16 Italian Polenta Recipe Cheese Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Polenta is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a versatile and comforting dish made from cornmeal that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. One of the most popular variations of this dish is the Italian polenta with cheese. This creamy and cheesy version of polenta is a favorite among many and is surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we will share with you a delicious and authentic Italian polenta recipe with cheese that will have you feeling like you are dining in a traditional Italian trattoria.
Main Ingredients: Water, Sea Salt, Polenta, Gruyere, Gorgonzola Dolce
This first recipe takes the traditional polenta and turns it into a deliciously messy dish. The polenta is cooked with a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon, and then baked in the oven until golden brown. The result? A creamy, flavorful polenta that will have you coming back for seconds.
2of 20
Grilled Polenta
Main Ingredients: Coarse Salt, Polenta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Next up, we have a grilled polenta dish that is perfect for those warm summer nights. The polenta is grilled until crispy and then topped with a zesty mixture of tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil. The flavors come together perfectly to create a light and refreshing dish that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
This Italian baked polenta recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The polenta is cooked until creamy and then topped with a rich tomato sauce, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish is comforting and full of flavor.
4of 20
Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Main Ingredients: Beef Roast, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves
If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, look no further than this Italian braised beef ragu with parmesan polenta. The beef is slow-cooked in a rich sauce until it falls apart, and the polenta is creamy and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
5of 20
Creamy Polenta (Italian Cornmeal)
Main Ingredients: Polenta, Water, Milk, Butter, Freshly Grated Parmesan
This next recipe is simple, yet oh so delicious. The creamy polenta is cooked with chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese for a rich and decadent side dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for the ultimate Italian feast.
6of 20
Italian Sausage Casserole
Main Ingredients: Milk, Chicken Broth, Polenta, Salt, Bulk Italian
Looking for a one-pot meal? This Italian sausage casserole has got you covered. The polenta is cooked in the same dish as the sausage, bell peppers, and onions, creating a flavorful and hearty meal that requires minimal cleanup.
This Italian polenta pie is a fun and unique way to serve up polenta. The polenta is cooked until creamy and then topped with a layer of marinara sauce, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden brown, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
8of 20
Italian Chicken Over Polenta
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Italian Seasoning, Marinara Sauce
For a lighter option, try this Italian chicken over polenta. The chicken is marinated in a balsamic vinegar and Italian herb mixture before being grilled to perfection. Served over creamy polenta, this dish is a healthy and flavorful option for any day of the week.
9of 20
Italian Polenta Bites
Main Ingredients: Polenta, Olive Oil, Spaghetti Sauce, Fontina Cheese
These Italian polenta bites make the perfect appetizer or snack. The polenta is cooked until crispy, then topped with a flavorful tomato and basil topping. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit at your next party.
10of 20
Chicken And Polenta With Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Italian Seasoning
This chicken and polenta with broccoli dish is a well-rounded meal that is packed with flavor and nutrients. The chicken is cooked with a garlic and herb marinade, while the broccoli adds a healthy touch. Served over creamy polenta, this dish is a winner.
11of 20
Italian Polenta Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Baby Bella Mushrooms, Garlic, Ground
Looking for a twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey? Look no further than this Italian polenta turkey casserole. The polenta is cooked with sage and thyme, and then topped with ground turkey, mushrooms, and cranberry sauce. It's a unique and tasty take on a traditional dish.
12of 20
Easy Italian Polenta Pie
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Medium Onion, Olive Oil, Mushrooms, Garlic
This easy Italian polenta pie is a great option for a quick and delicious dinner. The polenta is topped with a mixture of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spinach, and then baked until hot and bubbly. The perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight.
13of 20
Italian Sausage Ragu Over Polenta
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion
This Italian sausage ragu over polenta is a match made in heaven. The sausage is cooked in a rich tomato sauce until tender and then served over creamy polenta. The flavors come together perfectly, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
14of 20
Parmesan Polenta with Italian Sausage Ragu
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausages, Olive Oil, Garlic, San Marzano
A slight twist on the previous recipe, this parmesan polenta with Italian sausage ragu is a must-try. The polenta is cooked until creamy and topped with a hearty sauce of Italian sausage, peppers, and onions. The dish is then finished off with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
15of 20
Polenta Pizza
Main Ingredients: Polenta, Olive Oil, Marinara Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella
Who says you can't have pizza when you're trying to eat healthy? This polenta pizza is a guilt-free option that is just as delicious as traditional pizza. The polenta is topped with all your favorite pizza toppings and then baked until hot and bubbly.
16of 20
ITALIAN BRAISED BEEF WITH PARMESAN POLENTA
Main Ingredients: Beef, Polenta, Beef Chuck Roast, All Purpose Flour
This Italian braised beef with parmesan polenta is a true comfort food. The beef is slow-cooked in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until tender and served over creamy polenta. The perfect dish for a cozy night in.
17of 20
Italian Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons
Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Anchovy Fillets, Fresh Lemon Juice
Looking for a way to jazz up your Caesar salad? These polenta croutons are the perfect addition. The polenta is cut into cubes, seasoned, and baked until crispy. Add them to your Caesar salad for a unique and delicious twist.
18of 20
Italian Sausage and Polenta with Nonna Sauce
Main Ingredients: Polenta, Water, Butter, Parmesan Reggiano, Sauce
If you're lucky enough to have a Nonna in your life, you know that her sauce is always the best. This Italian sausage and polenta dish is topped with a homemade Nonna sauce that is full of flavor. Serve it alongside a cold beer for the ultimate Italian experience.
19of 20
Italian Chicken Soup with Polenta Herb Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Plum Tomatoes, Cherry
This Italian chicken soup with polenta herb dumplings is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly day. The chicken is cooked with carrots, celery, and onions, and then topped with flavorful polenta dumplings. It's like a hug in a bowl.
20of 20
Italian Polenta Stuffing with Salami and Mozzarella
Main Ingredients: Polenta, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Honey, Onion, Garlic
Last but certainly not least, we have an Italian twist on a classic dish. This polenta stuffing is loaded with salami, mozzarella, and herbs, making it the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey. Trust us, your guests will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Italian Polenta with Cheese
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need: yellow cornmeal, water, salt, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. These simple and easily accessible ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful polenta that will have you coming back for seconds.
Step 1: Make the Polenta
To start, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt and slowly pour in 1 cup of yellow cornmeal while whisking constantly. Continue whisking for about 5 minutes until the polenta thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Once the polenta has reached a creamy and smooth consistency, it's time to add the cheese. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until it is fully melted and incorporated into the polenta. Next, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the polenta and stir until the cheese is fully melted and blended into the mixture.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is fully melted and the polenta is creamy and smooth, it's time to serve and enjoy! You can serve this dish as a side dish or as a main course with your choice of protein. For a truly authentic experience, serve the polenta in individual bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added flavor and freshness.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Italian polenta recipe with cheese is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting and flavorful dishes. The combination of creamy polenta and melted cheese creates a rich and indulgent dish that will satisfy all of your taste buds. It is also a great option for a vegetarian meal and can be customized with different types of cheese and toppings to suit your preferences.
In Conclusion
Now that you have an authentic Italian polenta recipe with cheese, it's time to gather your ingredients and give it a try. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing your guests at a dinner party. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home. So why not add this delicious dish to your cooking repertoire and bring a bit of Italian flair to your next meal? Buon appetito!