cheesy polenta served with sour cream
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Cheesy polenta

Simple polenta is amazing; we can all agree. But it is more of a side dish than a stand-alone meal. This is where the cheesy polenta comes into play, becoming an unbelievable creation. So come with us and uncover the world of culinary comfort with a delicious twist! Making polenta with indulgent layers of cheese. This satisfying dish combines creamy polenta with layers of gooey melted cheese, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

grated cheeses for cheesy polenta

Creamy polenta base

Creating cheesy polenta begins with crafting a velvety and rich polenta base. Start by cooking coarse or fine cornmeal with broth or water until it reaches a creamy consistency. The slow cooking process allows the cornmeal to absorb the liquid, resulting in a smooth and luxurious texture that serves as the perfect canvas for the cheese layers.

Layering the cheesy polenta

The magic of making cheesy polenta lies in the layers of gooey melted cheese. Once the polenta is ready, spread a layer of your favorite cheese on top. You can opt for classics like mozzarella or cheddar or get creative with varieties like Gouda or Parmesan. My preferred combination is mozzarella for the cheese pull and parmesan for the saltiness. The cheese adds a burst of flavor, and as it melts, it forms a delectable blanket over the creamy polenta. It’s even better if you create more layers, like I do! I always make sure to have at least 2 layers of polenta and 2 layers of cheese; the middle creates an incredible cheese pull and the top becomes crispy and creamy!

a layer of cheese added on polenta

Enhancing with additions

While the creamy polenta and cheese layers are the stars of the show, you can enhance the dish with additional ingredients. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions between the cheese layers for added depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can provide a fragrant touch, elevating the dish to new heights.

Baking the cheesy polenta to perfection

To complete the cheesy polenta creation, bake the dish until the cheese is perfectly melted and golden brown on top. The baking process allows the cheese layers to meld with the creamy polenta, creating a satisfying and irresistible dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of the creamy base and gooey cheese layers ensures a comforting and delightful culinary experience.

a bowl of cheesy polenta

Indulge in layers of comfort with the art of making cheesy polenta. With its creamy polenta base, gooey cheese layers, and room for creative enhancements, this dish is a warm and inviting addition to your culinary repertoire. Savor the harmony of flavors and textures in cheesy polenta, a comforting delight for any occasion.

Get your ingredients ready, and let’s make ourselves some delicious cheesy polenta!

Cheesy polenta

Recipe by BitesOfAweCourse: Main, SidesCuisine: EuropeanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

150

kcal
Total time

50

minutes

Indulge in the creamy comfort of cheesy polenta, a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of cornmeal with the irresistible goodness of melted mozzarella and grated parmesan. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this hearty dish is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

  • 180 grams corn flour

  • 150 grams grated mozzarella

  • 100 grams grated parmesan

  • 1 liter of water

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 175 °C (Up and down heat with ventilation, usually selection 2). In a pot over medium heat, add the water and the salt.
  • When the water starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and slowly start adding the corn flour while stirring continuously. Continue cooking until the polenta is formed. It should take about 10 minutes, and the mix should look like a thick puree.
  • Take the oil and coat the bottom and sides of a 20×20-cm tray. In the new tray, place one layer of polenta—about 1/2 of the total. Add one layer of grated cheese, cover with the rest of the polenta, and apply the second layer of cheese.
  • Place the tray in the oven on the middle rack and cook for about 15–20 minutes until the top turns golden brown.

Notes

  • Traditionally, this dish is best served warm with some sausages or bacon, but it can also easily be served with some sour cream or as a side for a number of stews (link here, link here). It can also be seasoned with aromatics of your liking, like ground white pepper, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, fresh parsley, and others.

If you’d like to test out other goodies that are just as easy to make, I would recommend: the cheesy ham rolls or the Delicious pork balls.

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