Description

Creamy Oven-Baked Polenta is a warm, comforting dish that transforms simple cornmeal into a rich, velvety masterpiece. Easy to prepare and versatile, this dish offers a lush texture and deep savory flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Baking the polenta creates effortless creaminess without constant stirring, allowing for a hands-off cooking experience enhanced by cheese and butter for a luscious taste. Customizable and suitable for make-ahead meals, this polenta is sure to become a beloved classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup fine or medium grind polenta (cornmeal)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk or cream
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Bring Broth and Milk to a Simmer: In a saucepan, combine the broth and milk, then heat gently until steaming hot but not boiling to ensure smooth and lump-free polenta.
Whisk in the Polenta: Slowly pour the polenta into the hot liquid while whisking vigorously to avoid clumps, then cook on low heat for a few minutes until thickened.
Add Butter and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, enhancing the creamy texture and rich flavor.
Bake Until Set: Transfer the polenta mixture into the prepared baking dish, smooth the top with a spatula, and bake for 40-45 minutes until set yet still soft and creamy inside.
Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the baked polenta to cool for a few minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop or slice as desired before serving.

Notes

Choose fine or medium ground cornmeal to achieve the creamiest texture; avoid coarse polenta.
Whisk constantly when first adding polenta to hot liquids to prevent lumps.
Do not skip the Parmesan cheese; it adds crucial umami and richness.
Use warm broth and milk to ensure even cooking and smooth consistency.
Add cream or milk after the polenta thickens to maintain a silky texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg