Cheddar Polenta
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Cheddar Polenta—a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect as a side or a hearty vegetarian entrée. Made with coarse ground cornmeal slowly simmered in a blend of water and milk, this recipe transforms into a silky masterpiece with the addition of sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of butter for a rich, velvety texture. Seasoned with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, this dish is a warm embrace of classic comfort food. Whether paired with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or enjoyed solo, this cheesy polenta is easy to make, delightfully satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Keywords: creamy cheddar polenta, comforting side dish, cheesy polenta recipe, easy polenta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup polenta (coarse ground cornmeal)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water, 1 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, ensuring to stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully incorporated.
Add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the polenta, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the polenta becomes creamy.
Season with 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to taste.
Serve the polenta hot, with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired for an added freshness and a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
229 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.0 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 367 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.0 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.2 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 300 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 166 mg | 4% | |
*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.
