Vegan Cheddar Polenta
Creamy, cheesy, and entirely plant-based, Vegan Cheddar Polenta is a comforting side dish that's as versatile as it is delicious. Made with rich vegan cheddar cheese, nutritional yeast, and a touch of garlic and onion powder, this polenta delivers a bold and savory flavor profile while remaining dairy-free. Simmered to perfection with almond milk and water, it boasts a silky texture that’s finished with a luxurious swirl of vegan butter for ultimate creaminess. Topped with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, it’s easy to customize and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or your favorite protein substitute. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegan polenta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 3 cups Water
- 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup Vegan cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), chopped
Instructions
In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the polenta thickens, about 15 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts and all ingredients are well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons of vegan butter and stir until fully incorporated and the polenta is creamy.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes to slightly thicken.
Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Serve the vegan cheddar polenta hot as a side dish or as a base for various toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1242 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.3 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3130 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.3 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 24.1 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 976 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 538 mg | 11% | |
*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.
