Golden Goodness: Ina Garten’s Velvety Parmesan Polenta Recipe

Silky, creamy Parmesan polenta by Ina Garten offers a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Soft cornmeal simmers into a velvety canvas, absorbing rich, sharp Parmesan flavors with every gentle stir.

The simple ingredients create a decadent experience that feels both rustic and refined.

Butter and cheese meld together, creating a comforting warmth that beckons you to the kitchen.

Each spoonful promises a smooth, golden texture that melts on your tongue with incredible depth.

Restaurant-quality comfort waits in this straightforward recipe that requires minimal effort.

Get ready to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible Italian-inspired classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient Guide for Ina Garten’s Parmesan Polenta

• Cornmeal: Provides the creamy foundation with rich, hearty texture; choose stone-ground varieties for deeper corn flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Infuses deep savory richness and enhances overall depth of the dish; select low-sodium options for better control of salt levels.

• Milk: Delivers silky smoothness and helps achieve perfect polenta consistency; whole milk works best for richness.
• Butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and subtle nutty undertones; use high-quality unsalted butter for clean flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, salty notes and elegant complexity; select freshly grated authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for superior taste.

• Salt: Balances and amplifies other ingredients' flavors; use kosher or sea salt for clean seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic warmth; freshly ground offers more vibrant taste compared to pre-ground.

Essentials for Cooking Ina Garten’s Creamy Polenta

• Oval Baking Dish: 11 x 9 x 2-inch ceramic or glass dish for perfect polenta baking.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothing out the polenta and preventing lumps.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring milk, stock, and cornmeal precisely.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise salt and pepper measurements.
• Butter Knife: Helpful for dicing butter and spreading grease in the dish.
• Oven: Needed for baking and heating the polenta to creamy perfection.

Whisk Up Ina Garten’s Parmesan Polenta with These Steps

Creamy Parmesan Cloud

• Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen companion heated to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for your culinary adventure.

• Baking Vessel Prep

Select a spacious oval dish and give it a gentle butter massage, ensuring nothing will stick during the magical transformation.

• Flavor Foundation

Gather cornmeal, rich chicken stock, and silky milk into your baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper, creating a welcoming canvas for deliciousness.

• First Baking Journey

Let your mixture settle into the warm oven, relaxing and transforming for about 45 minutes until edges become golden and center looks dreamy.

• Smooth Transformation

Rescue your creation and whisk with enthusiasm, coaxing the mixture into a luxurious, velvety texture. Add splashes of milk if feeling too dense.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan like culinary snow, letting it melt and create irresistible golden spots. Return to the oven for a final 10-minute flavor dance.

• Serving Elegance

Plate your cloud-like polenta, garnish with extra Parmesan and a whisper of black pepper, ready to transport taste buds to comfort heaven.

Flavor Enhancements for Ina Garten’s Polenta

• Swap Parmesan with aged cheddar, fontina, or pecorino for a unique twist on the classic polenta recipe.
• Control the thickness by gradually adding warm milk or stock during whisking to achieve your desired smooth texture.
• Fold in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil before the final baking for an aromatic and flavorful enhancement.
• Serve polenta as a base for braised meats, roasted vegetables, or top with a rich mushroom ragout for a hearty meal.
• Mix in red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cracked black pepper during preparation to add depth and subtle heat to the dish.

Plate Like a Pro: Ina Garten’s Polenta Presentation

• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Complement the creamy polenta with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or braised short ribs for a satisfying main course that balances the rich, smooth texture.
• Create Vegetable Companions: Top the polenta with sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or caramelized onions to add depth and color to the dish, enhancing its rustic charm.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, thyme, or parsley over the finished polenta to introduce a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing touch.
• Embrace Comfort Bowl Style: Transform the polenta into a cozy one-bowl meal by adding a soft-poached egg, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of olive oil for an indulgent and comforting dining experience.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Parmesan Polenta

• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover polenta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish will naturally thicken when cold, so gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Slice cooled polenta into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen polenta stays delicious for 2-3 months, ready to quickly reheat when hunger strikes.
• Revive Leftover Magic: Breathe new life into cold polenta by pan-frying slices until golden and crispy. Top with a fried egg, fresh herbs, or your favorite sauce for an instant meal transformation.
• Portion and Protect: Allow hot polenta to cool completely before transferring to storage containers. Use shallow dishes to help polenta cool faster and prevent bacterial growth, ensuring food safety and optimal taste.

Silky Parmesan Polenta Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan polenta delivers creamy comfort with Italian sophistication. Garten’s simple method ensures rich, cheesy goodness that welcomes diners to savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 4 tbsps (½ stick or 57 g) unsalted butter, divided, plus extra for the dish
• 2 to 3 cups (480 to 720 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) good chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1 cup (120 g) fine yellow cornmeal, such as Quaker
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, divided
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly butter an 11 x 9 x 2-inch oval baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing: Combine cornmeal, chicken stock, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper directly in the prepared baking dish, whisking to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
3. Initial Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
4. Texture Refinement: Remove the polenta from the oven and vigorously whisk until smooth, adjusting the texture with additional milk if necessary. Distribute diced butter evenly across the surface.
5. Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven for 10 minutes, letting the butter melt and integrate into the polenta.
6. Cheese Incorporation: Fold in ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of black pepper over the top. Serve immediately while piping hot to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Butter Coating Strategy: Generously grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• Whisking Technique: Vigorously whisk the polenta after initial baking to create a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Consistency Control: Add milk gradually to adjust thickness, preventing the polenta from becoming too dense or dry.
• Cheese Layering: Fold in Parmesan cheese in two stages for a more complex, rich flavor profile and better cheese distribution.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg