Slow Cooker Cheddar Polenta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this creamy, Slow Cooker Cheddar Polenta—a simple yet indulgent side dish or base for your favorite toppings. Made with just a handful of pantry staples like coarse polenta, rich chicken or vegetable broth, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, this slow-cooked delight delivers a velvety texture bursting with cheesy flavor. The recipe takes only 5 minutes of prep time before the slow cooker does the rest, making it a stress-free option for busy days. Enhanced with butter, a touch of garlic powder, and perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper, this polenta pairs beautifully with sautéed vegetables, grilled meats, or a savory tomato sauce. Whether served as a comforting main or a versatile side, this dish is a foolproof way to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
In the slow cooker, combine the polenta, chicken or vegetable broth, and milk. Stir well to ensure there are no clumps of polenta.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, stirring once every hour to prevent the polenta from clumping or sticking to the sides.
After 4 hours, check the texture of the polenta. It should be smooth and creamy. If it looks too thick, stir in a small amount of warm water or additional milk to loosen it up.
Stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix thoroughly until the butter and cheese are fully melted and incorporated into the polenta.
Taste the polenta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the cheddar polenta warm as a side dish or as a base for toppings like sautéed vegetables, grilled meats, or a rich tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1727 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.9 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.9 g | 209% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 204 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 6622 mg | 288% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.7 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.4 g | ||
| Protein | 61.9 g | 124% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1176 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 880 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.
