If you are looking for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal, cheesy baked butternut squash polenta is the perfect dish for you. Polenta is a creamy porridge made from cornmeal, and when combined with butternut squash and cheese, it becomes a truly decadent treat. The sweetness of the butternut squash complements the nutty flavor of the polenta, while the cheese adds a gooey, irresistible texture. This dish is perfect for a cold fall or winter day, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CHEESY BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH POLENTA
Butternut squash melts into the polenta as it cooks for this creamy make-ahead dish. Once transferred to a baking dish, pressing chunks of creamy Fontina cheese into the polenta ensures that once baked it will be full of gooey pockets of cheese throughout.
Provided by Anna Stockwell
Categories Squash Milk/Cream Nutmeg Cheese Parmesan Butter Olive Oil Sage Fontina Thanksgiving Side Bake Wheat/Gluten-Free Vegetarian
Yield 10-12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine 1 Tbsp. salt and 6 cups water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in polenta, then cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until polenta just begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Stir in squash, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until polenta is thick and no longer gritty, and squash mashes easily when pressed with the back of a spoon, 30-40 minutes.
- Mix in milk and nutmeg, increase heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring constantly and smashing squash with the back of spoon, until squash is dissolved into the polenta, 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and 1/4 cup butter until melted. Let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add sage and cook, stirring, just until leaves are lightly crisped and darker in color, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Grease a shallow 3-qt. baking dish with butter, then transfer polenta mixture to baking dish. Scatter Fontina cheese over and press down lightly with spoon to submerge. Top with crisped sage. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and chill overnight and up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Uncover dish and bake casserole until bubbly and lightly browned on top, 30-35 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.
EASY OVEN-BAKED REAL POLENTA (NOT INSTANT)
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
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
POLENTA WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Butternut squash adds a lot of flavor and color. Serve topped with wild mushroom cream sauce or sausage apple saute.
Provided by KelBel
Categories Grains
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F Arrange squash, cut side up, in large roasting pan. Place garlic cloves in squash cavities. Drizzle oil over. Sprinkle with dried sage, salt and pepper. Bake until squash is tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Cool slightly. Peel squash and garlic. Transfer to processor and puree.
- Combine broth, 1 3/4 cups water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until mixture is very thick and creamy, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh sage and 3 cups squash puree (reserve any remaining puree for another use). Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 350.6, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 11, Sodium 1144.2, Carbohydrate 52.4, Fiber 7, Sugar 5.7, Protein 12.1
Tips:
- Butternut squash should be roasted until caramelized and fork-tender.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or your favorite plant-based milk.
- Stir polenta frequently while cooking to prevent lumps.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and butter to the polenta for extra flavor.
- Top the polenta with additional grated Parmesan cheese, roasted butternut squash, and chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Conclusion:
This cheesy baked butternut squash polenta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a winter meal. The polenta is creamy and cheesy, while the butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and roasted flavor. This dish is also relatively easy to make, making it a great option for a weeknight meal. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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