Cheesy Polenta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Cheesy Polenta, the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. Combining the velvety texture of slow-cooked coarse cornmeal with the decadent flavors of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this recipe offers a delightful balance of creaminess and savory goodness. Gently simmered with a blend of water and whole milk, and finished with a touch of butter and freshly ground black pepper, this polenta is irresistibly smooth and cheesy with just the right hint of seasoning. Ideal for pairing with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even as a standalone dish, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and is sure to become a household favorite. Keywords: creamy polenta recipe, cheesy polenta side dish, Parmesan polenta, comfort food recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the water, milk, and salt to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Slowly whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low immediately to prevent splattering.
Continue stirring the polenta for about 25-30 minutes, making sure to stir frequently to avoid lumps or sticking to the bottom. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until completely melted and incorporated.
Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir vigorously until the cheese is fully melted and evenly combined.
Season the polenta with freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
For extra cheesiness, gently fold in the shredded mozzarella and allow it to melt through the hot polenta.
Serve immediately as a delicious, creamy side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
357 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.3 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 49 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 962 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.3 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 16.9 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 419 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 153 mg | 3% | |
*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.
