Polenta Nectarine Feta Bites
A sweet slice of nectarine, a grilled polenta slice, feta cheese, salami, and basil come together for these delicious summer appetizer bites.
Let’s talk bite-sized appetizers. These Polenta Nectarine Feta Bites are the perfect end-of-summer appetizer, the perfect finger food for a party – like a mini charcuterie skewer! Slices of polenta are easy to make with pre-cooked polenta logs. Brush with with olive oil and grill. Adding a nectarine slice and a thin piece of salami with cheese is so easy! Yes, they are quite delicious too.
Polenta Nectarine Feta Bites
This recipe is versatile, and great to make with whatever cheeses and summer fruit you have on hand, like peaches, apricots, plums, Brie, goat cheese, or even cheddar. You can also make a polenta caprese appetizer, or this summer appetizer with salami: Salami Wrapped Pepperoncini.
Why I love this recipe
- An easy salami appetizer; perfect for snacking and entertaining
- It is easy to transport – perfect to bring to a party or a potluck
- You can make a few different variations (read below for a few ideas!)
- Gluten-free, so they are great for gluten-free guests
- Serve them warm, but they are also good at room temp
Are you an appetizer person like I am? When we eat out, I always love to start with a little nosh. Which is why, when we entertain, I always love to serve an appetizer!
There’s just something about that bite of deliciousness to tantalize the tastebuds before the entree is served. We’ve also been known to host just appetizers parties! We’ll say, “bring a heavy appetizer and a bottle of wine.” This polenta bite would be considered a heavy appetizer, especially if you eat 2 or 3 of them.
Gather these ingredients:
- Slices polenta, grilled or pan seared
- Olive oil, for grilling
- Slices nectarine or other stone fruit
- Salami slices
- Basil
- Fresh feta cheese
- Honey (or balsamic glaze – buy it, here)
- Salt to season
The grilled polenta discs are easily prepared by buying several pre-cooked polenta logs at a store like Trader Joe’s.
How to grill polenta
Watch the video, and use a grill or a grill pan.
Slice and brush the polenta on both sides with olive oil before grilling.
Here’s the cool thing about grilled polenta. You don’t have to serve them hot. In fact, they taste just as delicious warm, or at room temperature—YAY! That is great news for a reluctant entertainer who wants to make sure everything is prepared ahead of time, right?
How to make this appetizer
- Grill the polenta and set aside.
- When ready to assemble, layer chilled salami, basil, feta, and nectarine onto the grilled or seared warm polenta.
- Drizzle with honey and add a crack of salt, and serve immediately!
- Optional to drizzle with balsamic glaze!
More toppings for polenta:
- Fresh basil, tomato, mozzarella cheese to make a caprese polenta
- Handful of arugula and goat cheese and garlic
- Replace the nectarine with peaches, apricots and plums
- Change out the feta cheese for brie, goat cheese, or cheddar cheese
- Add shrimp, for these Cheesy Shrimp Polenta Bites
Tips and substitutions:
- Sear the polenta rounds in butter and salt on the stovetop until brown, warm, and crispy, or season and grill for an added smoky flavor.
- I recommend you use a fresh block of feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- This is BEST balsamic glaze that is made. I’ve tried many brands, but this is nice and thick and has the perfect flavor. I stock up on it and give it away as hostess gifts! It’s that good.
- You can buy it, here. :)
- Swap out the nectarines for peach slices.
This makes a shockingly easy and delicious no-fuss appetizer for your next summer party. Serve these bites with chicken thighs, this berry salad, and an end-of-summer cobbler.
ENJOY and happy weekend!
Get the Recipe:
Polenta Nectarine Feta Bites
Ingredients
- 6-8 ¾ - 1 inch slices polenta, grilled or pan seared
- 6-8 slices nectarine or other stone fruit
- 6-8 slices salami
- 6-8 leaves basil
- 6-8 ½ inch cubes fresh feta
- Honey to drizzle
- Salt to season, optional
- Balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
- Slice and brush the polenta on both sides with olive oil before grilling on grill or a grill pan. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side.
- Assemble the bites: layer chilled salami, basil, feta, and nectarine onto your, grilled or seared warm polenta.
- Drizzle with honey; add a crack of salt, and fresh basil, and and serve immediately.
- If you want even more flavor, optional to drizzle with balsamic glaze (and leave honey off).
Notes
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Hi
Truly want to make these for tomorrow, however,the link you gave for the balsamic glaze is no longer available. Would you please tell me the exact name of the one you recommend and i ll find it,thanks so much!
We use Delallo brand but most grocery stores carry a variety of balsamic glazes!
This was amazing, thanks!!