Creamy Parmesan Polenta
A warm, cozy, and creamy Parmesan polenta recipe that is easy to make and perfect as a comforting side dish. It features a smooth, velvety texture with a sharp, nutty Parmesan flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (150g) coarse cornmeal
- 4 cups (960ml) water
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups (960ml) of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
- Slowly add 1 cup (150g) coarse cornmeal while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once incorporated, reduce heat to low.
- Simmer and stir frequently with a whisk or wooden spoon for about 20 minutes until thickened and pulling away from the sides of the pan. Add a splash of water or milk if too thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter until melted. Fold in 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and optional garlic powder to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor. Keep heat low during simmering to prevent scorching. If lumps form, whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender before adding cheese. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 7
Keywords: creamy polenta, Parmesan polenta, comfort food, easy side dish, gluten-free, cheesy polenta