Cheese Crisp Baskets With Polenta And Mushrooms Recipe
This Cheese Crisp Baskets with Polenta and Mushrooms recipe brings together the nutty richness of Montasio cheese, creamy polenta, and earthy mushrooms to create a show-stopping Italian dish. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, these Cestini di Frico are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet-style dinner at home. The crisp cheese baskets provide a delicate edible vessel for the soft polenta and savory mushroom topping, combining textures and flavors in every bite.
The Inspiration
Cestini di Frico are inspired by traditional Friulian cuisine from northeastern Italy, where Montasio cheese is celebrated for its rich, nutty flavor. Chef Michael Bonacini elevates this classic dish by pairing the crisp cheese baskets with creamy polenta and a medley of mushrooms, including porcini and cremini, sautéed with garlic, tarragon, and prosciutto. This combination highlights Italian culinary artistry: simple, high-quality ingredients transformed into a visually elegant and flavorful presentation. These baskets are perfect for entertaining, adding a gourmet touch to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Cheese Baskets
- 12 ounces (340 g) Montasio cheese (or substitute with
- Parmesan), plus extra for garnish
Polenta
- 4 cups (950 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) medium or fine polenta
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon zest
- Salt
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 6 cups (1.4 L) of mixed mushrooms (preferably porcini & cremini), sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 sprigs tarragon, reserving some leaves for garnish
- 4 ounces (113 g) prosciutto, cut or ripped into short strips
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
For the baskets
- Cover a baking sheet with greased parchment paper or a Silpat. Sprinkle grated cheese into 4 rounds about 6-inches (15 cm) wide.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, until golden.
- Remove from oven and, while warm, carefully drape cheese rounds over upside-down ramekins. Leave to form basket shapes.
- Reserve until needed.
For the polenta
- Heat milk in a large saucepan over high heat until simmering.
- Slowly whisk in the polenta and bring to a boil. Lower heat, switch to a spatula or spoon, and continue stirring.
- Cook and stir, scraping down the sides, about 15 minutes, until polenta is slightly thick.
- When ready to serve, remove from heat, stir in butter and lemon zest, and season with salt.
Meanwhile, prepare the mushrooms
- In a sauté pan, heat butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat until butter is foaming.
- Add mushrooms and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are golden.
- Add garlic and tarragon sprigs and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until aromatic.
- Keep warm.
To finish
- Place cooled baskets on serving dishes and fill ¾ full with polenta.
- Top with the mushroom mixture and torn prosciutto.
- Garnish with grated Montasio cheese and torn tarragon leaves.
- Serve immediately.
- Buon appetito!
Serving Suggestions
Cheese Crisp Baskets with Polenta and Mushrooms make an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated main course. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, paired with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Soave, to balance the richness of the cheese and polenta. These baskets are ideal for entertaining, as each guest receives an individual, visually striking portion. They can also be served at brunch with a side of mixed greens or roasted vegetables for a hearty, flavorful meal. Their combination of textures—the crispy cheese, creamy polenta, and tender mushrooms—creates a memorable dining experience.
Final Thoughts
This Cestini di Frico with Polenta and Mushrooms recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients can be elevated to an elegant, gourmet dish. Chef Michael Bonacini’s approach showcases the artistry of Italian cooking: crisp cheese as an edible vessel, creamy polenta as a comforting base, and sautéed mushrooms with prosciutto for earthy depth. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or indulgent weeknight meals, these baskets are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making this dish a must-try for home chefs seeking to impress with Italian flair.