Sometimes the simplest dishes bring the most comfort. This easy baked polenta is a testament to that philosophy. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
With just a single dish and a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, versatile, and indulgent without the hassle of multiple pots or endless cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Polenta
The beauty of this one pot recipe lies in its simplicity. With just one baking dish, you can create a rich and creamy polenta that feels like a restaurant-worthy dish. There’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring.
You simply bake, whisk in the finishing touches, and serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining and want a side dish that practically cooks itself.
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Tips for Perfectly Baked Polenta
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor in this one pot recipe is easy, but a few tips can take it to the next level:
- Use the right polenta: Medium-grind works best for this recipe. Avoid using instant or fine-grind for optimal creaminess.
- Don’t skip the whisking: Once the baking is done, whisking in the butter and cheese is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season well: Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste for the best flavor.
Following these tips will ensure your polenta is always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve This Dish
This baked polenta is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a side: Pair it with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or a hearty stew.
- On its own: Enjoy it as a creamy comfort dish, perfect for cozy nights.
- Topped with sauce: Add marinara, sautéed mushrooms, or a drizzle of pesto for a gourmet twist.
Its adaptability makes it suitable for any meal or occasion.
Meal Prep and Leftover Ideas
This easy baked polenta isn’t just convenient to make—it’s also great for meal prep. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Refrigerate leftovers: Once cooled, store portions in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Reheat easily: Add a splash of water or milk when reheating to bring back its creamy texture.
- Get creative with leftovers: Slice and pan-fry chilled polenta for a crispy twist, or use it as a base for casseroles or baked dishes.
These ideas make it not only a time-saving dish but also a budget-friendly one that stretches across multiple meals.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Schedules
The one pot nature of this dish means less cleanup, making it ideal for those with busy lives. You can set it to bake and focus on other tasks while it cooks. The simple ingredient list also ensures you can whip it up without a last-minute grocery trip.
This easy baked polenta is proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Let this one pot recipe become a staple in your kitchen, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness every time with minimal effort.
Recipe
One Pot Recipe Easy Baked Polenta
Equipment
- 13 x 9-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups medium-grind polenta
- 2 teaspoons table salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ounces Parmesan cheese grated (2 cups)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 6 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, combine water, polenta, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix evenly.
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for about 60 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the polenta has thickened.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.