The Ultimate Barefoot Contessa Creamy Parmesan Polenta Recipe

Creamy Parmesan polenta is the kind of side dish that brings comfort and style to the table.

Its texture is soft and velvety, melting into every forkful with ease.

The addition of Parmesan adds a nutty depth that makes it feel extra special.

This Italian-inspired favorite pairs well with rich meats or can shine solo in a bowl.

With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers serious flavor and heartwarming results.

It’s a cozy classic with a touch of sophistication.

Delight in Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Amplify Comfort with Creamy Texture: This polenta delivers ultimate smoothness, transforming simple cornmeal into a velvety, luxurious side dish that melts in your mouth like a warm culinary hug.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet Touch: Mastering this recipe takes just 20 minutes, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.
• Flavor-Packed Cheesy Goodness: The combination of Parmesan, crème fraîche, and butter creates a rich, deeply savory experience that elevates basic cornmeal into an indulgent, sophisticated accompaniment perfect for elegant dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
• Versatile Serving Potential: This polenta works beautifully as a side dish for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or can stand alone as a comforting base for various protein toppings, making it an incredibly adaptable recipe for multiple dining scenarios.

Core Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Chicken Stock: Rich, flavorful base that provides depth and enhances overall taste of the polenta.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic punch and subtle warmth to the liquid foundation.

• Cornmeal: Primary ingredient that creates creamy, smooth polenta texture; choose fine or medium-ground for best results.

• Parmesan Cheese, Crème Fraîche, Butter: Luxurious dairy components that bring incredible richness, tanginess, and smooth texture to the polenta; select high-quality, fresh ingredients for best flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste profile.

A Quick Guide to Creamy Parmesan Polenta

Step 1: Kickstart The Liquid Base

Grab a large saucepan and pour in the chicken stock. Crank up the heat to medium-high and watch it bubble. Toss in minced garlic and give it a quick stir to infuse flavor.

Step 2: Introducing The Cornmeal

Lower the heat to medium-low. Slowly introduce the cornmeal, whisking like a pro to keep those pesky lumps away. Your wrist should be smooth and steady.

Step 3: Simmer And Transform

• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir frequently and lovingly, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and looks creamy.

Step 4: Cheese And Cream Magic

• Parmesan cheese
• Crème fraîche
• Butter

Taste and adjust the seasoning to make it sing with flavor.

Step 5: Serve With Pizzazz

Scoop the polenta into warm bowls. Shower with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s hot and dreamy.

Insider Hints for Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Choose High-Quality Cornmeal: Stone-ground cornmeal creates a superior texture and deeper flavor profile compared to processed alternatives.
• Prevent Pesky Lumps: Slowly whisk while gradually pouring cornmeal into liquid to ensure a silky, smooth consistency without any unwanted clumps.
• Master the Stirring Technique: Continuous stirring during cooking prevents sticking and maintains a luxurious, creamy texture throughout preparation.
• Rescue Thick Polenta: When the mixture becomes too dense, incorporate warm stock or water to restore its ideal, velvety consistency.
• Boost Creaminess Creatively: Crème fraîche adds richness, but sour cream or double cream work wonderfully as delicious alternative ingredients.

Smart Storage for Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Freezer Block Method: Transform leftover polenta into solid blocks for long-term storage. Pour cooled polenta into a parchment-lined loaf pan, creating a compact rectangular shape that's easy to slice and store. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor integrity.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide polenta into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. Use silicone muffin trays or small containers to create perfect single-serving portions. Label each container with the date to track freshness and ensure quick, convenient reheating.
• Moisture Preservation Strategy: Maintain creamy texture by adding a splash of milk or chicken stock when reheating. Stir continuously over low heat to prevent scorching and restore the original smooth consistency.

Exciting Variations for Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Truffle Infusion: Enhance the polenta's richness by adding a drizzle of truffle oil and mixing in finely chopped fresh truffle shavings for an elegant, earthy flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the polenta while cooking, then top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Roasted Vegetable Topping: Prepare a mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, then layer them over the creamy polenta for a colorful and nutritious vegetarian option.
• Spicy Chorizo Upgrade: Crisp up some diced chorizo and sprinkle it over the polenta, adding a kick of smoky heat and protein to the classic dish.

Closing Thoughts on Creamy Parmesan Polenta

Polenta, cherished in Italian kitchens, emerges as more than mere comfort cuisine.

Rich chicken stock transforms humble cornmeal into silky, luxurious magic.

Parmesan cheese adds sophisticated depth, creating creamy elegance with each spoonful.

Crème fraîche whispers subtle complexity into this classic side dish.

Barefoot Contessa’s recipe elevates humble ingredients into culinary poetry.

Savor each bite, share this extraordinary dish, spark conversation, and inspire fellow kitchen enthusiasts to embrace Italian-inspired cooking magic.

Barefoot Contessa Creamy Parmesan Polenta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Creamy Parmesan Polenta elevates comfort cooking with rich Italian-inspired flavors. Silky cornmeal melts into a luxurious side dish that delivers creamy indulgence perfect for complementing roasted meats or enjoying as a standalone comfort classic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 litre (33.8 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 170 grams (6 ounces) yellow cornmeal
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) crème fraîche
• 30 grams (1 ounce) unsalted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the chicken stock in a large saucepan over medium-high temperature, allowing it to reach a vigorous boil. Introduce minced garlic into the liquid, stirring to distribute the aromatic flavor evenly.
2. Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually incorporate cornmeal into the simmering stock. Utilize a whisk to continuously blend, preventing any potential clumping or formation of lumpy textures.
3. Transition to a wooden spoon and season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent bottom-of-pan scorching. Continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes until the polenta thickens and develops a creamy texture.
4. Remove the saucepan from direct heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese, velvety crème fraîche, and unsalted butter. Gently stir until all ingredients are fully integrated and create a luxurious, silky finish.
5. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings if necessary to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Transfer the polenta to serving dishes immediately while piping hot. Garnish with an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the presentation and add a final touch of savory richness.

Notes

• Stone-ground cornmeal provides authentic, rustic flavor with more depth compared to processed varieties.
• Slow whisking prevents pesky lumps from developing during the cooking process.
• Continuous stirring ensures consistently smooth and creamy polenta without clumping.
• Warm liquid helps thin out overly thick polenta, maintaining perfect spoonable consistency.
• Crème fraîche adds luxurious richness and silky texture, transforming basic polenta into a gourmet side dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg