Nonnies Baked Polenta Recipes

BAKED POLENTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease an 11 by 17-inch baking sheet pan with oil. Line pan with waxed paper. The oil will secure the waxed paper onto the pan.
• In a large pot bring to a boil 2 quarts of salted water. Stir in extra-virgin olive oil. When water has reached a boil, reduce heat to medium high and slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly for 3 minutes. When polenta is thick and smooth, pour it into the prepared pan. Spread the polenta evenly.
• Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan. Note: the polenta will not brown or change in color. When cool enough to handle, cut into any shape you desire. I like to cut out 2-inch circles.

BAKED POLENTA OR GRITS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Whisk cornmeal into water, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add corn, pepper, cheese, butter, and salt. Butter a 7 by 7-inch flameproof baking dish. Pour polenta into baking dish and bake 45 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil until bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes.
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BAKED POLENTA WITH GARLIC

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Butter (or use a cooking spray like Pam) a 2 quart soufflé dish.
• Bring first 6 ingredients to boil in a large, heavy saucepan.
• Gradually add cornmeal, whisking until smooth.
• Reduce heat to low; cook until cornmeal is very soft and mixture is thick and creamy, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in 6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, season with pepper, if desired.
• Transfer to prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over polenta.
• (Can be made 1 day ahead).
• Cool, cover and chill.
• Bake polenta until heated through and golden on top, about 30 minutes.
• Serve polenta warm.

EASY OVEN-BAKED REAL POLENTA (NOT INSTANT)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Pour water into the prepared dish; stir in polenta and salt.
• Bake in the preheated oven until polenta is thickened, about 40 minutes. Stir in squash, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese. Continue baking until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.