Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Oven Baked Creamy Cheese Polenta! Imagine a dish so luxuriously smooth, so incredibly cheesy, that it will make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious cooking novice, this Italian-inspired recipe promises to elevate your meal from simple to spectacular with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a gentle boil. Slowly pour in the polenta, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reduce heat to low and continue stirring the polenta for about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should begin to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove the polenta from the stovetop and stir in the heavy cream, creating a smoother and more luxurious texture.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into the polenta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.
- Pour the creamy polenta into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the polenta, creating a beautiful golden cheese crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the polenta to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot as a creamy side dish or main course, garnishing with additional fresh ground pepper or herbs if desired.
Tips
- Whisk constantly when adding polenta to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
- Use high-quality cheese like aged Parmesan or fresh mozzarella for the most robust flavor.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half the water with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Let the polenta rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set and become more manageable.
- Experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor.
- If the top isn't browning evenly, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, as polenta tends to firm up quickly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
