Description
Warm, silky, and rich with cheesy goodness, this Creamy Parmesan Polenta is a classic Italian comfort food that offers a smooth and flavorful side dish perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Polenta Base
- 4 cups water (or a mix of water and broth for added flavor)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium or coarse grind)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Enhancements
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ cup milk or cream for extra richness
Instructions
- Heat the water: In a large saucepan or pot, bring the water (or broth) to a gentle boil. Add salt to season the liquid evenly.
- Add cornmeal slowly: Reduce heat to low. While whisking continuously, slowly pour the cornmeal into the pot in a steady stream to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer and stir: Switch to using a wooden spoon and cook the polenta over low heat, stirring often for 25 to 30 minutes. The mixture will thicken and bubble as it cooks to a creamy consistency.
- Add butter and cheese: When the polenta is thick and starting to pull away slightly from the sides of the pot, remove it from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and optional milk or cream to enrich the texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the creamy polenta to a serving bowl, smooth the surface, and garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful.
Notes
- Use coarse or medium grind cornmeal—not instant—to achieve the best texture.
- Whisk constantly while adding cornmeal to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook low and slow to keep the texture creamy and smooth; rushing the cooking process can result in a gritty texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Polenta, Italian Polenta Recipe, Comfort Food, Cheesy Polenta, Side Dish
