**Baked polenta or grits is a versatile dish enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is a staple in many cultures worldwide. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of grits or the slightly firmer texture of polenta, this hearty dish can be customized to suit your taste. With its nutty flavor and ability to absorb other flavors, baked polenta or grits can be paired with various toppings and sauces. From classic butter and cheese to creative combinations like roasted vegetables and poached eggs, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we'll share three delicious recipes for baked polenta or grits guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Dive into the cheesy goodness of our classic baked polenta, indulge in the smoky flavors of our baked grits with roasted vegetables, or try our unique baked polenta with a tangy tomato sauce. Get ready to explore the world of baked polenta and grits and discover your new favorite comfort food.**
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BAKED POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS & BLUE CHEESE
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Brush the mushroom caps gently with a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt. Arrange them, underside up, on a sheet pan, drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, until tender. Set aside. Lower the oven to 375 degrees.
- Meanwhile, make the polenta. Pour the stock and half-and-half into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and, while whisking constantly, slowly sprinkle the cornmeal into the boiling liquid. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring almost constantly with a wooden spoon, until the polenta is thick and smooth. Off the heat, stir in the mascarpone, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour into an 8 x 11 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the mushrooms, underside up, in one layer over the polenta. Sprinkle on the Gorgonzola and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the polenta is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.
BAKED POLENTA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease an 11 by 17-inch baking sheet pan with oil. Line pan with waxed paper. The oil will secure the waxed paper onto the pan.
- In a large pot bring to a boil 2 quarts of salted water. Stir in extra-virgin olive oil. When water has reached a boil, reduce heat to medium high and slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly for 3 minutes. When polenta is thick and smooth, pour it into the prepared pan. Spread the polenta evenly.
- Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan. Note: the polenta will not brown or change in color. When cool enough to handle, cut into any shape you desire. I like to cut out 2-inch circles.
BAKED POLENTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
I turn to polenta when I am in need of some good, old-fashioned comfort food. I suspect it's because there is not much difference between polenta and the grits I was raised on in North Florida. This simple dish relies once again on my favorite tomato sauce and not much else other than freshly cooked polenta made better than ever with a little added ricotta.
Provided by Art Smith
Categories HarperCollins Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa Tomato Vegetarian Parmesan Basil Ricotta Healthy Dinner
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- To prepare the tomato sauce:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the tomatoes, yellow onion, and garlic in a baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until the garlic is soft and the skin is peeling away from the tomatoes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Remove the skin from the tomatoes and put in a saucepan. Squeeze the garlic out of the bulb and into the tomatoes. Remove the skin from the onion. Coarsely chop the onion and add to the tomatoes.
- Add the olive oil to the tomatoes and puree with a handheld immersion blender until smooth. You may need to add up to 1/3 cup water if there is not enough liquid. Season with salt. Warm the tomato sauce just prior to use.
- To prepare the polenta:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a simmer and stream in the polenta. Whisk together until there are no lumps. Cover with a lid and continue to cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes. Be careful when you go to stir the polenta-it tends to spit out pieces of the cornmeal, which is very hot. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in the olive oil and basil. Drop in teaspoon-size pieces of the ricotta cheese. Pour the polenta into an 8-inch square baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and let sit for 1 hour or until the polenta has firmed up. Bake the polenta in the oven for 15 minutes or until heated through. Cut the polenta into 8 equal pieces.
- To serve:
- Place 1/2 cup warm tomato sauce in 4 shallow bowls and top with two pieces of the polenta. Sprinkle with the chopped basil.
BAKED POLENTA OR GRITS
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Whisk cornmeal into water, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add corn, pepper, cheese, butter, and salt. Butter a 7 by 7-inch flameproof baking dish. Pour polenta into baking dish and bake 45 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil until bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Copyright (c) 2004 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved.
CHEESY POLENTA
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Time 22m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy pot. Add the salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cheese, milk, butter, and parsley. Stir until the butter and cheese have melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the polenta to a bowl and serve.
SAVORY POLENTA
For a simple side dish, try Alton Brown's Savory Polenta recipe from Good Eats on Food Network; minced garlic and grated Parmesan add real savory depth.
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories side-dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large, oven-safe saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion and salt and sweat until the onions begin to turn translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic, and saute for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Turn the heat up to high, add the chicken stock, bring to a boil. Gradually add the cornmeal while continually whisking. Once you have added all of the cornmeal, cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every
- 10 minutes to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is creamy, remove from the oven and add the butter, salt, and pepper. Once they are incorporated, gradually add the Parmesan.
- Serve as is, or pour the polenta into 9 by 13-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely.
- Once set, turn the polenta out onto a cutting board and cut into squares, rounds, or triangles. Brush each side with olive oil and saute in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, or grill.
HOW TO MAKE PERFECT POLENTA
Polenta is nothing more than coarsely ground cornmeal. The classic ratio is 1 part polenta to 4 parts water, but I like to measure the polenta just a little scant of a full cup. I often use chicken broth instead of water. It's a perfect base for any kind of saucy meat or mushroom ragout.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan; pour polenta slowly into boiling water, whisking constantly until all polenta is stirred in and there are no lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, until polenta starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Polenta mixture should still be slightly loose. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 to 6 minutes. When polenta is too thick to whisk, stir with a wooden spoon. Polenta is done when texture is creamy and the individual grains are tender.
- Turn off heat and gently stir 2 tablespoons butter into polenta until butter partially melts; mix 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into polenta until cheese has melted. Cover and let stand 5 minutes to thicken; stir and taste for salt before transferring to a serving bowl. Top polenta with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and about 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 291.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 33.4 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 1186.1 mg, Sugar 2 g
CHEESY BAKED GRITS
I had this at a party at a colleague's house. I've loved cheese grits for years, but these are by far the best I've ever had.
Provided by ABBYLADYBUG
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Bring the milk to a boil in a pot over medium heat. Melt 1/2 cup butter in the boiling milk. Gradually mix in the grits, and cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper. Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth. Mix in the Cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup butter. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until firm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 266.5 calories, Carbohydrate 14.5 g, Cholesterol 56.1 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 453.2 mg, Sugar 4 g
EASY CHEESE JALAPENO BAKED POLENTA (GRITS)
I don't care for grits, but I love polenta! Who knew they were the same thing? This recipe is made of wholesome ingredients and is so easy. The jalapenos, if properly seeded, add a lot of flavor without added heat. Serve this alongside your tex-mex dishes in place of rice or potatoes.
Provided by MommyMakes
Categories Breakfast
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Whisk cornmeal into water, cook until cornmeal comes together and is creamy 5-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile prepare peppers, and grate cheese.
- Add corn, pepper, cheese, butter, and salt. Butter a small-medium baking dish.
- Pour polenta into baking dish and bake 30-45 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil until bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.8, Fat 13.6, SaturatedFat 7.9, Cholesterol 34.1, Sodium 610.5, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 1.1, Protein 8.5
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
- Don't overcook the polenta or grits. They should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them.
- Season the polenta or grits well. Use a combination of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
- Be creative with your toppings. You can top the polenta or grits with anything from cheese and vegetables to meat and eggs.
- Serve the polenta or grits immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Conclusion:
Baked polenta or grits is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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