Jalapeno Jack Polenta

Spice up your side dish game with this irresistibly creamy Jalapeno Jack Polenta! Featuring a perfect blend of rich Monterey Jack cheese, fiery fresh jalapenos, and velvety cornmeal, this recipe is a flavor-packed twist on a comforting classic. Cooked to perfection with a mixture of whole milk and water, this polenta achieves a luxurious, silky texture that pairs beautifully with just about anything—from grilled shrimp to roasted vegetables. A dollop of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add the finishing touches to this dish that's as versatile as it is satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or to impress guests with its gourmet appeal. Perfectly seasoned and endlessly adaptable, Jalapeno Jack Polenta is a surefire crowd-pleaser for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 medium jalapeno peppers, finely diced
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the yellow cornmeal in a steady stream to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3

Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Switch to a wooden spoon for stirring.

Step 4

Cook the polenta on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches a creamy consistency. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.

Step 5

Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6

Mix in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese a handful at a time, allowing it to melt before adding more.

Step 7

Add the finely diced jalapeno peppers and stir until evenly distributed throughout the polenta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with black pepper as needed.

Step 8

Remove the polenta from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Step 9

Serve the polenta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy as a side dish or as a base for grilled vegetables, chicken, or shrimp.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1516.9 grams (1516.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1353

Total Fat 47.50g	61%
Saturated Fat 26.10g	131%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 122mg	41%
Sodium 736mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate 203.10g	74%
Dietary Fiber 10.30g	37%
Total Sugars 14.30g
Protein 30.20g	60%

Vitamin D 107IU	537%
Calcium 378mg	29%
Iron 7mg	38%
Potassium 796mg	17%

*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: 31.4%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 59.7%