24 Recipes and Ideas for Polenta

Polenta, basically a porridge made from cornmeal, can be served soft or baked, fried or grilled. Polenta is a flavorful base in these tasty recipes and ideas.

Polenta Tart with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese Recipe

I first got hooked on polenta when my Italian friend, Josephine, made it for me. She stirred yellow cornmeal into homemade broth, adding grated Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil. I loved it so much I had to experiment! I quickly created my first bowl of creamy hot breakfast polenta with nuts and honey. It was wonderful, just like this delicious Breakfast Polenta with Dried Fruits and Almonds opens in a new tab. Polenta is basically boiled porridge made from cornmeal. Originally the name referred to crushed, ground grains and/or legumes. During the 16th century, once corn was cultivated in Europe, cornmeal polenta became an important food for farm families in Northeastern Italy. Because of this, polenta is associated with the cuisine of Northern Italy.

Breakfast Polenta Casserole Recipe

Traditional polenta is typically simmered for about 45 minutes. It requires almost constant stirring. These days, quick cooking and ready-made packaged polenta are easy to find. Once cooked, polenta can be formed into various shapes and then fried, baked or grilled until crispy golden brown on the outside, and creamy-tender on the inside. 

Polenta is so versatile, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as an appetizer. Once you try some of these polenta recipes, I think you’ll agree that polenta is simple, elegant and delicious! 

Have you tried polenta?  Got a Polenta recipe or a great idea?  Let me know.

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