Best 7 Soft Cheesy Polenta Recipes

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Experience the creamy delight of Soft Cheesy Polenta, an Italian dish that combines the comforting warmth of cornmeal with a luscious blanket of melted cheese. This versatile dish, hailing from the northern regions of Italy, can be a hearty main course, a delectable side dish, or even a creamy indulgence for breakfast. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, Soft Cheesy Polenta is a culinary journey that will transport you to the heart of Italy. Discover the classic recipe that forms the foundation of this dish, along with variations that introduce exciting twists like roasted vegetables, savory herbs, or a touch of spicy heat. Learn how to achieve the perfect balance of textures, from the velvety smoothness of the polenta to the delightful chewiness of the cheese. Embrace the versatility of Soft Cheesy Polenta as you explore creative serving suggestions, making it the star of your next brunch, dinner party, or cozy night in.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK AND CHEESY POLENTA



Quick and Cheesy Polenta image

Polenta is a delicious, easy-to-prepare corn dish, similar to grits. I love it for its quick prep time and creamy goodness. Try this quick and cheesy polenta recipe for a great dinner.

Provided by Jessica Fisher

Categories     Side Dish

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cup chicken stock
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup polenta
1/4 cup butter (cut into cubes)
3 oz Parmesan cheese (shredded) ((3/4 cup) can also use Asiago or Romano)
black pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the broth, milk, and salt. Bring to a low boil.
  • Stir in the polenta and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook, stirring, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add more water if necessary to prevent sticking.
  • Stir in the butter and add the cheese in small amounts, stirring to incorporate well. Season to taste with pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 369 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 13 g, Fat 19 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Sodium 1364 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SOFT, CHEESY POLENTA



Soft, Cheesy Polenta image

Using quick-cooking polenta is a convenient shortcut. This makes a great accompaniment to Pork Chops with Roasted Peppers.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Quick & Easy Recipes

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 quarts chicken broth or water
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 box (8.8 ounces) quick-cooking polenta (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 stick unsalted butter
3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Combine broth and salt, and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, changing to a wooden spoon as the mixture thickens, and cook 5 minutes.
  • Stir in butter and cheese, and season with pepper.

BASIC CHEESE POLENTA



Basic Cheese Polenta image

Why buy polenta in a box when you can make it from scratch cheaper? A great day-before dish. Once the polenta has been refrigerated serve it in a variety of different ways: sliced and fried--or serve it immediately as a mashed potato or rice substitute!

Provided by Dawn

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 4h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups boiling water
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl combine cornmeal, cold water and salt. Grease a loaf pan.
  • Bring the remaining 3 cups of water to a rolling boil and stir in the cornmeal mixture. Bring the mixture back to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the cheese.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes; stirring frequently. Allow the polenta to simmer until it becomes very thick. Spread the mixture into the loaf pan and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 213.5 calories, Carbohydrate 28.1 g, Cholesterol 17.6 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 896.7 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

CHEESY POLENTA



Cheesy Polenta image

Provided by Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, chopped finely
2 cups vegetable stock
2 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup grated mozzarella

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan heat oil and butter. Add garlic and saute just until golden. Add stock, half and half and red pepper. Bring to a boil. Add cornmeal slowly, stirring continuously. Reduce heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Let simmer for about 20 minutes while stirring regularly. Mixture will become creamy and thick.
  • Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cheeses and serve immediately

CHEESY POLENTA



Cheesy Polenta image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 22m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

9 cups water
1 tablespoon salt, plus extra for seasoning
2 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal or polenta
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Freshly ground black pepper

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.

CHEESY POLENTA



Cheesy Polenta image

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

2 cups whole milk
2 cups water
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup polenta or yellow cornmeal
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

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

TRIPLE-CHEESE SOFT POLENTA



Triple-Cheese Soft Polenta image

Categories     Cheese     Side     Quick & Easy     Oscars     Cornmeal     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 3/4 cups (or more) canned chicken broth
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 5-ounce package soft garlic herb cheese
2/3 to 3/4 cup grated Swiss cheese (about 3 ounces)
2/3 to 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (about 3 1/4 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine 2 3/4 cups broth and cornmeal in heavy medium saucepan. Place over medium heat. Cook until mixture leaves sides of pan, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in all cheeses and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Thin with additional stock if desired.

Tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your polenta will depend on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh cornmeal, milk, and cheese for the best results.
  • Season Generously: Polenta is a blank canvas, so don't be afraid to season it generously. Use salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs to taste.
  • Cook Slowly and Stir Often: Polenta needs to cook slowly and be stirred often to prevent it from sticking and burning. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir the polenta.
  • Add Cheese Gradually: Adding the cheese gradually will help it melt smoothly and evenly. Stir the polenta constantly while adding the cheese.
  • Serve Right Away: Polenta is best served hot and fresh. It can be served as a main course, side dish, or appetizer.

Conclusion:

Polenta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great way to use up leftover cornmeal and is a hearty and satisfying meal. With a few simple tips, you can make perfect polenta every time. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give polenta a try. You won't be disappointed!

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