Made using instant polenta and seasoned with herbs and sharp cheddar cheese, this Quick Polenta recipe is one to whip out any time you need an easy-to-make side dish to pull dinner together.
Quick Cooking Polenta Recipe
Polenta is the side dish I rely on for nights when pasta might be an obvious choice but we're looking to switch things up a bit. However, I have a confession to make: I hardly ever have time for the real deal polenta that takes like, 40 minutes to make. So, I always keep a box of instant polenta on hand and it's been a welcome (and delicious) lifesaver many times now.
Before we get into the recipe let's back up a bit, in case you don't know what polenta is. Polenta is an Italian dish that is made up of coarse cornmeal cooked with liquid and added flavorings. It's very similar to the southern staple of grits. Polenta can be made as a creamy scoopable side dish (as this recipe is) or it can be made firm enough to grill, bake or even sautee.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The full recipe with quantities is listed below this text in the recipe card. If substitutions are available for this recipe, they'll be listed here. If you don't see a substitution you are looking for, please leave a comment below.
- instant polenta (this recipe only works with boxed instant polenta and will not work with regular coarse ground polenta or the tube of precooked polenta)
- milk + water
- butter
- extra sharp cheddar cheese (feel free to substitute in parmesan cheese or any other melty cheese you like)
- Italian herbs
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
How Instant Polenta Differs
This recipe calls for a very specific type of cornmeal used to make this polenta and it's known as "instant polenta". Typical polenta (which is made from coarse cornmeal) can take upwards of 40 minutes to make, and it requires almost constant stirring. However, instant polenta, typically comes in a box and has been hydrated and then dehydrated so it cooks up in minutes.
The instructions for this cheesy polenta side dish will only work for instant polenta. It will not work for coarse cornmeal or the already cooked polenta that comes in a tube.
Admittedly, instant polenta doesn't have as big of a depth of flavor as regular polenta has. Regardless, it's still worth it on those nights you need a quick and easy side dish because it's absolutely delicious and super kid-friendly.
What to Do With Leftover Polenta
Did you know leftover polenta that is cold can be sliced up and fried or baked? I'll often make more than we need for a side dish so I can purposefully save some polenta to slice up and saute the next day for crispy polenta.
To do it, you'll need to plan ahead because the polenta will need to be put into a heat-safe container while it's still hot. Then let it cool to cool completely in that container (overnight is best). Once it's cooled it can be sliced up and sauteed in a pan, or baked in the oven at 425ºF. Leftover crispy polenta is awesome!
What to Serve with Cheesy Polenta
Polenta is a pretty versatile side dish. It goes well with meat, or as a pasta substitute. In our home, we often pair meatballs (such as these Italian Turkey Meatballs) with polenta.
Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!
PrintFull Recipe
Quick Cheesy Polenta
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk, more as needed
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 9 ounce box of instant polenta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (see note)
- 2 teaspoons italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add milk, water and salt to a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Be careful to prevent the milk from boiling over.
- Once boiling, slowly whisk in the polenta. Turn down the heat, to medium-low.
- Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Shut off the heat and stir in butter, cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning and consistency, adding more milk if necessary.
- Serve immediately, as the polenta thickens up as it cools.
Notes
If your polenta is too thick, you can add in additional milk or water to thin it out. This is also how you would reheat polenta.
The instructions for this cheesy polenta side dish will only work for instant polenta. It will not work for coarse cornmeal or the already cooked polenta that comes in a tube.
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