Creamy Parmesan Polenta

A white speckled ceramic bowl filled with cooked polenta and topped with grated parmesan cheese.

5 from 2 votes

This slow-simmered polenta is remarkably versatile; enjoy it simply with butter, black pepper and parmesan cheese, or explore the delicious possibilities of savory pairings like; braised short ribs, saucy meatballs, crispy pork belly and so much more!

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 388kcal

Author: Leigh Anderson

Ingredients

5 cups whole milk or chicken stock
1 bay leaf optional
1 cup coarse polenta
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

In a medium-sized pot or dutch oven, bring the milk, bay leaf and a pinch of salt and pepper to a simmer over medium heat. As soon as the milk starts to bubble, begin to slowly stream in the polenta while whisking continuously until all of the polenta is incorporated and there are no visible lumps. Note: if you do notice lumps forming just continue whisking vigorously to break them up.
Once all of the polenta is incorporated, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until the polenta is thick, creamy and the individual grains are tender.
Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula, discard the bay leaf, fold in the butter and parmesan cheese as well as a few generous turns of freshly cracked black pepper and additional salt to taste. Divide between bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Polenta will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. It will firm up when cold. Reheat polenta gently on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of water or chicken stock and stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

FAQS:

What type of polenta should I buy? Like oatmeal, polenta is sold in a few different forms typically; regular “stone-ground” or “quick-cooking.” You can use either just keep in mind, while convenient, quick-cooking polenta lacks some of the intense corn flavor of regular polenta.
Is polenta gluten-free? Yes, polenta is made from ground corn, which does not contain gluten.

Equipment:

Sturdy Whisk | Wooden Spoons | Shop all Kitchen Essentials

Nutrition