If you're looking for a quick-cooking side for steaks and braised meats, this Creamy Polenta Recipe is for you. With only 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to cook, you can have this side dish the the table--pronto!

Perfect for weeknight meals or even romantic homemade Italian-inspired dinners this polenta is creamy, cheesy and ever-so easy to make.

What is Polenta?

Polenta is a dried coarsely ground corn, originating from Northern Italy. When cooked, it is soft and creamy and makes the perfect bed for stewed meats and sauces.

The ingredients you need

Dried Polenta

Chicken or Vegetable Stock

Jack Cheese

That's it!!

Tip + Tricks

Grind the dried polenta:

Grind the dried polenta to a fine meal in a food processor or high speed blender. Then, add to the boiling chicken stock. This step makes the polenta extra creamy. This is optional but I highly recommend it! It also shaves down the cooking time. Double plus.

Make it even more creamy:

Make this polenta extra creamy by substituting 1 cup of the stock with 1 cup of milk.

Stir Constantly while cooking:

Once you add the polenta to the boiling stock, by sure to whisk and stir constantly to prevent lumps and burning the polenta on the bottom of the pan.

What to serve with Creamy Polenta

Grilled Flat Iron Steak

Vegan Caesar Salad

Rosemary and Olive Bread

Recipes you can make with the leftovers:

Oven Baked Polenta Fries

Pan Fried Polenta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

📖 Recipe

Creamy Polenta in a wooden bowl with hands

Cheesy, Creamy Polenta in 10 Minutes

Name: Cheesy, Creamy Polenta in 10 Minutes
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 Cups Chicken Stock or broth (or vegetable stock or broth); 1 Cup Dried Polenta; 8 Oz Jack Cheese (cubed)

A quick and easy polenta recipe using only 3 ingredients.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Keyword: polenta

Prep Time: 1

Cook Time: 9

Total Time: 10

Servings:

Calories: 297kcal

Ingredients

▢ 4 Cups Chicken Stock or broth or vegetable stock or broth
▢ 1 Cup Dried Polenta
▢ 8 Oz Jack Cheese cubed

Instructions

In a food processor or high speed blender, add the dried polenta and ground to a fine meal. Set aside. Cut the jack cheese into ½ inch cubes.
In an 8 quart saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in the ground polenta. Continue whisking, the polenta will start to thicken almost immediately. As the polenta thickens (will only take 1-2 minutes), turn the stove down to medium-low.
Using a wooden spoon or heat safe spatula, stir in the jack cheese. Continue stirring until the jack cheese has completely melted. (2-3 minutes)
Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and let rest 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

To make Shaped Polenta (For fried polenta and polenta fries)

Pour the creamy polenta in a 8x10 baking dish while still warm. Allow to cool, then cover and place in the refrigerator 4 hours - overnight.

Nutrition

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