Creamy Baked Cornmeal Polenta
Indulge in the velvety texture and rich flavor of this Creamy Baked Cornmeal Polenta, a delightful twist on traditional polenta that requires minimal effort in the kitchen. This oven-baked method yields perfect results without the incessant stirring associated with stovetop cooking. Featuring a delicious blend of broth, cornmeal, and your choice of cheese, this dish is wonderfully versatile—it can be served as a comforting side or a hearty base for your favorite sauces. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is a true comfort food treasure adapted from the talented test-kitchen staff of the L.A. Times.
4-6
Servings
133
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable or Chicken Broth
32 ounces (Use as-is)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Use as-is)
Yellow Cornmeal
1 cup (Use as-is)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Cheese (any type, shredded or crumbled)
1 cup (Shredded or crumbled (preferably Bleu))
Parsley
1 tablespoon (Minced (optional for garnish))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 2-quart oven-proof casserole by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
3
In the casserole, combine the broth, salt, cornmeal, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until well combined.
4
Cover the casserole and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
5
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and evenly incorporated.
6
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Remove from the oven and let the polenta rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8
Optionally, garnish with minced parsley before serving. This polenta can be served as a flavorful side dish or as a delightful alternative to pasta topped with your favorite sauces.
9
* Note: Leftovers will firm up in the refrigerator and can be sliced and pan-fried like polenta cakes.
10
* Note: If you choose to double the recipe, remember to also double the baking time.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Cornmeal Polenta?
It is a velvety, rich-flavored alternative to traditional polenta that is oven-baked to minimize effort and avoid constant stirring.
What temperature should the oven be set to for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size casserole dish is required for the baked polenta?
You will need a 2-quart oven-proof casserole dish.
How should I prepare the casserole dish before baking?
The dish should be prepared by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
How long is the initial baking time?
The polenta should be covered and baked for 40 minutes initially.
When should the cheese be added to the polenta?
The cheese should be stirred into the casserole after the initial 40 minutes of baking.
How long does the polenta bake after adding the cheese?
It should be returned to the oven and baked for an additional 5 minutes.
How long should the polenta rest before serving?
Let the polenta rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The primary ingredients are broth, salt, yellow cornmeal, butter, and cheese.
What kind of broth can be used?
You can use either vegetable or chicken broth.
How much cornmeal is needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 cup of yellow cornmeal.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
What type of cheese is recommended for the best flavor?
While any shredded or crumbled cheese works, Bleu cheese is specifically suggested as a preferred option.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can optionally garnish the polenta with 1 tablespoon of minced parsley.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe serves between 4 and 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What should I do if I want to double the recipe?
If you double the recipe, you must also remember to double the baking time.
How should leftovers be handled?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator where they will firm up.
Can I turn leftover polenta into cakes?
Yes, firm leftovers can be sliced and pan-fried like polenta cakes.
Is constant stirring required for this polenta?
No, this oven-baked method eliminates the incessant stirring associated with stovetop cooking.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this polenta?
The dish contains 5g of fat per serving.
Is this dish considered a side or a main?
It is versatile and can be served as a comforting side dish or a hearty base for sauces.
Who adapted this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from the test-kitchen staff of the L.A. Times.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Grains.
Is this recipe suitable for special gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
What is the texture of the finished polenta?
The finished polenta has a velvety and creamy texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients in total, including the optional garnish.
Can this polenta replace pasta?
Yes, it can be served as a delightful alternative to pasta when topped with your favorite sauces.