Best 10 Polenta Squares With Wild Mushrooms And Fontina Recipes

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In the realm of culinary adventures, polenta squares with wild mushrooms and fontina emerge as a tempting delicacy that embodies both rustic charm and sophisticated flavors. This delectable dish, hailing from the vibrant culinary heritage of Northern Italy, combines the earthy notes of wild mushrooms, the creamy richness of fontina cheese, and the hearty comfort of polenta into a symphony of textures and tastes. With its versatility, polenta squares can be enjoyed as an elegant appetizer, a hearty main course, or even a satisfying snack. Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of crafting this delectable dish, exploring the perfect balance of ingredients and techniques that elevate it to a true masterpiece.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

POLENTA WITH FONTINA AND MUSHROOMS



Polenta with Fontina and Mushrooms image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Bring 3 3/4 cups water, 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a boil; whisk in 3/4 cup instant polenta. Reduce the heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until creamy, 10 minutes. Stir in 1 cup grated fontina. Saute 12 ounces sliced mixed mushrooms and 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary in butter until tender, 6 minutes; stir in 1¿4 cup heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Cook until thickened; toss with chopped parsley. Serve over the polenta.

POLENTA BITES WITH WILD MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA



Polenta Bites with Wild Mushrooms and Fontina image

Store-bought tubes of polenta are the ultimate appetizer shortcut: just slice and toast in the oven, top with sautéed wild mushrooms and a sprinkling of grated Fontina, then bake again until melty and irresistible. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of Sherry vinegar punch up the flavor of the mushrooms.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     New Year's Eve     Hors D'Oeuvre     Cocktail Party     Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa     Mushroom     Fontina     Vegetarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Appetizer

Yield Makes 30

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 pounds prepared polenta, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (about 30 rounds)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms (such as oyster, crimini, and/or stemmed shiitake), cut into thick slices
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Sherry vinegar
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves
4 ounces Fontina cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush both sides of polenta slices very lightly with oil and arrange on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Roast polenta until lightly golden brown and warmed through, about 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until tender and browned, about 12 minutes. Add shallots, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley.
  • Divide mushroom mixture between baking sheets with polenta. Top with cheese. Continue to roast until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Arrange polenta bites on a platter and serve.
  • Do Ahead
  • Mushroom mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.

ROASTED POLENTA WITH FONTINA AND WILD MUSHROOMS



Roasted Polenta with Fontina and Wild Mushrooms image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking

Number Of Ingredients 7

Polenta
Olive oil
Shredded fontina
Sliced wild mushrooms
Thinly sliced shallot
Fresh thyme leaves
Salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut cold polenta into squares, transfer to a baking sheet, and brush tops with oil; sprinkle with fontina. Toss mushrooms with shallot, thyme, oil, and salt. Top each square with mushroom mixture. Roast until polenta is crisp on bottom and mushrooms are wilted and golden brown.

POLENTA SQUARES WITH WILD MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA



Polenta Squares with Wild Mushrooms and Fontina image

A mix of mushrooms gives the best range of textures and earthy flavors, and the assortment also looks more interesting than just one variety of mushroom would. Once the polenta is cold and set, it can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to three days. This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart's Appetizers.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 3h20m

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 7

Coarse salt
1 1/2 cups coarse-ground polenta
8 ounces mixed mushrooms, such as cremini, oyster, chanterelle, and hen-of-the-woods, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon packed fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian fontina

Steps:

  • Bring 4 1/2 cups water to a boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot; season with salt. Bring another 4 cups water to a simmer in a small saucepan. Gradually add polenta to large pot, whisking constantly until combined. Reduce heat until only one or two large bubbles break surface at a time, adjusting heat as necessary.
  • Whisk 2 ladlefuls of simmering water into polenta and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Continue to add 2 ladlefuls of simmering water every 5 minutes, stirring often and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more, until polenta is creamy and just pulls away from sides of pot, about 45 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary.)
  • Pour polenta into a slightly damp 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Let stand until no longer steaming, about 10 minutes. Refrigerate, uncovered, until cold and set, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a bowl, toss together mushrooms, shallot, thyme, and oil; season with salt.
  • Turn out polenta onto a cutting board. Cut into 24 pieces, and transfer to a rimmed baking sheet brushed with oil. Dividing evenly, brush tops with oil, then sprinkle with cheese and top with mushroom mixture. Roast until polenta is crisp on bottom, cheese is melted, and mushrooms are wilted and golden brown, about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA



Polenta With Mushrooms and Fontina image

Be sure the Polenta is very soft (almost pourable) when spreading it in the baking dish. If necessary, thin with a little hot water. It will firm up as it bakes. Serve with a green salad or as a side dish to roasted chicken or meat. This one is time consuming and done the old fashioned Italian way.

Provided by Jencathen

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 lb fresh mushrooms, brushed clean and cut into 1/4-inch slices
salt
freshly grated nutmeg
7 cups water
2 cups italian polenta
1/2 lb Fontina cheese, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • In a large sauté pan or frying pan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter. When bubbly, add the mushrooms, raise the heat to medium high, and sauté, tossing often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Do not let brown. Season with salt and a little nutmeg and remove from the heat. Cover to keep warm.
  • Position a rack in the center of an oven and preheat to 425 degrees F . Butter a 2 1/2-qt. baking dish.
  • In a deep, heavy saucepan over high heat, bring the water to a rapid boil. Add 2 tsp salt and, while stirring continuously with a long-handled spoon, gradually add the polenta in a thin, steady stream until all has been incorporated. Continuing to stir constantly to keep lumps from forming, reduce the heat until the mixture only bubbles occasionally. Continue to cook, stirring, until smooth and creamy, about 20 minutes; be careful to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to avoid sticking or lumping. Remove from the heat. Cut the remaining 1/4 cup butter into small cubes and add to the polenta, a few cubes at a time, stirring until melted after each addition. The polenta should be soft and spreadable.
  • Spread one-third of the polenta over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the mushrooms in a layer on top, and then cover with a layer of half of the cheese slices. Repeat with half of the remaining polenta, than all of the remaining mushrooms and cheese. Top with the remaining polenta.
  • Place in the oven and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
  • Cut into squares and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.6, Fat 28.8, SaturatedFat 17.2, Cholesterol 84.5, Sodium 434.9, Carbohydrate 34.4, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.1, Protein 15.5

POLENTA SQUARES WITH MUSHROOM RAGU



Polenta Squares with Mushroom Ragu image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 40m

Yield 36 bite-size hors d'oeuvres

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup quick-cooking polenta
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup dry Marsala
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Bring the water, 1 tablespoon butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir constantly until the polenta thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour the polenta into a greased 9 by 9-inch baking pan, spreading so that it is 1/3-inch thick. Cover and let stand at room temperature until set, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and saute until the juices evaporate, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 2 minutes longer. Decrease the heat to medium-low. Add the Marsala. Cover and simmer until the Marsala has reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Stir the flour and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl to form a paste, then stir the paste into the mushroom mixture. Cover and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir the parsley into the ragu. Season the ragu, to taste, with more salt and pepper.
  • Cut the polenta into 36 bite-size squares. Arrange the polenta squares on a platter. Spoon the warm ragu atop the polenta and serve immediately.

POLENTA SQUARES WITH MUSHROOM RAGU



Polenta Squares With Mushroom Ragu image

This one is from Giada. I watched her make it on Everyday Italian and had to have it. I have not tried it yet, but plan to in the near future.

Provided by SkinnyMinnie

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 36 hors d'oeuvres

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon salt, plus
salt, for seasoning
1/2 cup quick-cooking polenta
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus
black pepper, for seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup marsala wine
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring the water, 1 Tbs butter and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil in a heavy medium saucepan.
  • Gradually whisk in the polenta.
  • Reduce heat to medium low.
  • Stir constantly until the polenta thickens, about 5 minute.
  • Pour the polenta into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan, spreading so that it is 1/3-inch thick.
  • Cover and let stand at room temperature until set, about 15 minute.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the mushrooms and onion.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and saute until the juices evaporate, about 8 minute.
  • Add the garlic and saute until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 2 min longer.
  • Decrease the heat to medium-low and add the Marsala.
  • Cover and simmer until the Marsala has reduced by about half, about 5 minute.
  • Stir the flour and remaining 2 Tbs of butter in a small bowl to form a paste, then stir the paste into the mushroom mixture.
  • Cover and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minute.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • Stir in the parsley.
  • Season the ragu to taste, with more salt and pepper is necessary.
  • Cut the polenta into 36 bite sized squares.
  • Arrange the polenta squares on a platter and spoon the warm ragu over the top.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 35.2, Fat 1.4, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 2.5, Sodium 73.5, Carbohydrate 1.2, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.4, Protein 0.2

POLENTA BITES WITH WILD MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA RECIPE



Polenta Bites with Wild Mushrooms and Fontina Recipe image

Provided by á-726

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 pounds prepared polenta, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds (about 30 rounds)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms (such as oyster, crimini, and/or stemmed shiitake), cut into thick slices
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Sherry vinegar
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves
4 ounces Fontina cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Brush both sides of polenta slices very lightly with oil and arrange on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Roast polenta until lightly golden brown and warmed through, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, melt butter with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until tender and browned, about 12 minutes. Add shallots, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper and cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley. Divide mushroom mixture between baking sheets with polenta. Top with cheese. Continue to roast until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Arrange polenta bites on a platter and serve. Do Ahead Mushroom mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill. *** I used gruyere.

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

POLENTA WITH WILD MUSHROOMS



Polenta With Wild Mushrooms image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, weekday, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup quick-cooking polenta
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound assorted cultivated wild mushrooms (portobello, cremini, shiitake, chanterelle, etc.), washed, trimmed and sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried

Steps:

  • Stir the polenta thoroughly into one cup of stock. Bring the rest of the stock to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and slowly add the polenta, stirring. Cook until mixture thickens, a couple of minutes. Stir in the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
  • Heat the oil in a nonstick pan until it is very hot. Reduce the heat to medium high, and saute the mushrooms with the thyme until the mushrooms release their juices and the juices begin to evaporate. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mushrooms over the top of the polenta, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 248, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 663 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh wild mushrooms for the best flavor. If you can't find wild mushrooms, you can use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms. This will cause them to steam instead of brown.
  • Be patient when cooking the polenta. It takes time for it to thicken and become creamy.
  • Use a good quality Fontina cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
  • Serve the polenta squares immediately after they are baked. They are best when they are hot and gooey.

Conclusion:

Polenta squares with wild mushrooms and Fontina are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. They are also a great way to use up leftover polenta. The combination of the creamy polenta, the earthy mushrooms, and the nutty Fontina cheese is simply irresistible. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal that is sure to please everyone at the table, give this recipe a try.

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