White Cheddar and Jalapeno Polenta
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy and indulgent White Cheddar and Jalapeño Polenta. Made with a rich blend of cornmeal, whole milk, and sharp white cheddar cheese, this dish is a perfect balance of velvety smoothness and bold, zesty heat from sautéed fresh jalapeños and garlic. Its hearty texture and savory flavor make it an irresistible side dish or a luxurious base for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even a perfectly poached egg. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy yet impressive recipe shines with its combination of approachable ingredients and gourmet flair. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this polenta is a delicious way to spice up your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 1 cup Yellow cornmeal (polenta)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup White cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 pieces Fresh jalapeños, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 cup of whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of yellow cornmeal to prevent clumping. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, whisking continuously, for 2-3 minutes until the polenta starts to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the polenta simmer. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, cooking for a total of 20 minutes or until the polenta is smooth and creamy.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 finely diced jalapeños. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Once the polenta has finished cooking, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese, and the sautéd jalapeños and garlic.
Season with 0.5 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt to taste if needed.
Let the polenta rest for 2-3 minutes, then give it a final stir. If desired, drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the top for added richness before serving.
Serve hot as a side dish or as a base for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or a poached egg.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1843 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.2 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.7 g | 254% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 242 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 3226 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 209.6 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 58.6 g | 117% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1192 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 894 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.
