19 Polenta Southern Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!

Published on: Apr 4, 2024

If you're looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that will transport you straight to the American South, then look no further than this delicious polenta southern recipe. Made with cornmeal, a staple ingredient in southern cooking, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and become a go-to favorite. So, let's dig in and discover the secrets to making the perfect polenta southern style!

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Polenta Pasticciata, A “Messed Up” Polenta

Main Ingredients: Water, Sea Salt, Polenta, Gruyere, Gorgonzola Dolce

Polenta pasticciata al forno con funghi macinato e mozzarella

La gaia celiaca: Polenta pasticciata senza glutine

Ricetta Polenta pasticciata con le acciughe - Cucchiaio d'Argento

In this unique twist on traditional polenta, the creamy cornmeal dish is baked in a casserole dish with layers of rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. The end result is a deliciously messy and flavorful polenta pasticciata that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover polenta you may have on hand. Trust us, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds!

2 of 20

Grilled Polenta

Main Ingredients: Coarse Salt, Polenta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Grilled Polenta | Grilled polenta, Vegetarian grilling, Food

Grilled Polenta Cakes with Shrimp and Tomatoes recipe - Today's Parent ...

A Healthy Makeover: Grilled Italian Polenta

Take your polenta to the next level by throwing it on the grill! The heat from the grill gives the polenta a crispy exterior while keeping the inside nice and creamy. Serve it up as a side dish or use it as a base for your favorite grilled meats and vegetables. This grilled polenta is sure to impress at your next BBQ.

3 of 20

Polenta Bread

Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Polenta, Yeast, Salt, Water, Extra Virgin

Lemon Blueberry Polenta Bread - Life & Lemons

Polenta Ricotta Bread - Marisa's Italian Kitchen

Polenta bread – molto delicious | My Custard Pie

If you love bread and polenta, why not combine the two? This polenta bread is hearty, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to any meal. It has a slightly crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior that is just begging to be slathered with butter. Whether you're a bread lover or a polenta fan, this recipe is a must-try.

4 of 20

Southern Spoonbread With Polenta or Grits

Main Ingredients: Stone Ground Cornmeal, Polenta, Water, Butter, Half And

Southern-Style Grits Recipe (Creamy and Divine) | The Kitchn

Perfect Southern Grits | Recipe | Grits recipe, Recipes, Southern grits ...

Polenta Versus Grits: What's the Difference? | The Kitchn

Spoonbread is a Southern comfort food that is similar to cornbread but with a softer, pudding-like texture. This recipe combines the classic spoonbread with polenta or grits for a twist on the traditional dish. It's the perfect side dish for any Southern-inspired meal or a comforting addition to any dinner table.

5 of 20

Polenta

Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Polenta, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Fresh

Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms | Crowded Kitchen

Easy Baked Polenta Recipe With Parmesan Cheese

Of course, we can't forget the classic polenta recipe. This creamy, buttery cornmeal dish is a staple in Italian cuisine and is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish, use it as a base for stews and braised meats, or top it with your favorite sauce or vegetables. The possibilities are endless with this simple yet delicious polenta recipe.

6 of 20

Quick and Cheesy Polenta

Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Milk, Fine Sea Salt, Polenta, Butter

Cheesy-Polenta-recipe-quick | Pineapple House Rules

Beef Stew with Cheesy Polenta. So delicious and the perfect comfort ...

Creamy Polenta Recipe with Parmesan + VIDEO - Platings + Pairings

When you're short on time but still craving a comforting and flavorful dish, this quick and cheesy polenta is the answer. Using pre-cooked polenta, this recipe comes together in just minutes and is packed with cheesy goodness. Serve it as a side dish or top it with your favorite protein for a complete meal.

7 of 20

Creamy Polenta

Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Polenta, Butter, Cream Cheese

Creamy Polenta with Thyme Recipe | Martha Stewart

Straight Out Of Northern Italian, This Creamy Polenta Recipe Is Simple ...

Slow Cooker Creamy Polenta with Chili Lime Shrimp - Slow Cooker Gourmet

This creamy polenta is a must-try for any polenta lover. Made with heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese, this dish is rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. It's the perfect comfort food and pairs well with a variety of different toppings, from sautéed vegetables to a hearty ragu sauce.

8 of 20

Low Country Shrimp & Grits

Main Ingredients: Large Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Yellow Onion, Red Bell

Completely cozy, try this southern favorite from the low country ...

Shrimp & Grits with Spicy Capicola Gravy | Seafood recipes, Shrimp ...

New Orleans-Style Barbecue Shrimp with Grits

This Southern classic gets a twist with the addition of polenta instead of traditional grits. The creamy polenta is topped with a savory and spicy mixture of shrimp, bacon, and vegetables, making for a hearty and flavorful meal. It may not be the most traditional recipe, but trust us, it's a winner.

9 of 20

Crispy Buffalo Shrimp and Blue Cheese Grits

Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Homemade Chicken Stock, Polenta, Mascarpone

Crispy Buffalo Wing Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits. | Recipe | Healthy ...

Crispy Buffalo Shrimp and Creamy Blue Cheese Grits - Nerds with Knives ...

Crispy Buffalo Wing Shrimp with Blue Cheese Grits. | Recipe | Blue ...

Another twist on the classic shrimp and grits, this recipe uses polenta instead of grits for a unique and delicious dish. The polenta is topped with crispy buffalo shrimp and tangy blue cheese grits for a flavor explosion in every bite. It's the perfect dish for any seafood lover.

10 of 20

Smoked Mackerel Sourdough with Fried Green Tomatoes...

Main Ingredients: Green Tomato, Polenta, Salt, Pepper, Oil, Sourdough

Whole Smoked Mackerel - The Goods Shed

Fried Green Tomatoes - CheekyKitchen

Peppered Smoked Mackerel | Fillets x 3 | Only €10.50

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes | Recipe | Fried green tomatoes recipe ...

This dish may have a long and complicated name, but the flavors are simple and delicious. The polenta is mixed with smoked mackerel, sourdough bread, and fried green tomatoes for a unique and flavorful dish. It's perfect for brunch or a light lunch, and it's sure to impress your taste buds.

11 of 20

Creamy Polenta from a Polenta Tube

Main Ingredients: Polenta, Broth, Olive Oil, Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Creamy polenta with garlic and basil butter | Cheese recipes | Jamie ...

Creamy Polenta (Cream Cheese Creamy!) | Recipe | Recipes, Creamy ...

Creamy Polenta | The Best Creamy Polenta Recipe Ever!

If you're short on time and don't want to deal with cooking polenta from scratch, this recipe is for you. Using pre-cooked polenta from a tube, this dish comes together in just minutes and is just as delicious as the traditional version. Plus, it's a great way to have polenta on hand for a quick and easy meal.

12 of 20

Polenta Breakfast Cakes

Main Ingredients: Polenta, Cinnamon, Sugar, Butter, Maple Syrup

Polenta Cakes (Mexican Breakfast Recipe) | Kevin Is Cooking

Polenta Breakfast Platter with Melted Apples & Greens - The Original Dish

Breakfast Polenta with Berry Compote | Creamy Vegan Breakfast Berry Polenta

Who says polenta can't be enjoyed for breakfast? These crispy polenta cakes are topped with bacon, eggs, and avocado for a hearty and satisfying morning meal. They are also a great way to use up any leftover polenta you may have from the night before.

13 of 20

Polenta Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Melted Butter, Large Eggs, Polenta

Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins With Polenta - Lively Table

Cornbread and polenta come together in this delicious and easy recipe. The addition of polenta gives this cornbread a unique texture and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or use it as a base for a hearty chili or stew.

14 of 20

Creamy Vegan Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach

Main Ingredients: Polenta, Full Fat Coconut Milk, Vegetable Broth

polenta mit pilzen, spinat und pinienkerne Spinach Recipes, Vegetarian ...

Creamy Vegan Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach - Bianca Zapatka | Recipes

Vegan Polenta with Mushrooms and Beans | Recipe | Polenta recipes vegan ...

Creamy Vegan Polenta with Mushrooms and Beans – Emilie Eats

Polenta can be enjoyed by everyone, even those following a vegan diet. This creamy polenta is made with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast for a rich and flavorful dish. Top it with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious and nutritious meal.

15 of 20

Mexican Polenta Pie

Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Pinto Beans, Light Beer, Diced Tomatoes

One Pan Mexican Polenta Skillet www.joyineveryseason.com Mexican Dishes ...

Lori's Lipsmacking Goodness: Mexican Polenta Bake

Slow Cooker Mexican Polenta Pie | From the Land of Kansas | Fresh ...

This polenta pie is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional Mexican dishes. The polenta is topped with spicy ground beef, black beans, and cheese, then baked until hot and bubbly. Serve it with all your favorite taco toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

16 of 20

Mini Gluten-Free Polenta Pizza

Main Ingredients: Polenta, Cornmeal, Goat Cheese, Pizza Seasoning, Plum

MINI POLENTA PIZZAS (GF VEGAN) Pizza Recipes, Keto Recipes, Vegetarian ...

mini polenta pizzas / a house in the hills | Polenta pizza, Recipes, Food

Mini Polenta Pizzas - Eat More Rabbit Food

Polenta Pizza Crust - sub garlic oil for the oil and omit garlic powder ...

If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to pizza, this recipe is for you. The polenta is formed into mini pizzas and topped with all your favorite pizza toppings. They are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or as an appetizer for your next get-together.

17 of 20

Crispy Polenta Cakes

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil Spray, Polenta, Chicken Broth, Kosher Salt

Crispy polenta cake, butternut squash and cumin, black olive | Chefs ...

Crispy Polenta Cakes | Polenta cakes, Recipes, Crispy polenta cakes

These crispy polenta cakes are a great side dish or appetizer for any meal. The polenta is mixed with parmesan cheese and herbs, then fried until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They are a fun and delicious way to enjoy polenta.

18 of 20

Chicken And Polenta With Broccoli

Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Italian Seasoning

Pasticcio di polenta, broccoli e formaggi - Cucina Naturale | Ricetta ...

Italian Chicken over Polenta | Haute Pepper Bites

BROCCOLI POLENTA - The Kitchy Kitchen

This dish is a complete meal in one pan. The polenta is cooked with chicken broth and topped with chicken and broccoli for a flavorful and nutritious dish. It's a great option for a busy weeknight when you want something quick and easy.

19 of 20

Caramelized Mushroom Polenta

Main Ingredients: Water, Polenta, Kosher Salt, Whole Milk, Unsalted

Parmesan Polenta with Mushroom Ragout - My Kitchen Love

Polenta with Caramelized Mushrooms, Marinara + Fried Eggs and Goat ...

Caramelized mushrooms add a rich and savory flavor to this creamy polenta dish. It's a simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold evening. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

20 of 20

Vegan Garlic Rosemary Polenta

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Garlic, Dried Rosemary, Polenta, Salt

This Creamy Polenta with Red Wine Mushrooms Is a Winner | Vegan dinners ...

Creamy Polenta with Zucchini and Tomatoes. Easy, healthy, vegan recipe ...

Baked Rosemary Polenta Chips - SO VEGAN

Garlic and rosemary are a classic flavor combination, and they work perfectly in this vegan polenta recipe. The polenta is cooked with garlic and rosemary-infused vegetable broth for a burst of flavor in every bite. It's a great option for a meatless Monday or as a side dish for your favorite protein.

What is Polenta?

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the recipe, it's important to understand what exactly polenta is. Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It's similar to grits, a popular dish in the southern United States, but polenta has a coarser texture and is typically made with yellow cornmeal. In the past, polenta was considered a peasant food, but it has since gained popularity and can be found on menus in high-end restaurants. Now, let's move on to the recipe and see how we can incorporate this delicious ingredient into a classic southern dish.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups of water
2 cups of milk
1 cup of cornmeal
4 tablespoons of butter
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

In a medium-sized pot, bring the water and milk to a boil.
Slowly add the cornmeal, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Reduce heat to low and continue to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the polenta has thickened and is creamy, add in the butter, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until well combined and remove from heat.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Serve the polenta hot and enjoy!

Putting it all Together

Now that you have the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and add in your own twist. You can top the polenta with sautéed shrimp for a delicious seafood twist, or add in some diced ham for a heartier dish. The possibilities are endless, and that's the beauty of southern cooking – it's all about using what you have on hand and making it your own. So go ahead and experiment, and soon enough you'll have your own signature polenta southern recipe.

In Conclusion

With its creamy texture, comforting flavors, and versatility, this polenta southern recipe is a must-try for any food lover. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying dish that will transport you straight to the American South. Happy cooking!