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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Baked Polenta with Parmesan.

When it comes to a delicious, yet frugal side dish, don't forget polenta! This easy and delicious Baked Polenta with Parmesan will be on your table often...



I love polenta. 

You can serve it to me plain or with beans and vegetables mixed in or baked like the recipe I am sharing today, and I will gladly eat it with gusto! Baked Polenta with Parmesan is earthy, delicious, and very adaptable. I have made this exactly as written as well as adding additional Parmesan cheese, and cream to the polenta before spreading it into the buttered skillet for baking. And yes, even when added to the polenta I still sprinkle some over the top before baking...Years ago I would go to a little café close to my office downtown and I always ordered the polenta when it was on the menu for the day!


Polenta is one of those side dishes that tend to be forgotten about. 

Maybe because it seems like it takes forever to cook. But it really doesn't take any longer to cook polenta than it does potatoes. And the perfect thing about Baked Polenta with Parmesan is that you can adapt it to what you want to serve it with. This baked version is the perfect side dish for just about any meal you are putting on the table for family and friends. 

Loved and served often in Northern and Central Italy, polenta is a staple food and is frequently found as part of the meal for all to enjoy. And of course, let's not forget how frugal polenta is! Roast up some vegetables, simmer up a simple yet zesty red sauce, and dish up the Baked Polenta with Parmesan for a lovely meatless meal the whole family will love! So tell me, how do you like your polenta?



Some thoughts on this recipe.

Use as much cream as is needed to keep the cooked polenta from being too stiff to spread in the buttered skillet. 

For a meatless meal, you may want to stir in a can of drained Cannellini beans before sprinkling on the Parmesan cheese!

And yes, you will need to use more cream when you stir parmesan cheese into the polenta as well as on top...

We have made this with the standard green can Parmesan as well as fancy shredded. While the shredded cheese is more attractive, both tasted delicious!

You can cook the polenta ahead (adding a bit more cream) then sprinkle with the Parmesan and bake right before serving.


Ingredients needed for this recipe:
  • polenta
  • meat stock 
  • salt 
  • butter
  • half and half or cream
  • Parmesan Cheese
You will also need the following:
  • medium-sized saucepan
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Medium-sized skillet or baking pan
  • kitchen spoon
  • silicone spatula
Now we are ready to begin!

Baked Polenta with Parmesan
adapted from: dinner a love story
350-degree oven
UPDATED: 02.09.2024

2 c stock
1/4 t salt
1/2 c polenta
1 T butter
2 - 3 T half and half or cream plus more if needed
1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese plus more if desired

Generously butter the bottom and up the sides of a medium-sized skillet. Set aside. 



In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the stock and salt to a boil, slowly whisk in the polenta, reduce heat, and cook until thick. 



Stir in the cream, and place in the buttered skillet. Sprinkle cheese on top. Set aside.



About 20 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 350 and bake polenta for 15-20 minutes. If desired, place under the broiler to brown the top.

Storage options for Baked Polenta with Parmesan. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave to serve. 

UPDATE:  For your convenience, a "copy and paste" version of Baked Polenta with Parmesan has been included below. 
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Printable "copy and paste" version:

Baked Polenta with Parmesan
adapted from: dinner a love story
350-degree oven
UPDATED: 02.09.224

2 c stock
1/4 t salt
1/2 c polenta
1 T butter
2 - 3 T half and half or cream plus more if needed
1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese plus more if desired

Generously butter the bottom and up the sides of a medium-sized skillet. Set aside. 

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the stock and salt to a boil, slowly whisk in the polenta, reduce heat, and cook until thick. 

Stir in the cream, and place in the buttered skillet. Sprinkle cheese on top. Set aside.

About 20 minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 350 and bake polenta for 15-20 minutes. If desired, place under the broiler to brown the top.

Storage options for Baked Polenta with Parmesan. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave to serve. 

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Would you like to comment?

  1. Polenta isn't something that is part of our meal rotation at all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is always interesting to see what you are eating, and hear about what you don't! Thanks so, for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. I love polenta and I love Dinner A Love Story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right!? Such a simple concept, we cook for those we love. And the polenta is good too!

      Delete
  3. I'd honestly never heard of polenta. It sounds delicious especially in this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have never made polenta before. I don't think I've even had it before. Your recipe looks so good, I just may have to try it. lol Thanks for linking up at the Making a Home - Homemaking Link Up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, you are welcome! Ah, give polenta a try, it is so good.

      Delete
  5. Delicious!! With some fresh tomato sauce?? Yum! Thanks for sharing at My Big Fat Menopausal Life's Share the Wealth Party. Hope your week is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen, you are welcome. Thanks for hosting, I appreciate it!

      Delete
  6. Love this polenta with parmesan, its quick and easy and I am sure super duper yummy.
    I visited you via County Road 407: Farmhouse Friday 334

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Melynda, I've never made polenta and I'm not sure why. Thanks for sharing the recipe for Baked Polenta with Parmesan which I will certainly try. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is one of my favorite side dishes, and this one goes well with almost everything!

      Delete
  8. I always forget about polenta! Happy Valentine's Day! Thanks for sharing the What's for Dinner party - have a fabulous day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Melynda, I love visiting and seeing what new recipe you have to share. This sounds so good! Thank you for sharing it with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #24.

    ReplyDelete

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