Cheesy Polenta

5m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
25m
Ready In


"Polenta, for us, is the ultimate comfort food! Normally we just wing it (so easy!) but this adaptation of a Giada De Laurentiis recipe is our go-to when we're asked for "our" recipe. I love having leftovers - see my note at the end about what to do with them!"

Original is 4 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (382.3 g)
  • Calories 385.7
  • Total Fat - 24.1 g
  • Saturated Fat - 14.2 g
  • Cholesterol - 62.9 mg
  • Sodium - 2405.4 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 32.5 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 2.8 g
  • Sugars - 1.6 g
  • Protein - 11.9 g
  • Calcium - 260.2 mg
  • Iron - 1.8 mg
  • Vitamin C - 1.5 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan or dutch oven. When boiling, add the salt.

Step 2

Slowly add the cornmeal while whisking. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the polenta is soft and tender, about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir often with the whisk, to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom and burn.

Step 3

Add the half and half, milk, butter and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and the butter is melted.

Step 4

Add the cheese and whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the polenta is smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Stir in the parsley and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Step 6

NOTE: any leftovers can be placed in a flat, rectangular storage container. The polenta will firm up as it cools. When ready to use, cut the polenta into squares and fry in melted butter until a golden crust develops. Yum!!!

Tips


No special items needed.

4 Reviews

Linky

This was excellent! And I even had to use the dreaded stuff in the green can! Leftovers are currently in a square pan to await their next appearance on our table!

5.0

review by:
(19 Mar 2024)

Daily Inspiration

Have to admit that I've only tried polenta in the pre-made rolls which are very good. But, making it this way reminds me a bit like grits (which we also love). I purchased a coarse cornmeal and it was really fun watching this dish transform into a delicious side dish to my pork chop dinner. Definitely a keeper of a recipe.

5.0

(3 Mar 2020)

dienia b

Really good

5.0

review by:
(19 Jul 2019)

Chef Potpie

I honestly don't know how I have lived this long without ever having tried polenta, but I am a believer now! Super easy, and the taste and texture were wonderful, actually a new experience for everybody tonight, and even the grand kids liked it. I used medium ground cornmeal because that's what I keep on hand. I also made mashed potatoes to go with our Sunday Gravy just in case, but the polenta won, hands down! Thank, Lori, I will be making this often. Susie's World Tour 2019 - Sue Chefs

5.0

review by:
(16 Jul 2019)

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