Oven-Baked Herb Polenta Delight
Experience the comforting goodness of Oven-Baked Herb Polenta Delight, a family favorite shared through generations. This simple yet satisfying recipe, inspired by a beloved method passed down from my mom, creates a creamy, flavorful polenta infused with the warmth of butter and seasonings. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a hearty snack, you can enjoy it straight out of the oven topped with marinara sauce, or let it cool and fry it for a crispy treat. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or spicy jalapeños for an extra kick. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion and sure to please a crowd!
4
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
1 quart (none)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Coarse-ground polenta
1 cup (uncooked)
Butter
2 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a 1 to 1-1/2 quart baking pan, combine the water, salt, pepper, and polenta, stirring thoroughly to mix.
3
Dot the mixture with pieces of butter to enrich the flavor.
4
Place the pan uncovered in the center of the top rack of the oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the polenta to cook evenly.
5
After 40 minutes, carefully stir the polenta to break up any lumps. This is also the perfect time to incorporate any additional ingredients such as Monterey Jack cheese, parmesan, jalapeños, or pine nuts if desired.
6
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to firm up the texture.
7
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes for easier serving.
8
You can serve the polenta as is, drizzled with marinara sauce, or transfer it to a greased pan to cool before refrigerating for several hours if you plan to fry it later.
9
Enjoy your culinary creation either way!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
30g
Carbs
4g
Protein
2g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Baked Herb Polenta Delight?
It is a creamy and flavorful dish made with coarse-ground polenta and butter, inspired by a traditional family recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What type of polenta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked coarse-ground polenta.
How much water is needed?
You will need 1 quart of water for this recipe.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter, which should be cut into pieces.
What seasonings are used in the polenta?
It is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Oven-Baked Herb Polenta Delight is a vegetarian dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long is the initial baking time?
The polenta should bake for an initial 40 minutes.
Should the baking pan be covered?
No, the pan should be placed in the oven uncovered.
Where should the pan be placed in the oven?
Place the pan in the center of the top rack of the oven for even cooking.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 1 to 1-1/2 quart baking pan is ideal for this recipe.
When should I stir the polenta?
Carefully stir the polenta after the first 40 minutes of baking to break up any lumps.
Can I add cheese to the polenta?
Yes, you can stir in Monterey Jack or parmesan cheese after the initial 40-minute bake.
How can I make the polenta spicy?
You can add jalapeños for an extra kick when you stir the mixture.
Can I add nuts to the dish?
Yes, pine nuts can be incorporated for additional texture and flavor.
How long is the second stage of baking?
After stirring and adding extras, bake the polenta for an additional 10 minutes.
Why should the polenta rest after baking?
Resting for 5 minutes makes the polenta easier to serve.
How can I make the polenta crispy?
Let it cool in a greased pan, refrigerate for several hours, and then fry it.
What is a recommended topping for this dish?
It can be served drizzled with marinara sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 4g of protein.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar.
How much fat is in each serving?
There is 8g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
One serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber is in a serving?
Each serving provides 2g of fiber.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty snack.
Can the polenta be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for several hours if you plan to fry it later.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a beloved method passed down from the creator's mom.
Is the polenta cooked before putting it in the oven?
No, the coarse-ground polenta is combined with water and butter while uncooked.