Ina Garten’s Parmesan Polenta Recipe with Creamy Texture

Parmesan polenta transforms ordinary cornmeal into a luxurious culinary experience that elevates simple ingredients.

Creamy, rich textures bloom from carefully selected components blending seamlessly into a comforting dish.

Smooth and velvety, the preparation requires patience and attention to detail during each stirring moment.

Warm, golden hues hint at the decadent flavors waiting to unfold on your plate.

Magical alchemy happens when quality ingredients merge, creating a sensational side that complements numerous main courses.

Parmesan Polenta: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

• Create Creamy Comfort: This polenta delivers ultimate comfort food with its luxuriously smooth texture and rich, cheesy flavor that wraps you in warmth like a culinary hug.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: The oven-baked method eliminates constant stirring, making this recipe incredibly easy and foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Parmesan Perfection: The generous Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth that transforms simple cornmeal into an elegant side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive dinner parties, elevating humble ingredients into something spectacular.
• Customize Your Creaminess: The recipe's flexible technique allows you to adjust milk quantities, ensuring you can achieve your ideal polenta consistency – whether you prefer it super smooth or slightly thicker.

Everything You Need for Parmesan Polenta

• Cornmeal: Stone-ground or fine cornmeal works best for smooth, creamy texture.
• Chicken Stock: Rich flavor base that adds depth to the polenta.
• Milk: Provides creaminess and helps achieve perfect consistency.

• Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Butter adds richness, while Parmesan brings sharp, salty flavor and classic Italian touch.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor and balancing the dish's richness.

Cooking Parmesan Polenta the Easy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C and get ready for a delicious cooking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

• Butter an 11 x 9 x 2-inch / 28 x 23 x 5 cm oval baking dish
• Melt some butter to help create a smooth base

Step 3: Combine Flavor Makers

• Cornmeal
• Chicken stock
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they’re well combined and looking promising.

Step 4: Bake the Initial Layer

Place the dish in the oven and let it bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 5: Create Smoothness

Remove the dish from the oven and whisk the mixture until it becomes silky smooth. If it seems too thick, splash in some extra milk to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Add Buttery Goodness

• Dice the remaining butter
• Sprinkle butter pieces across the top of the polenta
• Return to the oven for another 10 minutes

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Stir in some Parmesan cheese, blending until the polenta becomes creamy and luxurious. If needed, add milk gradually to keep the texture just right.

Step 8: Final Flourish

• Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top
• Dust with a bit of black pepper
• Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness

Pointers for Creamy Parmesan Polenta

• Choose Fine Cornmeal: Select the finest cornmeal possible to guarantee a silky, luxurious texture without any unwanted graininess.
• Control Liquid Gradually: Pour milk slowly and steadily while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a perfectly smooth consistency.
• Prep Butter Strategically: Melt butter completely before incorporating to ensure even distribution and rich, velvety flavor throughout the polenta.
• Create Crispy Edges: Baking uncovered allows the top and edges to develop a delightful golden-brown crust that adds delicious texture and visual appeal.
• Layer Parmesan Wisely: Incorporate half the cheese during mixing, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top for maximum flavor intensity and a beautiful presentation.

Storing Parmesan Polenta for Later

• Refrigerate: Seal freshly made Parmesan Polenta in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, which prevents moisture loss and maintains optimal texture. Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that could make the polenta soggy.
• Freeze: Portion the polenta into individual serving sizes using freezer-safe zip-lock bags or containers. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn and preserve the creamy consistency. Label each container with the date to track freshness, ensuring you consume within two months for best quality.
• Reheat: Revive cold polenta by adding a splash of warm milk or chicken broth while stirring over low heat. Break up any solidified sections gently, allowing the liquid to reintegrate and restore the silky smooth texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even warming, transforming the polenta back to its original luxurious state.

Ways to Customize Parmesan Polenta

• Herbed Harmony: Infuse the polenta with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and basil during the initial mixing stage for an aromatic herbaceous profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Fold in caramelized roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and onions after the final baking to create a hearty vegetable-packed version that transforms the polenta into a complete meal.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, smoked paprika, and a dash of cumin during mixing, then top with crumbled cotija cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired interpretation of the traditional polenta.
• Truffle Mushroom Elegance: Sauté wild mushrooms like porcini and shiitake with garlic, then fold into the finished polenta and finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious gourmet experience.

Thoughts Before You Leave the Polenta Behind

Polenta emerges as culinary magic from Ina Garten’s kitchen, promising comfort and sophistication in one elegant dish.

Mediterranean roots blend seamlessly with American creativity through this creamy cornmeal masterpiece.

Parmesan cheese elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious experience that whispers gourmet elegance.

Kitchen adventurers discover rich layers of flavor waiting beneath golden surfaces.

Complex textures dance between silky smoothness and gentle richness, inviting palates to explore unexpected dimensions.

When passionate cooks share this recipe, culinary connections spark – so dive in, savor each spoonful, and let pure deliciousness inspire: snap that plate, share this magical moment, drop a comment celebrating comfort cuisine.

Ina Garten Parmesan Polenta Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Parmesan Polenta brings creamy Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with luxurious cheese and smooth corn perfection. Rich Mediterranean flavors meld together, inviting you to savor each silky spoonful of this classic side dish.

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Ingredients

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Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick or 57 grams) unsalted butter, divided, plus extra for the dish
• ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, divided

Grains:

• 1 cup (120 grams) fine yellow cornmeal, such as Quaker

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) good chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 2 to 3 cups (480 to 720 milliliters) whole milk
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent heating environment for the polenta preparation.
2. Generously coat an 11 x 9 x 2-inch (28 x 23 x 5 cm) oval baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick surface for the dish.
3. Gently melt of butter, which will be incorporated into the polenta mixture.
4. Combine cornmeal, chicken stock, of milk, melted butter, of salt, and of pepper directly in the prepared baking dish, stirring to create a uniform mixture.
5. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, creamy texture.
6. Carefully remove the polenta from the oven and vigorously whisk the mixture until smooth, adjusting the consistency by adding extra milk if it appears too thick.
7. Dice the remaining of butter and evenly distribute over the polenta’s surface.
8. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and integrate into the polenta.
9. Incorporate ¼ cup (25 grams) of Parmesan cheese into the polenta, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
10. If needed, gradually add milk, ¼ cup (60 milliliters) at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
11. Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining ¼ cup (25 grams) of Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of black pepper on top.
12. Serve the polenta immediately while hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal texture.

Notes

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a flavor boost that melts into the creamy polenta.
• Mix half the cheese into the base to create a rich, consistent taste throughout.
• Melt butter completely before stirring to ensure silky smooth integration into the dish.
• Pour milk gradually while whisking to prevent any annoying lumps from forming.
• Choose fine cornmeal for an ultra-soft, velvety polenta texture that glides on your tongue.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1354 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg