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Crispy edges, cheesy middle, grilled polenta is comfort food perfected.
Polenta is a dish of boiled cornmeal that was historically made from other grains. The dish comes from Italy. It may be served as a hot porridge, or it may be allowed to cool and solidify into a loaf that can be baked, fried, or grilled.
What Does Grilled Polenta Taste Like?
Polenta tastes like a hearty corn porridge. The cooked grains should taste sweet and cooked, not bitter and raw. The better the cornmeal you start with, the better your polenta will taste.
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Grilled Polenta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Easy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled polenta recipe, cheesy side dish, crispy polenta bites, easy comfort food, dinner inspiration.
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar
- Feta cheese to garnish
Instructions
- Bring the water with vegetable stock to a rapid boil (or just use stock, if you have on hand) in a large pot.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and pull the pot right off the stove.
- Whisk while adding cornmeal slowly.
- Whisk thoroughly to avoid any lumps until well combined, and then place back onto the heat.
- Keep stirring to ensure the mixture stays smooth, you may need to add a few more tablespoons of water if the mixture is too dry.
- Cover and allow to cook for about 30 minutes, adjust the heat so that it steams but doesn’t spatter, and stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat and add pepper, butter, and cheese.
- Stir to melt and combine.
- Pour into a lined 9×13 dish and allow to cool in the fridge.
- Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat the broiler in the oven.
- Once set, preheat the broiler in the oven.
- Remove the polenta from the dish and slice into individual portions. I got 16.
- Place onto a baking dish and sprinkle feta over the top.
- Place under the broiler just until heated through and starting to brown on top.
- Serve with a sauce, just use it to lap up meat sauce/juices.
Notes
Created, Prepared, Tried, and Tested by Corlea from SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes
Polenta has been around forever, or at least since ancient Roman times. Back then, it was a simple dish made with grains like barley or millet, and everyone from soldiers to farmers loved it. Fast forward to today, and polenta has become a comfort food superstar, especially in Italy, where it’s often topped with cheese, sauces, or veggies.
What’s not to love? It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying. Want something crispy? Grill it. Feeling creamy? Skip the cooling step and serve it straight from the pot. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and pairs with almost anything, sauces, stews, or even as a stand-alone snack.
This grilled version takes the best of both worlds: creamy cheesy goodness meets a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re new to polenta or a long-time fan, this Grilled Polenta is the perfect way to fall in love all over again. Ready to make it? Let’s go!
Crispy edges, cheesy middle, and a golden brown top, grilled polenta is the ultimate comfort food upgrade.
We are featured on Senior Salon Pit Stop #368 (by Co-host Melynda). I am grateful for this honor. We appreciate the shoutout.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
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Esme, what a great (and easy!) way to serve polenta, one of my favorites. Your recipe for Grilled Polenta will be one of my features for the upcoming SSPS!
Hi dear Melynda, thank you so much my friend. Much appreciated. Hope you give this one a try when you have a moment. Easy and tasty indeed.