Embark on a culinary journey to discover the delectable flavors of baked polenta with cheese, a dish that seamlessly blends the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with a modern twist. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty main course, a delectable side, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Indulge in the creamy texture of polenta, complemented by the rich and gooey melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Explore a collection of recipes that showcase the versatility of baked polenta, ranging from classic preparations to innovative takes on this timeless dish. Discover the secrets of achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors, ensuring a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!
CHEESY POLENTA
This versatile side dish would work great along with pork, chicken, beef or fish. The trick is to slowly add the cornmeal and whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
Provided by dadrules
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring milk, water, and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook 20 minutes, until creamy, lifting the lid and stirring every 3 or 4 minutes to prevent sticking. Remove pot from stove, stir in pepper and butter. Gradually stir in cheese. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 37.9 mg, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 658.4 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
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.
MUSHROOM AND CHEESE BAKED POLENTA
This rich but light polenta casserole marries savory mushrooms with creamy white Cheddar.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings as a main dish or 8 as a side
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt and a couple turns of pepper and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the milk and heavy cream and heat until very warm.
- Whisk together the polenta, sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt and a couple turns of pepper in a large bowl. Whisk the mushroom sauce into the polenta mixture until well combined and thick. Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup of the hot polenta into the yolks, repeat twice, then pour the yolk mixture into the remaining polenta. Stir in the Cheddar.
- Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until soft, glossy peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the polenta mixture in three additions.
- Spoon the polenta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake until golden and puffed, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
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 WITH CHEESE
Want a different family side dish but with flavors sure to please? Then try this. With some store-bought polenta in a tube and a few other ingredients, TADA ... scalloped polenta, yum!
Provided by laughingmagpie
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with 1 teaspoon butter. Add 2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese to the baking pan and shake gently, back and forth, until the bottom and sides are coated with Parmesan, discarding any extra.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add flour and stir until well combined. Turn off heat and whisk in milk. Turn heat to medium-low and bring sauce to a simmer; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- While sauce is thickening, mix together Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs in a bowl.
- Layer 1/2 of the polenta slices in the prepared baking dish and top with 1/2 of the sauce. Repeat with remaining polenta and sauce. Top with cheese mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 423.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32.5 g, Cholesterol 71.2 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 15.1 g, Sodium 820.4 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
BAKED CHEESE POLENTA WITH SWISS CHARD
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in the Swiss chard stems. Pour in a few tablespoons of water and cover the pan. Cook the stems 2 minutes. Remove the cover, the mix in the Swiss chard leaves. Cover the pan again and cook until the leaves wilt, about 3 minutes. Toss occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool, uncovered.
- To make the polenta preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 2 1/2quart shallow baking dish and set it nearby. Combine the milk, water, and salt in a mediumsize saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to mediumlow and slowly drizzle in the cornmeal, whisking all the while with a wire whisk. Continue to cook and whisk the polenta until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes and tears away from the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, the 1 tablespoon of butter, and the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread half the polenta in the baking dish. Spoon on the Swiss chard and distribute it evenly. Drop on small spoonfuls of the sour cream and spread it with the back of a spoon. Spoon on the remaining polenta and spread it out. Sprinkle on the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. (The casserole may be prepared to this point and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Bring to room temperature before baking.)
- Bake the polenta for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden on top and sizzling. Do not overcook it because you want to retain its creamy interior.
BAKED POLENTA WITH RICOTTA AND PARMESAN
This no-stir method produces an effortless polenta. The ricotta adds lightness and turns the polenta into an elegant side dish. It may be baked up to 2 hours in advance and reheated, if desired.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, grains and rice, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Soak polenta in cold water for 1 hour. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Drain polenta, then place in a heavy-bottomed pot or ovenproof baking dish. Add salt and 4 cups water.
- Place pot in oven, cover, and bake for 45 minutes. (The polenta will begin to simmer and absorb water after a few minutes. No need to stir.)
- After 45 minutes, uncover and stir in the olive oil, ricotta and Parmesan, but don't overmix. Some of the ricotta should remain in big blobs. The mixture may be a bit soupy at this point, but will thicken as it continues to cook. Bake, uncovered, for another 15 minutes, until top has browned. Finish with a generous amount of pepper.
BAKED CHEESE POLENTA WITH SWISS CHARD
We love this casserole, easy to put together and oh so good and good for you. I found the recipe at fooddownunder.com ,and make a couple changes to our liking. Note: This recipe can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
Provided by Barb G.
Categories Chard
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat; Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in Swiss chard stems; pour in a couple tablespoons water and cover pan; cook the stems 2 minutes; Remove the cover and mix in the Swiss chard leaves; Cover the pan again and cook until the leaves wilt, about 3 minutes; Remove pan from heat and let cool, uncovered.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F; spray a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine the chicken broth, water and salt in a medium size saucepan and bring to a boil; reduce the heat to medium-low and SLOWLY drizzle in the cornmeal, WHISKING all the while with a wire whisk.
- Continue to cook and whisk the polenta until it is the consistency mashed potatoes, about 5 minutes; whisk in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, the 1 tablespoon butter, and the Mozzarella cheese.
- Spread HALF of the polenta into the baking dish; Spoon on Swiss chard and distribute it evenly on top of polenta; Drop on small spoonfuls of the sour cream over Swiss chard; spread it out with back of spoon.
- Spoon on the remaining polenta and spread it out; Sprinkle on the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese (the casserole may be prepared to this point and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance, bring to room temperature before baking).
- Bake the polenta for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden on top and sizzling, DO NOT overcook it because you want to retain its creamy interior.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 247.2, Fat 15.1, SaturatedFat 6.4, Cholesterol 28.7, Sodium 713.5, Carbohydrate 19.6, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 1.6, Protein 9.6
BAKED POLENTA WITH FONTINA CHEESE
Categories Milk/Cream Cheese Brunch Side Bake Lunch Casserole/Gratin Cornmeal Winter Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Serves 10
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Butter 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine 2 1/4 cups water, broth, shallots and marjoram in heavy large Dutch oven; bring to boil. Mix 2 1/2 cups cold water and cornmeal in bowl. Gradually mix cornmeal mixture into broth mixture. Return to boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium and boil gently until polenta is very thick, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Immediately spread 2 cups polenta in prepared dish. Top with 1 3/4 cups cheese. Drizzle with 1/4 cup cream. Repeat layering, using 2 cups polenta, 1 3/4 cups cheese and 1/4 cup cream. Top with remaining polenta. Spread remaining cheese over. Cover with foil. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered polenta until hot in center, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Uncover; continue baking until polenta bubbles at edges and top begins to brown, about 10 minutes.
OVEN BAKED POLENTA WITH PARMESAN
I love polenta, soft with stew or firm, sliced and fried or baked with tomato sauce and cheese. This is an especially easy version that I found at the "Food and Wine" website.
Provided by Normaone
Categories Low Protein
Time 1h45m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450^F.
- Bring water to a boil and add 2 tsp salt.
- Bring water to a simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the cornmeal.
- Whisk smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, cover and place in the oven.
- Bake 1 1/2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes until thick and no longer gritty.
- Stir in the butter and the Parmesan cheese.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 241.3, Fat 11.8, SaturatedFat 6.7, Cholesterol 28.4, Sodium 175, Carbohydrate 29.6, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 0.3, Protein 5.6
CHEESY BAKED POLENTA IN TOMATO SAUCE
This recipe is quite forgiving in that there's plenty of wiggle room to play. Use whatever herbs and cheeses you have on hand, for example, adjust the spice levels as preferred, and opt for fresh tomatoes if they're in season, or chopped canned tomatoes instead of whole. You can also veganize the dish entirely by using a nondairy milk and vegan cheese, adding some nutritional yeast if you like. This hearty main needs nothing more than some lightly cooked greens to eat alongside.
Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi
Categories dinner, casseroles, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cut out a piece of parchment paper about 16-by-12 inches/40-by-30 centimeters in size and lay onto a clean work surface.
- Prepare the polenta: Add the milk, garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper to a medium saucepan. Bring to a bare simmer, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the polenta, whisking continuously, until completely incorporated and there are no lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring all the while with a spatula. When cooked, the mixture should pull away from the sides of the pan and be quite thick.
- Add the Parmesan, stirring for another 30 seconds to melt. Remove from the heat and transfer the mixture to the parchment paper. Use your hands to quickly shape the polenta into a large cylindrical shape, about 13-inches/32-centimeters long. Use the parchment paper to help you tighten the cylinder and then gently roll the whole thing in the paper, tightening as you go, then twisting in opposite directions at both ends. Refrigerate to set for about 1 hour, or longer if time allows.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: Add the olive oil to a large, ovenproof cast-iron pan that is roughly 11-inches/28-centimeters wide, and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes, or until softened and lightly colored.
- Stir in the garlic, red-pepper flakes and oregano, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices, sugar, a scant 1/2 cup/100 milliliters water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high. Turn the heat down to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Set aside until needed.
- Heat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit/230 degrees Celsius.
- Gently unwrap the chilled polenta and transfer to a cutting board. Trim about 1 inch/2 to 3 centimeters off the ends and then cut the polenta into 24 (1-centimeter-thick) slices.
- Top the tomato sauce evenly with the sliced fontina, then fan out the polenta slices, overlapping slightly, so that they're spiraled to cover the top, leaving a 1-centimeter gap from the edge of the pan. Drizzle the polenta with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until polenta is golden in places and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes to settle.
- While the polenta cools, in a small bowl combine all the topping ingredients. Sprinkle a handful of the topping over the polenta and serve the remaining in a bowl alongside. Serve warm.
Tips:
- To achieve a crispy polenta crust, use a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish with high sides.
- For a creamier polenta, use milk or cream instead of water.
- Add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to the polenta for extra flavor.
- Top the polenta with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or a fried egg for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Polenta can be served as a main course, a side dish, or an appetizer.
Conclusion:
Baked polenta with cheese is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its crispy crust, creamy interior, and cheesy topping, baked polenta is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
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