Best 12 Parmesan Polenta Squares Recipes

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Parmesan polenta squares are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Made with a simple combination of polenta, Parmesan cheese, and butter, these squares are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They can be served with a variety of toppings, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or an elegant dish for a special occasion, Parmesan polenta squares are sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY PARMESAN POLENTA



Creamy Parmesan Polenta image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone-ground
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup creme fraiche
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Place the chicken stock in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and cook over medium-high heat until the stock comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and very slowly whisk in the cornmeal, whisking constantly to make sure there are no lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon, add the salt and pepper, and simmer, stirring almost constantly, for 10 minutes, until thick. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly while you're stirring. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, creme fraiche, and butter. Taste for seasonings and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

POLENTA WITH PARMESAN AND TOMATO SAUCE



Polenta With Parmesan and Tomato Sauce image

This is my favorite way to serve polenta, and it's the simplest, too. My son loves it -- maybe your kids will feel the same.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 1h15m

Yield Serves four

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup polenta
1 quart water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan optional, plus additional for sprinkling
1 1/2 cups Fresh Tomato Sauce or Simple Marinara Sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the polenta, water and salt in a 2-quart baking dish. Stir together, and place in the oven. Bake 50 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir in the butter and return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and stir again. Return to the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and stir in the Parmesan, if using. Spoon onto plates, make a depression in the middle and spoon 1/4 heaped cup of simple tomato sauce into the depression. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 219, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 880 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BIG-BATCH PARMESAN POLENTA



Big-Batch Parmesan Polenta image

This big pot of polenta makes enough to feed four adults several meals. Start by serving some as a soft creamy side dish when it is freshly made, then divide the rest into baking dishes to use later in the week as crusts, croutons, and more.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Cornmeal     Parmesan     Sunday Stash     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Corn

Yield 10-12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 Tbsp. kosher salt
3 cups polenta (coarse cornmeal)
1½ cups finely grated Parmesan
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring 9 cups water to a boil in a medium pot over high. Add salt and reduce heat to medium-low. Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, gradually stream in polenta. Cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy, 30-35 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and pepper.

CRISPY POLENTA SQUARES



Crispy Polenta Squares image

These crispy squares can also be lightly fried for a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes     Dinner Side Dishes

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 recipe Creamy Polenta with Goat Cheese
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme

Steps:

  • Pour warm polenta into an oiled 8-by-8-inch square pan and smooth out top. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours but up to overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Flip polenta onto a cutting board. Brush the top with olive oil. Cut into 16 two-inch squares. Preheat a baking sheet for a few minutes and place the squares on the sheet.
  • Place baking sheet in the upper third rack of the oven. Cook 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the tomato topping by combining all ingredients in a bowl and tossing to coat. Let sit until ready to serve.
  • Increase oven setting to broil and cook polenta squares until golden brown on top, about 3 minutes. Transfer squares to a platter and scatter tomato mixture on top.

CRISPY SEASONED POLENTA SQUARES



Crispy Seasoned Polenta Squares image

Crisp polenta squares make a delightful side for a variety of main dishes. Sun-dried tomatoes and just the right amount of seasoning make them seem special...a dollop of sour cream adds the finishing touch! Shelly Fisher - Hermiston, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups water
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 egg
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 teaspoons dried cilantro flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
9 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream

Steps:

  • In a large heavy saucepan, bring the water, tomatoes, salt, onion and garlic to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Stir in cheese and oregano. Spread into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes., Cut polenta into nine squares. In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and cilantro. Dip polenta in the egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture. , In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook polenta in oil in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 134 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 456mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY PARMESAN POLENTA



Creamy Parmesan Polenta image

Easy and delicious creamy polenta. Makes a great side, appetizer, or base for a hearty stew.

Provided by Keith Haney

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Polenta Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (18 ounce) package polenta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash paprika

Steps:

  • Stir polenta and chicken broth together in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until the polenta is heated through completely, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat. Stir Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and paprika with the polenta mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 532.6 calories, Carbohydrate 87.1 g, Cholesterol 18.2 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 7.7 g, Protein 18.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 1185.7 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

PARMESAN POLENTA SQUARES



Parmesan Polenta Squares image

Categories     Cheese     Side     Broil     Winter     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
6 tablespoons white cornmeal
3 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil

Steps:

  • Whisk both cornmeals in bowl to blend. Bring broth to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low; whisk constantly until mixture boils and becomes very thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Pour polenta into 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan; smooth top. Cool until firm, at least 30 minutes, or cover and chill overnight.
  • Preheat broiler. Cut polenta into 16 squares; brush generously with oil. Arrange polenta, oiled side down, on small baking sheet. Brush top of polenta with oil. Broil until heated through and golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan.

PARMESAN-CRUSTED POLENTA



Parmesan-Crusted Polenta image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the pan
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound quick-cooking polenta
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Add 8 cups water, the oil and salt to a large saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
  • Slowly stream in the polenta while whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the polenta is thickened and smooth, about 3 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, place a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly coat the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle 1 cup of the Parmesan evenly over the bottom of the pan and allow to toast until golden brown and nutty, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Pour the polenta over the Parmesan crust and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Set at room temperature until firm, 20 to 30 minutes. (At this point, the polenta can be refrigerated up to overnight.)
  • When ready to serve, place the pan back over medium heat to warm the cheese. Place a large plate or serving platter over the surface and invert the polenta onto the plate. Serve topped with your favorite sauce.

POLENTA SQUARES WITH PROSCIUTTO



Polenta Squares with Prosciutto image

Polenta squares with prosciutto and Taleggio cheese can be made in advance and broiled just before serving.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Yield Makes 48

Number Of Ingredients 8

Coarse salt
2 cups yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for pan
6 slices prosciutto, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Freshly ground pepper
6 ounces Taleggio cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (48 pieces)
Fresh marjoram sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

  • Bring 7 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan; add 4 teaspoons salt. Whisking constantly, add cornmeal a little at a time. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until polenta pulls away from sides of pan and is very thick, about 25 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat until hot but not smoking. Add prosciutto and garlic. Cook, stirring, until prosciutto is slightly crisp, about 5 minutes; stir into polenta. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Pour polenta mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking pan; smooth with a dampened spatula. Let cool at least 1 hour.
  • If not serving polenta immediately, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use (or overnight).
  • Trim 1/4 inch from all sides of polenta. Cut polenta into 48 squares. Preheat broiler with rack 5 inches from heat. Lightly brush a metal baking pan with oil; heat under broiler 30 seconds. In batches, broil squares in pan, 2 minutes. Place cheese on each square; season with pepper. Broil until cheese is melted, about 1 1/2 minutes. Garnish with herb sprigs.

FRIED POLENTA SQUARES WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM RAGU



Fried Polenta Squares with Creamy Mushroom Ragu image

You won't be able to resist this hearty, heart-warming side dish from Beth Kirby of Local Milk.

Provided by Reynolds Kitchens(R)

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Reynolds®

Time 3h45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 cups water
1 cup polenta
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (like shiitake, oyster, chanterelle, hen of the woods), cleaned and sliced
1 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar
1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 sheet Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil

Steps:

  • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Whisk in the polenta. Once it begins to thicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until creamy and thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the Parmesan and a 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until melted and cheese is no longer visible. Remove from heat.
  • Line an 8x11 inch baking dish with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and carefully pour the polenta into the baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it to an even thickness, about 3/4 inch. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days until firm.
  • While the polenta chills, make your ragu. In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent browning. Add mushrooms and thyme and cook over medium-high heat until the mushrooms start to release their liquid. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook another 5 minutes until they begin to soften more.
  • Add flour, stirring, until it is no longer visible, about 1 minute. Add in the wine, cream and sugar, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Taste and adjust salt if desired. Simmer until thick and creamy and the mushrooms are nicely coated, about 15 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup minced parsley. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
  • Slice your polenta into squares -- whatever size you desire. Wipe down your skillet, coat it with nonstick cooking spray, and heat it over medium-high. Fry the squares in the pan until golden brown and warmed through. To serve, top the squares with warm mushroom ragu.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 447.8 calories, Carbohydrate 46.9 g, Cholesterol 32.5 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 948.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

HOMEMADE POLENTA SQUARES WITH CHUNKY TOMATO SAUCE



Homemade Polenta Squares With Chunky Tomato Sauce image

Make and share this Homemade Polenta Squares With Chunky Tomato Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by little_wing

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h25m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons light butter
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
4 cups skim milk (can use whole or low fat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup yellow cornmeal (not cornmeal mix)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 (28 ounce) jar chunky garden vegetable spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Steps:

  • Bring milk, salt and cayenne to boil in larfe saucepan over med. high heat.
  • While whisking milk, add cornmeal in a very thin but steady stream. DO NOT LET LUMPS FORM.
  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Cook uncovered 50-60 minute until polenta is very thick, stirring frequently. It will be ready when you can stand a wooden spoon upright in middle of mixture.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter over med. heat.
  • Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes or until tender. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
  • When polenta is done, add bell pepper mixture and Parmesan to saucepan. Stir to combine.
  • Spray 13x9 pan with cooking spray. Spread polenta evenly into pan. Cover and let stand at room temp for 6hrs or until completely cooled and firm.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cut polenta into 24 squares.
  • Pour spaghetti sauce evenly over polenta.
  • Bake 20 minutes or until bubbly around edges.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with provolone.
  • Bake 2-3 minutes longer to melt cheese.
  • Let stand 5 minutes and loosen edges with spatula.
  • Carefully lift out squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326.5, Fat 15, SaturatedFat 9.1, Cholesterol 38.5, Sodium 736.9, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.3, Protein 20.2

CREAMY PARMESAN GARLIC POLENTA



Creamy Parmesan Garlic Polenta image

Make and share this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Polenta recipe from Food.com.

Provided by sofie-a-toast

Categories     Grains

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 quart low sodium chicken broth or 1 quart low sodium vegetable broth
1 cup polenta (coarse ground cornmeal)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Steps:

  • 1 In a medium-large pot melt the butter over medium high heat until the foam subsides. Add the garlic. Cook for a minute. Add the broth. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil.
  • 2. Slowly sprinkle in the polenta, whisking as you pour. Turn the heat to medium and cook for 20 to 25 minutes stirring frequently until the polenta is thickened and soft to taste.
  • 3. Turn off heat and stir in pepper and parmesan. Serve immediately or pour into a 9x13 inch pan to set. Once cool, cut polenta into squares.

Tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Parmesan Polenta Squares. Use fresh polenta, grated Parmesan cheese, and flavorful vegetables for the best results.
  • Don't Overcook the Polenta: Polenta can easily become gummy if overcooked. Cook it according to the package instructions and stir it frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Use a Well-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet will help create a crispy crust on the bottom of your Parmesan Polenta Squares.
  • Let the Polenta Cool Completely: Before cutting and baking the polenta squares, let it cool completely in the skillet. This will help it hold its shape better.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the polenta squares, use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts.

Conclusion:

Parmesan Polenta Squares are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. They're easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish for a dinner party, Parmesan Polenta Squares are sure to please.

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