Creamy Cheese Polenta
Indulge in the luxurious comfort of Creamy Cheese Polenta, a velvety dish that pairs rustic simplicity with rich, cheesy decadence. Made with hearty coarse cornmeal simmered to perfection and enhanced with the silky addition of whole milk, this recipe boasts bold flavors from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheese. A generous pat of butter melts into the comforting base, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness to the creamy golden goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make side dish is perfect for cozy dinners or as a versatile base for roasted vegetables, savory stews, or grilled meats. Whether you’re hosting or simply treating yourself, Creamy Cheese Polenta guarantees a satisfying, crowd-pleasing experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the coarse cornmeal in a steady stream to prevent lumps.
Continue to cook the polenta over low heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 20-25 minutes, or until the polenta thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Stir in the whole milk to give the polenta a creamy consistency, mixing well.
Add the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the butter and cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
Season with ground black pepper and adjust salt to taste, if needed.
Remove the polenta from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for roasted vegetables, grilled meat, or a rich stew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1846 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.7 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.2 g | 256% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 252 mg | 84% | |
| Sodium | 3895 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.4 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 69.3 g | 139% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1630 mg | 125% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 725 mg | 15% | |
*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.
