly: When packing lunches or storing leftovers, label gluten-free items to prevent confusion amongst family members.
  • Communicate and Educate: Share information about gluten sensitivity and the importance of avoiding gluten for those who need it. This fosters understanding and cooperation during meal preparation and dining.
  • Plan Family-Friendly Menus: Look for gluten-free recipes categorized under Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, Snacks, Soups & Salads, Gluten-Free Baking, Quick & Easy, Family-Friendly, and Holiday & Seasonal on Freeflourish to find dishes that please everyone, accommodating various dietary tags like glutenfree, dairyfree, nutfree, vegan, kidfriendly, and more.

By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and inclusive dining environment that delights your entire household without compromising on flavor or safety.

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