Indulge in a culinary delight with our baked polenta, a delectable dish showcasing the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Crispy leeks, sautéed to perfection, add a delightful crunch, while creamy blue cheese crumbles elevate the dish with their distinct tanginess. This vegetarian masterpiece is not only visually appealing but also a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Alongside the main recipe, we have included variations to cater to different dietary preferences, including a vegan version for those who prefer plant-based options. Additionally, we offer a gluten-free alternative, ensuring that everyone can savor this delectable dish. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with our baked polenta recipes, a celebration of taste and texture that will leave you craving for more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CRUNCHY CHEESY OVEN-BAKED POLENTA
Gorgonzola and pecorino-Romano cheeses, Italian-style panko crispy bread crumbs and whipping cream transform polenta into a cheesy and delicious vegetarian side dish or appetizer.
Provided by By Arlene Cummings
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 17x12-inch half-sheet pan with cooking spray.
- In 1 1/2-quart saucepan, cook oil, butter and garlic over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes or until garlic is transparent (do not let garlic burn). Add whipping cream; heat to a slight simmer. Stir in Gorgonzola cheese until melted. Stir in pecorino-Romano cheese. Remove from heat.
- Cut polenta into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices in pan. Ladle cheese sauce evenly over polenta; sprinkle with pepper. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over top.
- Bake uncovered about 15 minutes.
- Set oven control to broil. Broil 2 to 3 minutes or until top is golden brown. Garnish with basil. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving
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 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.
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.
SOFT POLENTA WITH LEEKS
Categories Side Quick & Easy Parmesan Cornmeal Leek Winter Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks; stir to coat. Cover and cook until leeks soften, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add 2 1/4 cups water, broth and bay leaf. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until mixture is thick and creamy, stirring often and thinning with more water if necessary, about 35 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and Parmesan cheese. Season polenta to taste with salt and pepper. Divide polenta among plates.
CREAMY BLUE CHEESE POLENTA
Make and share this Creamy Blue Cheese Polenta recipe from Food.com.
Provided by me alex
Categories Grains
Time 35m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat milk and water in heavy bottomed sauce pan and bring to simmer over medium heat. be careful not to boil.
- Whisk in polenta in slow stream. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low.
- Continue to stir, adding more water if it gets too thick.
- Stir every few minutes and continue cooking for 25 to 30 minutes, adding water when needed.
- Remove from heat and add sour cream, butter and blue cheese. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
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
CRISPY POLENTA MEDALLIONS
Anson Mills polenta, once it stiffens, is particularly well suited to this recipe for crispy rounds, though any polenta will work. The Anson Mills remains very creamy on the inside and crisps up beautifully on the surface. Make sure to cook these long enough in the oil - they should be a deep golden brown, and crispy. I topped the hot medallions with a dab of blue cheese, which softened and partially melted onto the crisp surface; heaven. I also love romesco with these, as well as green pipian and simple marinara sauce.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, snack, appetizer, side dish
Time 50m
Yield Serves 8 to 12 as an hors d'oeuvre
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cover a baking sheet with plastic or lightly oil a baking dish. Make polenta and when done, pour onto plastic or into lightly oiled baking dish. Spread to a thickness of about 1/3 inch using an offset spatula. If you are using a baking dish and can't spread the polenta that thin, you can always slice the rounds after they are cut to make thinner medallions. Cover with plastic and allow to stiffen completely, preferably in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cut the stiff polenta into 1 1/2 to 2-inch rounds with a cookie cutter. If the rounds are thick, cut crosswise into 1/3 inch thick rounds.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy nonstick or cast iron skillet. The polenta should sizzle as soon as you place the medallion in the oil. Cook the rounds in batches until nicely browned on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Turn them carefully with a spatula, and do not crowd the pan. Drain on paper towels. Transfer to a platter while warm and place a pinch - about 1/4 teaspoon - of blue cheese on each round. It should soften and melt a little bit on the hot surface of the polenta. Or top with small dollops of the other toppings of your choice. Serve warm (they are also good when they cool down).
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.
POLENTA WITH BLUE CHEESE
Make and share this Polenta with Blue Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Rita1652
Categories Grains
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring 3 cups water to boil add salt and cornmeal in a slow steady stream, whisking constantly.
- Reduce heat to low constantly stirring for about 15 minutes.
- (Building up those arms) Till thick and smooth (Not your arms the polenta)!
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the milk, cream until well blended.
- Add the cheese, pepper, nutmeg, and herbs.
- Stir till all is melted and creamy good!
- Adjust seasoning.
- Serve away!
Tips:
- Choose the right polenta. For this recipe, you'll want to use a medium-grind polenta. This will give you a polenta that is creamy and tender, but still has a little bit of texture.
- Use good-quality stock. The stock you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your polenta. Use a stock that is flavorful and has a rich body.
- Don't overcook the polenta. Polenta is done cooking when it is thick and creamy, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked polenta will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Be patient when cooking the leeks. It takes a little time to get the leeks crispy, but it's worth it. Just keep cooking them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized.
- Use a good quality blue cheese. The blue cheese you use will also make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Use a blue cheese that is flavorful and has a nice sharp bite.
Conclusion:
This baked polenta with crispy leeks and blue cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The polenta is creamy and tender, the leeks are crispy and caramelized, and the blue cheese adds a nice sharp bite. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
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