10+ Polenta Recipes You’ll Love to Try!

Polenta is a versatile and comforting dish that can enhance many meals. Whether you prefer it creamy, baked, or grilled, polenta offers endless possibilities for delicious recipes. It’s made from cornmeal, which gives it a unique flavor and texture that pairs well with various ingredients.

As you explore the world of polenta, you’ll discover how easy it is to prepare and how it can be a satisfying base or side for countless dishes. From savory to sweet, polenta can fit into any cuisine and please a range of tastes.

Let’s dive into some tasty polenta recipes you can try at home!

1) Classic Creamy Polenta

Classic creamy polenta is a warm and comforting dish made from cornmeal. It has a smooth texture and a mild flavor that can complement many meals. You can serve it as a side with meats, vegetables, or sauces.

To make this dish, you need just a few simple ingredients. Start with stone-ground polenta for the best texture. Adding cheese or butter enhances the flavor and creaminess.

You can cook it on the stovetop, stirring continually until it thickens perfectly. The result is creamy polenta that’s delicious and versatile.

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground polenta
• 4 cups water (950 mL)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
• Optional: ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Slowly whisk in the polenta.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir continuously.
4. Cook for about 30 minutes until thickened.
5. Stir in olive oil and salt.
6. Optional: Add Parmesan cheese before serving.

2) Polenta with Wild Mushrooms

Polenta with wild mushrooms is a hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of creamy polenta and earthy mushrooms creates a comfort meal that is hard to resist.

To start, you can use shiitake, chanterelles, or a mix of your favorite wild mushrooms. Sauté them in vegan butter for a rich taste.

While the mushrooms cook, prepare the polenta. Boil water, then slowly add cornmeal, stirring constantly. Cook until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes.

Once your polenta is creamy, serve it topped with the sautéed mushrooms.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 4 cups water
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• 20 oz wild mushrooms

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of salt.
3. Gradually add 1 cup cornmeal, stirring constantly.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes until thick.
5. Sauté mushrooms in ¼ cup vegan butter until golden.
6. Serve mushrooms over the creamy polenta.

3) Cheesy Polenta Fries

Cheesy polenta fries are a fun twist on classic fries. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. You will love their rich flavor from the cheese.

To make these fries, you cook polenta until it’s smooth. Then, mix in your favorite cheese for extra taste. After that, spread it out and let it cool.

Once cooled, cut the polenta into fry shapes. Bake them in a hot oven until golden brown. Enjoy these tasty fries with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup instant polenta
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup shredded manchego cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Boil water and add salt.
3. Slowly whisk in polenta.
4. Cook until thick and creamy.
5. Stir in cheese and mix well.
6. Spread polenta in a pan and let it cool.
7. Cut into fry shapes.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway until golden.

4) Lemon Herb Grilled Polenta

Lemon herb grilled polenta is a flavorful and easy dish. It combines the creamy texture of polenta with refreshing lemon and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect as a side or main dish for any meal.

To make this dish, you’ll need ready-made polenta. Cut it into slices for grilling. You can enhance the flavor by adding lemon juice, zest, and various herbs.

Grill the polenta slices until they are golden and crispy on the outside. The aroma of the grilled polenta mixed with lemon is delightful.

This dish pairs nicely with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 500g ready-made polenta
• 1 unwaxed lemon (zest and juice)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the polenta into rounds.
2. Brush slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill on medium heat (350°F or 175°C) for 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and add fresh herbs before serving.

5) Baked Polenta with Tomato Sauce

Baked polenta with tomato sauce is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. It combines creamy polenta with rich tomato sauce for a tasty meal. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings, like cheese or herbs.

To make this dish, you’ll want to cook the polenta until it’s soft and creamy. Then, pour it into a baking dish. Top it with your homemade or store-bought tomato sauce.

Baking the polenta allows the flavors to blend nicely. You’ll enjoy a creamy texture paired with the savory sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
• 2 ¼ cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Boil the water, then stir in the polenta.
3. Add milk, butter, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
4. Spread the polenta into a baking dish.
5. Top with tomato sauce and remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

6) Crispy Polenta Pizza

Crispy polenta pizza is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. You’ll love how easy it is to make a gluten-free crust using polenta. This recipe allows you to customize your toppings as you like.

Start by cooking your polenta until it’s thick and creamy. Spread it out on a pizza pan to form your crust. Bake it until it’s golden and crispy.

Next, top your crust with your favorite ingredients. You can use marinara sauce, cheese, and fresh veggies. Bake the pizza again until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Enjoy your tasty crispy polenta pizza for a quick meal or a fun snack!

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Toppings of your choice (sauce, cheese, vegetables)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Boil water and salt in a pot.
3. Slowly whisk in polenta and stir until thickened.
4. Spread polenta onto a pizza pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
6. Add toppings and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

7) Polenta Breakfast Bowls

Polenta breakfast bowls are a great way to start your day. You can customize them with your favorite toppings. Creamy polenta forms a delicious base.

Try making a breakfast bowl with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and bell peppers. Top it with a fried egg for extra flavor and protein.

For a vegan version, use smoky air fryer tempeh and add fresh veggies. A Tex-Mex style bowl with beans, avocado, and salsa also works well.

The versatility of polenta allows you to get creative with textures and flavors. Whether savory or cheesy, your bowl will be satisfying and enjoyable.

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Toppings: bacon, eggs, tempeh, vegetables, cheese, or salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot.
2. Add salt and slowly whisk in the polenta.
3. Cook until thick, about 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
4. Serve in bowls and add your choice of toppings.

8) Savory Polenta with Sausage

Savory polenta with sausage is a warm, comforting dish. You’ll love how the creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the flavorful sausage. This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend treat.

Start by browning your sausage in a skillet. As it cooks, the sausage will release delicious juices that flavor the polenta.

Cook the polenta in another pot until it becomes thick and creamy. Stir in cheese for extra richness. Once the polenta is ready, serve it topped with the sausage and any additional seasonings you enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 sweet Italian sausages
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown sausages over medium heat.
2. In a pot, bring water to a boil and slowly whisk in polenta.
3. Reduce heat and cook polenta until thick, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve polenta topped with sausage. Enjoy!

9) Polenta with Roasted Vegetables

Polenta with roasted vegetables makes a warm and satisfying dish. You can use any combination of vegetables you like. Popular choices include bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.

Start by cooking the polenta until it’s creamy. You can add butter or cheese for extra flavor. While the polenta cooks, prepare your vegetables. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven.

Once everything is ready, serve the creamy polenta topped with the roasted veggies. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a tasty lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
3. Gradually stir in polenta and cook for 5-7 minutes until creamy.
4. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve the polenta topped with roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

10) Polenta with Gorgonzola

Polenta with Gorgonzola is a creamy, comforting dish that is easy to make. You can enjoy it as a side or even as a main course. The rich flavor of Gorgonzola cheese pairs perfectly with the smooth texture of polenta.

To make this dish, you will need just a few simple ingredients. The combination creates a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
• 4 cups water
• 3/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a pot.
2. Gradually whisk in polenta, stirring continuously.
3. Reduce heat and cook until thick, about 30 minutes, stirring often.
4. Stir in butter, Gorgonzola, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
5. Serve warm. Enjoy!