Jalapeno Jack Polenta
Spice up your side dish game with this irresistibly creamy Jalapeno Jack Polenta! Featuring a perfect blend of rich Monterey Jack cheese, fiery fresh jalapenos, and velvety cornmeal, this recipe is a flavor-packed twist on a comforting classic. Cooked to perfection with a mixture of whole milk and water, this polenta achieves a luxurious, silky texture that pairs beautifully with just about anything—from grilled shrimp to roasted vegetables. A dollop of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add the finishing touches to this dish that's as versatile as it is satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or to impress guests with its gourmet appeal. Perfectly seasoned and endlessly adaptable, Jalapeno Jack Polenta is a surefire crowd-pleaser for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 medium jalapeno peppers, finely diced
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, milk, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the yellow cornmeal in a steady stream to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Switch to a wooden spoon for stirring.
Cook the polenta on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches a creamy consistency. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.
Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
Mix in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese a handful at a time, allowing it to melt before adding more.
Add the finely diced jalapeno peppers and stir until evenly distributed throughout the polenta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with black pepper as needed.
Remove the polenta from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Serve the polenta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy as a side dish or as a base for grilled vegetables, chicken, or shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1353 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.5 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.1 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 736 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.1 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.3 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g | ||
| Protein | 30.2 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 378 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 796 mg | 17% | |
*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.
