Looking for a versatile and easy-to-prepare side dish that can complement any meal? Look no further than this creamy polenta recipe. Made with Quaker yellow cornmeal, seasoned broth, and finished with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and butter, this dish will surely become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps to make perfectly smooth and delicious polenta every time.
How to Make Polenta
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, chicken flavor bouillon, and pepper and cook, occasionally stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot until the onions soften and caramelize for 3-5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Add the water and milk and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and slowly add the cornmeal, constantly whisking to ensure no lumps.
Switch to a wooden spoon, and simmer over very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring almost constantly, until thick. (The timing will depend on the cornmeal that you choose.) Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly while you're stirring. Stir in the Parmesan, cream cheese, and butter off the heat. Taste for seasonings and serve hot. Enjoy!
Looking for a versatile and easy-to-prepare side dish that can complement any meal? Look no further than this creamy polenta recipe. Made with Quaker yellow cornmeal, seasoned broth, and finished with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and butter, this dish will surely become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps to make perfectly smooth and delicious polenta every time.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, chicken flavor bouillon, and pepper and cook, occasionally stirring with a wooden spoon and scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot, until the onions soften and caramelize, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
Add the water and milk and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and very slowly add the cornmeal, constantly whisking to make sure there are no lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon, and simmer over very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring almost constantly, until thick. (The timing will depend on the cornmeal that you choose.)
Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan thoroughly while you're stirring. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, cream cheese, and butter. Taste for seasonings and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When storing in the freezer, wrap the container with plastic to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat: You can use the microwave or stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, place the polenta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated. To reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or water to the polenta to loosen it up, then transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, constantly stirring until heated through. Add more milk or water if needed to adjust the consistency. Ensure not to overheat the polenta, as it can become too thick or dry.
Make-Ahead
Follow the recipe as directed, let the polenta cool to room temperature, and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, reheat the polenta using the microwave or stovetop method described above. You may need to add milk or water to loosen up the polenta if it has become too thick.
Notes
You can substitute the water for chicken stock for vegetable stock when cooking the polenta, omit the chicken flavor bouillon and add salt to taste.
Pair with our Oven Beef Stew with Carrots and Sweet Potatoes
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Easy Polenta
Amount per Serving
Calories
292
% Daily Value*
Fat
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Cholesterol
26
mg
9
%
Sodium
437
mg
19
%
Potassium
260
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
317
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
259
mg
26
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
