Cheesy Baked Polenta with Parmesan
Experience a delightful twist on classic Italian comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Polenta recipe. Inspired by the culinary journey of Thomas Jefferson who brought this dish from Italy, this recipe has been a beloved favorite in our kitchen, as popularized by Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet. The creamy texture of the polenta, enhanced with rich parmesan cheese, perfectly melds with the golden-brown crust that forms during baking. A cozy and satisfying dish, it's perfect on its own or as a side to your favorite main course, and can be easily customized with your preferred cheese or herbs for a personal touch.
4
Servings
180
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 quart (Boiled)
salt
1 teaspoon
polenta
1 cup (Slowly stirred into boiling water)
parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1 cup (Grated)
butter or olive oil
1/4 cup (Melted)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 1 quart of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt to season the water.
3
Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of polenta while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
4
Continue to stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.
5
Once thickened, reduce the stirring frequency and allow the polenta to simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches a very thick consistency.
6
Pour the cooked polenta into a greased loaf mold or bread pan, smoothing the top as necessary.
7
Cover and refrigerate the polenta overnight to set.
8
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9
Remove the polenta from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
10
Arrange the polenta slices in a baking dish, layered like tiles.
11
Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter or olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with the grated cheese.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to turn golden brown.
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
23g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Polenta with Parmesan?
It is a classic Italian comfort food dish made with creamy polenta, seasoned with salt, and topped with parmesan or romano cheese and butter before being baked to a golden-brown finish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this polenta?
There are 8.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 23 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 6.25 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content of this dish?
The sugar content is very low at 0.5 grams per serving.
How much water is needed to cook the polenta?
You will need 1 quart of water brought to a rolling boil.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt added to the boiling water.
How much polenta should I use?
You will need 1 cup of polenta for this recipe.
What types of cheese are recommended?
You can use 1 cup of either grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/4 cup of either melted butter or olive oil.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the polenta?
To prevent lumps, gradually sprinkle the polenta into the boiling water while continuously stirring.
How long should I simmer the polenta?
Simmer the polenta over medium heat for about 20 minutes until it reaches a very thick consistency.
What is the next step after the polenta thickens?
Pour the cooked polenta into a greased loaf mold or bread pan and smooth the top.
How long does the polenta need to set?
The polenta should be covered and refrigerated overnight to set properly.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How should I slice the refrigerated polenta?
Slice the set polenta into pieces that are approximately 1/4-inch thick.
How should the slices be arranged in the baking dish?
The slices should be arranged in the baking dish layered like tiles.
How long does the baking process take?
Bake the polenta for about 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
What are the visual signs that the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted and begins to turn golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is categorized as a side dish and a quick meal taking less than 60 minutes of active time.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
It is inspired by the culinary journey of Thomas Jefferson and popularized by Jeff Smith, known as The Frugal Gourmet.
Can I customize the flavor of this polenta?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish with your preferred cheese or personal choice of herbs.
What kind of texture does this dish have?
It features a creamy internal texture with a satisfying golden-brown crust on the outside.
Is the salt added before or after the polenta?
The salt is stirred into the boiling water before the polenta is added.
What should I do with the butter or oil before adding it?
The butter should be melted before drizzling it over the layered polenta slices.
Is this dish best served as a side or a main?
It is versatile enough to be served on its own as a main dish or as a side to a larger meal.