Breakfast Polenta with Dried Cranberries and Almonds
Start your morning with the cozy, wholesome flavors of Breakfast Polenta with Dried Cranberries and Almonds—a creamy, hearty dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. Made with a blend of creamy polenta cooked to perfection in milk and water, this recipe gets a delightful crunch from toasted almonds and a burst of tart sweetness from dried cranberries. Finished with a touch of honey or maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon, this breakfast bowl strikes a perfect balance of natural sweetness and warmth. Ready in just 25 minutes, this gluten-free dish can easily be made dairy-free with simple substitutions, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any morning. Serve it warm for a delicious start to your day that feels like a hug in a bowl!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.25 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 cup of milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the salt and stir to combine.
Gradually whisk in the polenta in a slow, steady stream to prevent clumping. Stir constantly for the first few minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 15–20 minutes or until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
While the polenta is cooking, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Set aside.
Once the polenta is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter (or coconut oil), cinnamon, and honey (or maple syrup). Mix until well combined.
Divide the polenta into serving bowls. Top each bowl with dried cranberries and toasted almonds.
Drizzle additional honey or maple syrup on top if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.3 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 740 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.0 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 96.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.4 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 488 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 878 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
