Herbed Cheese Polenta

Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Herbed Cheese Polenta is the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. This versatile recipe combines the rich, velvety texture of slow-cooked polenta with a luxurious blend of Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, while fresh parsley, thyme, and a hint of garlic infuse every bite with aromatic herbs. Prepared with a combination of water and milk for added creaminess, this dish is easy to make yet feels indulgent, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or hearty stews for a restaurant-quality touch, and don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright and elegant finish. Perfect for cozy weeknights or special occasions, this herbed cheese polenta is a must-try comfort food that’s as sophisticated as it is satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup polenta (coarse ground cornmeal)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the polenta in a steady stream, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and cook the polenta, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for about 20 minutes or until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 4

Stir in the butter and minced garlic, allowing the butter to melt and the garlic to become fragrant.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6

Fold in the chopped parsley and thyme leaves, reserving a small amount of parsley for garnish if desired.

Step 7

Season the polenta with freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Transfer the herbed cheese polenta to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1690.8 grams (1690.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2031

Total Fat 93.10g	119%
Saturated Fat 57.60g	288%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 284mg	95%
Sodium 2806mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 216.60g	79%
Dietary Fiber 10.50g	38%
Total Sugars 13.60g
Protein 89.10g	178%

Vitamin D 131IU	657%
Calcium 2100mg	162%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 972mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 42.0%