Best 4 Easy Baked Polenta Recipes

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In the culinary realm, polenta, a versatile cornmeal dish, has earned its place as a delectable and adaptable culinary creation. Originating from the rustic kitchens of Northern Italy, polenta has captivated taste buds with its creamy texture and subtle corn flavor. Whether you seek a comforting main course or an alluring side dish, discovering the best-baked polenta recipe can elevate your culinary repertoire. Embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of perfect polenta, mastering the art of polenta-making techniques, and exploring a world of flavor combinations and accompaniments that will transform this humble dish into a memorable culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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

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

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

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

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:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
  • Pay Attention to Cooking Time and Temperature: Polenta can easily become overcooked, so be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
  • Use the Right Pan: A heavy-bottomed pan is best for cooking polenta, as it will help to prevent the polenta from sticking and burning.
  • Stir Constantly: Be sure to stir the polenta constantly while cooking to prevent it from forming lumps.
  • Season to Taste: Once the polenta is cooked, season it with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to taste.
  • Let it Cool Before Serving: Allow the polenta to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and firm up.

Conclusion:

With its creamy texture, nutty flavor, and versatility, baked polenta is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you serve it as a main course, side dish, or appetizer, polenta is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give baked polenta a try - you won't be disappointed!

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