17 Best Polenta Recipes That Are Delicious and Comforting

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If you haven’t tried polenta yet, you don’t know what you’re missing! A classic Italian dish, polenta makes a creamy and comforting side or main meal. There is so much you can do with polenta, from meals to cakes!

Read on to discover 17 of the best polenta recipes. Tasty and comforting, warm polenta always hits the spot.

Creamy Polenta

Creamy Polenta
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Fluffy, creamy, and cozy, this polenta recipe pairs perfectly with ribs, chicken, lamb, or veal. It also tastes delicious with roasted vegetables on the side.

Polenta Cake

Polenta Cake

A moist and delicious pound cake, this buttery sweet dessert pairs perfectly with your afternoon tea. Comforting and savory, this glazed polenta dessert is a surprisingly delectable treat.

Crispy Baked Polenta Fries

Crispy Baked Polenta Fries

Polenta fries are the only fries you’ll ever want to eat again! Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, this dish is seriously easy to make and so delicious. Perfect alongside a savory steak or creamy dip, polenta fries are irresistible.

Baked Polenta

Baked Polenta

For a healthier alternative, this baked polenta is a side that tastes great with almost any meal. Forget your usual potatoes or rice. This is the real side dish your family wants!

Cheesy Mushroom Polenta with Bacon

Cheesy Mushroom Polenta with Bacon

Made with melted cheese, bacon bits, and delicious mushrooms, this Italian-style grits dish is mouthwateringly delicious. The best part? It only takes 35 minutes to prep this impressive side.

Instant Pot Polenta

Instant Pot Polenta

Cheesy, creamy, and savory, this instant pot polenta is a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that makes for easy cleanup. What’s not to love?

Spicy Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta

Spicy Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta

Spicy shrimp and creamy polenta make a combination you never knew was so good! Once you try it, you’ll become obsessed with this recipe.

Easy Garlicky Grilled Polenta

Easy Garlicky Grilled Polenta

Infused with loads of savory garlic, this gluten-free side dish is a BBQ party must. Perfect for the grill, these tasty grilled bits of polenta are always a crowd-pleaser.

Polenta Pizza

Looking for a gluten-free pizza crust that tastes great? This polenta pizza recipe is it! Just as delicious as any other pizza, this polenta crust is oh-so-satisfying.

Roasted Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Polenta

Roasted Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Polenta

Made with roasted tomatoes and savory goat cheese, this delicious polenta is topped with fresh basil and parmesan. It’s a mouthwatering appetizer your guests will love!

Easy Vegan Polenta

Easy Vegan Polenta

Creamy and vegan-friendly, this delish dish is so simple and tasty. All you need are three pantry staples and one single pot to make this scrumptious recipe.

Chicken and Polenta with Broccoli

Hearty and satisfying, this chicken, polenta, and broccoli dish is loaded with flavor. Not only is it ready in just 15 minutes, but it’s a guaranteed success with the entire family – even the pickiest eater of them all will love this.

Easy Fried Polenta Recipe

Easy Fried Polenta Recipe

Crispy on the outside and tender in the center, this fried polenta dish is as simple to make as it is delicious.

Creamy Polenta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Creamy and mouthwatering, this polenta dish with roasted zucchini and tomatoes is the perfect summer side. Fresh, simple, and satisfying, this dish is the perfect accompaniment to your BBQ dinner.

Mamaliga Recipe (Romanian Polenta)

Mamaliga Recipe (Romanian Polenta)

Savory polenta with a twist, this classic dish is a traditional Romanian delicacy you’ll love.

Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta

Savory pork with a flavorful crust served over a bed of creamy polenta with roasted garlic cherry tomatoes, this dish is simple yet impressive. Perfect for serving guests, this dish is always a hit.

Creamy Vegan Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach

Creamy Vegan Polenta with Mushrooms and Spinach

Topped with portobello mushrooms, garlic spinach, and pine nuts, this nutty, hearty dish is loaded with flavor. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to whip up this comforting meal.

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If you haven’t tried polenta yet, you don’t know what you’re missing! A classic Italian dish, polenta makes a creamy and comforting side or main meal. There is so much you can do with polenta, from meals to cakes!

Best Polenta Recipe Collection

By: Izzy
If you haven’t tried polenta yet, you don’t know what you’re missing! A classic Italian dish, polenta makes a creamy and comforting side or main meal. There is so much you can do with polenta, from meals to cakes!
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup polenta, coarse cornmeal
  • 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Warm milk and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Whisk vigorously while gradually adding polenta. Reduce to a simmer.
  • Reduce to low heat, cover, and cook until thickened. Whisk occasionally (every 10 to 15 minutes) for a total of 30-35 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from heat. Add parmesan, butter, salt, and pepper. Whisk until butter and cheese are melted, about 1 minute. Serve warm.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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