Hearty Italian Polenta and Sausage Bake
Delight in this Hearty Italian Polenta and Sausage Bake, a comforting casserole that's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This dish features layers of creamy, rich polenta and savory Italian sausage, complemented by a robust tomato sauce filled with aromatic vegetables and herbs. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage—this dish will still shine with its vibrant flavors and textures. The beautiful presentation of golden, round polenta slices topped with melted Fontina cheese will impress your guests. Serve it alongside a fresh side salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
N/A
Servings
255
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1/2 lb (browned and drained (spicy preferred))
Fontina cheese
2 cups (grated)
Prepared polenta
18 ounces (sliced into rounds)
San Marzano tomatoes
28 ounces (or any good quality canned tomatoes)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth
1/2 cup
Onion
1 (medium, chopped fine)
Carrot
1/3 cup (chopped fine)
Celery
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
Garlic
3 teaspoons (minced)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
1. In a large sauté pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through. If using sausage links, remove the casing before cooking. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
2
2. In the same pan, using the drippings, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked. If needed, add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
3. Once the vegetables are tender, add the canned tomatoes, breaking them up as you stir, along with the tomato paste and vegetable broth. Mix in the fresh basil, parsley, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes, then return the cooked sausage to the pan.
4
4. Slice the prepared polenta into approximately 18 thin rounds. A convenient option is using pre-packaged polenta found in tubes, available in various flavors including herbed and cheese.
5
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x9x2-inch casserole dish, begin layering your casserole. Start with a thin layer of the sausage and vegetable sauce, followed by a layer of polenta rounds (overlapping is acceptable), and then sprinkle a generous amount of grated Fontina cheese on top.
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6. Repeat the layering process with another addition of sauce, more polenta rounds, and cheese until all components are used, finishing with a final layer of sauce and a generous topping of cheese.
7
7. Allow the assembled casserole to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour so the polenta can absorb some sauce. Then cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a golden cheese crust.
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8. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
12.75g
Fat
24.25g
Carbs
10.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Polenta and Sausage Bake?
It is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring layers of creamy prepared polenta, savory Italian sausage, and a robust herb-filled tomato sauce topped with melted Fontina cheese.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage; the dish remains flavorful and satisfying with its vibrant tomato sauce and cheesy polenta layers.
What type of polenta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of prepared polenta, which is typically found in tubes and comes in flavors like herbed or cheese.
What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?
1/2 lb of Italian sausage is used, with a preference for spicy varieties to add a kick of flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this bake?
Each serving contains approximately 255 calories.
What cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated Fontina cheese for its superior melting qualities and mild, nutty flavor.
How do I prepare the polenta for layering?
Slice the prepared polenta tube into approximately 18 thin rounds for even layering throughout the casserole.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce is built on a base of finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic.
Do I need to peel the sausage before cooking?
If you are using sausage links, you should remove the casings before browning the meat in the pan.
How do I prevent the dish from being too greasy?
Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels after browning to drain off any excess grease.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
San Marzano tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor, though any high-quality canned tomatoes will work.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
What herbs provide the flavor in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with fresh basil, fresh parsley, and dried oregano.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
Once the tomatoes and broth are added, allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes before adding the sausage back in.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x9x2-inch casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Start with a thin layer of sauce, followed by a layer of polenta rounds and cheese, then repeat until all ingredients are used.
Why must the casserole sit before baking?
Letting the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 1 hour allows the polenta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Should I cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove it for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the cheese on top has formed a golden crust.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 12.75g of fat and 10.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 24.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What side dish goes well with this bake?
A fresh side salad is recommended to balance the richness of the polenta and sausage.
Can I use vegetable broth in the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 cup of vegetable broth is used to help create the right consistency for the sauce.
Is there a specific amount of garlic needed?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of minced garlic for optimal flavor.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken the sauce.
How much polenta is needed in total?
The recipe requires 18 ounces of prepared polenta.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While 1/4 cup of fresh basil is preferred, you can substitute dried basil using a smaller amount if necessary.
How long should I let the dish cool?
Let the bake cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to make slicing easier.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, its comforting nature and easy preparation make it perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals.