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by Whitney Bond
June 8, 2023
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4.67 stars (3 ratings)
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This simple recipe for Creamy Cheesy Polenta is gluten free and vegetarian, perfect as a side or topped with roasted vegetables or slow cooked meats.
I’m a big fan of polenta. It’s easy, creamy, cheesy and perfect as a side or as part of a main dish. It’s also vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy!
I’ve made vegetarian recipes with polenta, such as this Tomato Kale Polenta Skillet(an all time favorite vegetarian recipe on the blog!). I’ve alsoserved polentawith Beef Ragu, Guinness Braised Short Ribs, Italian Short Ribs and Sausage and Peppers.
No matter what I add to it, this creamy polenta always makes a great base for a delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups half and half
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
Instructions
Add the butter to a large pot on the stove top over medium high heat. When the butter begins to melt, add the milk, half and half, cornmeal and salt to thepot. Stir continuously, 10-15 minutes, until the polenta becomes thick and creamy.
Add the cheeses andcontinue stirring until the cheese has melted into the polenta.
Remove from the heat and serve immediately or add to your favorite dish.
Here are a couple of other ways I’ve incorporated this Cheesy Creamy Polenta into recipes on the blog.
Try thisItalian Polenta Turkey Casserolefor a healthier dish with tons of flavor, or try theseMini Polenta Pizzas with Roasted Tomatoes and Baconfor a delicious gluten-free pizza alternative!
What are your favorite polenta dishes? Comment below and let me know! I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate this cheesy deliciousness into my life!
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4.67 stars (3 ratings)
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Creamy Cheesy Polenta
This simple recipe for Creamy Cheesy Polenta is gluten free and vegetarian, perfect as a side or topped with roasted vegetables or slow cooked meats.
Servings: 6 cups polenta
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Author: Whitney Bond
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups half & half
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
Instructions
Add the butter to a large pot on the stove top over medium high heat.
When the butter begins to melt, add the milk, half & half, cornmeal and salt to the pot.
Stir continuously, 10-15 minutes, until the polenta becomes thick and creamy.
Add the cheeses and continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the polenta.
Remove from the heat and serve immediately or add to your favorite dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 638kcal (32%)Carbohydrates 52g (17%)Protein 18g (36%)Fat 40g (62%)Saturated Fat 23g (115%)Cholesterol 106mg (35%)Sodium 1073mg (45%)Potassium 549mg (16%)Fiber 4g (16%)Sugar 7g (8%)Vitamin A 1215mg (24%)Vitamin C 1.5mg (2%)Calcium 435mg (44%)Iron 1.8mg (10%)
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originally published February 12, 2015 — last updated June 8, 2023 3 Comments
Posted in: Appetizers, Egg Free Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Italian Recipes, Method, Peanut Free Recipes, Quick and Easy Recipes, Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes
About Whitney Bond
I’m a sports-loving, coffee-drinking, food blogger, the host of “29 Minute Meals”, a contributing writer for TODAY Food, cookbook author and on-camera food and lifestyle expert! Here you’ll find most recipes are made in 29 minutes or less, in one pot, or in a crock pot!
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Christina — December 2, 2022 @ 10:50 AM Reply
I’ve been making this for years, but never rated it. It’s delicious. With your ragu, it’s a go-to for guests or special occasions because it’s so elegant, but so simple. Thank you, Whitney!
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Ninip — January 30, 2016 @ 3:13 PM Reply
I also like to pour the hot polenta into loaf pans. I let it chill and then I can slice it. The slices can be fried to a crunch or fanned in a baking dish with butter and Parmesan on top and baked. This variation of chilling first is nice because it can be made ahead.
I went to a Polenta Festival in Pistoia, Italy. I love the stuff so it was fun trying the different preparations in each booth! -
Hayley G — February 13, 2015 @ 7:58 AM Reply
This. Looks. AMAZING! I love polenta, but have yet to make it. This recipe would be a perfect start! 🙂
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