Best 4 Easy Baked Polenta Recipes

**Polenta: A Culinary Journey Through Italy's Cornmeal Masterpiece**

Polenta, the humble yet versatile dish hailing from Italy's culinary heartland, embarks on a transformative journey from humble cornmeal to a delectable feast. This article presents a curated collection of polenta recipes that span the spectrum of flavors and textures, promising an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. From the classic Baked Polenta, a symphony of creamy polenta topped with a savory tomato sauce, to the innovative Polenta Fries, a crispy and addictive snack, this culinary expedition caters to every palate. Embrace the rustic charm of Polenta with Mushrooms, where earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs dance harmoniously atop a bed of creamy polenta. Indulge in the decadence of Polenta with Sausage and Peppers, a hearty and flavorful dish that celebrates the marriage of savory sausage and sweet peppers. And for a sweet twist, the Polenta Cake with Berries offers a delightful fusion of creamy polenta and juicy berries, a dessert that is both elegant and comforting. Prepare to be captivated by the diverse culinary expressions of polenta, a testament to the boundless creativity of Italian cuisine.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY OVEN-BAKED REAL POLENTA (NOT INSTANT)

Easy Oven-Baked Real Polenta (Not Instant) image

Why stir polenta forever when this delicious recipe works beautifully? I like to roast veggies (eggplant, zucchini, onion) while the polenta bakes, then when the polenta is done, top with roasted veggies and some chopped tomatoes, some spices, and bake another 20 minutes. It's dinner.

Provided by Nancy

Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes Polenta Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

cooking spray
3 cups water
1 cup polenta
salt to taste
1 cup mashed butternut squash
½ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Pour water into the prepared dish; stir in polenta and salt.
Bake in the preheated oven until polenta is thickened, about 40 minutes. Stir in squash, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese. Continue baking until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 304.9 calories, Carbohydrate 32.1 g, Cholesterol 34.1 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 533.1 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

EASY CHEESE JALAPENO BAKED POLENTA (GRITS)

Easy Cheese Jalapeno Baked Polenta (Grits) image

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

Ingredients

5 cups water or 5 cups chicken stock
1 cup coarse-ground cornmeal
1 ears of corn, shucked or 1/2 cup frozen corn
1 -2 jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons butter
3/4-1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt

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

EASY BAKED POLENTA

Easy Baked Polenta image

From Cook's Country. You can use medium grind cornmeal, as they are different names for the same things. Don't use instant polenta.

Provided by kitchenslave03

Categories Grains

Time 1h5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

8 cups water
2 cups medium grind polenta
2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 ounces grated parmesan cheese, 2 cups
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

Steps:

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375. Combine water, polenta, salt and pepper in 13x9 inch baking dish. Transfer dish to oven and bake, uncovered, until water is absorbed and polenta has thickened, about 60 minute.
Remove baking dish from oven and whisk in parmesan and butter until smooth and creamy. Serve.

EASY OVEN-BAKED POLENTA

EASY OVEN-BAKED POLENTA image

Categories Bake Vegetarian Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 C polenta
1 quart water
1 t salt
1 T unsalted butter
1/3 C freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350F. Put polenta, water and salt into ovenproof 2 quart baking dish. Bake 50 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in butter. Return to oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir again. Stir in Parmesan, if using. Serve right away for soft polenta, or let sit 5 mnutes for stiffer polenta.

Tips:

For a creamy polenta, use 1 cup polenta to 3 cups liquid.
For a firmer polenta, use 1 cup polenta to 4 cups liquid.
Season the polenta with salt and pepper before cooking.
Polenta can be cooked in water, milk, or broth.
Polenta can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, sauce, or meat.
Polenta can be served as a main course or a side dish.

Conclusion:

Polenta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, and it is also relatively low in calories. Polenta is a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be tailored to your own taste preferences.