Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (2024)

| Updated by Ryan 1 Comment

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Polenta is the Italian version of grits and this creamy goat cheese polenta is the perfect vehicle for a variety of proteins from pork to shrimp to short ribs.

Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (1)

Everyone has childhood memories and for me many involve food, including the California Grill at Disney World. I remember feeling a little overwhelmed by the menu when my mom suggest I get the pork tenderloin with goat cheese polenta. If you've never had polenta, as I said earlier it is basically Italian grits.

I had never tried polenta at that point but was feeling adventurous. I remember after the first bite I turned to my mom and said this was amazing! Now I liked the pork, but it was all about the polenta. Speaking of California Grill, I just checked the menu and they still have the pork with polenta that I had 20+ years ago!

So today I'm recreating one of those childhood memories with this goat cheese polenta. What makes polenta great is it's a great vehicle to add a ton of different proteins to, whether it's pork. shrimp, fish or short ribs! So I hope you give this goat cheese polenta a try.

Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (2)

What Ingredients are in this Goat Cheese Polenta?

  • Milk
  • Water
  • Kosher Salt
  • Polenta
  • Unsalted butter
  • Goat cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

How to Make Goat Cheese Polenta

  1. Bring water, milk and salt to low boil in large saucepan.
  2. Slowly pour in polenta, whisking until there are no clumps, about 5 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes. Whisk every 5 minutes with a wooden spoon as it gets thicker.
  4. Once polenta is creamy, remove from heat and whisk in butter, goat cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (3)

Polenta vs Grits

There is one main difference. Polenta is made with ground yellow corn whereas grits are made from white corn. Because of that, polenta is much coarser, while grits are finer. But at the end of the day, you can substitute each for one another if push comes to shove.

Is Polenta Gluten-Free?

Yes. Polenta is made from corn, whichdoes not contain gluten, the proteins responsible for negative reactions for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Glutenis found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

Tips for Tasty Goat Cheese Polenta

  • Use at least 4 to 1 liquid to polenta ratio which allows for a creamy polenta. Sometimes even a 5 to 1 ratio will be needed.
  • Use a combination of milk and water for the polenta. All water makes a neutral polenta while all milk makes the polenta too rich. Using half of each gives you the perfect polenta.
  • Whisk the polenta constantly for at least 5 minutes right when you add it to the boiling liquid. This helps prevent it from sticking and burning.
  • As the goat cheese polenta is simmering, stir every 5 minutes so it doesn't burn.
  • The polenta is ready when the individual grains are tender. It should be spreadable, spoonable and creamy.
  • Don't add additional flavor until the polenta is done. Stir in the butter, goat cheese and Parmesan at this point.
  • Polenta can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. When reheating, add ¼ cup to ½ cup water to help bring back the creaminess.

Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (4)

Other Side Dish Recipes

  • Goat Cheese Risotto
  • Cheddar Pierogies
  • Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
  • Potato Latkes
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes

If you’ve tried thisGoat Cheese Polenta or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow meonFacebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (5)

Print Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Goat Cheese Polenta

This creamy polenta is loaded with goat cheese and is the perfect complement to a variety of dishes.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6

Calories: 245kcal

Author: Ryan Beck

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup polenta
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 oz goat cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Bring water, milk and salt to low boil in a large saucepan. Slowly pour in polenta, whisking constantly until there are no clumps. Whisk polenta for about 5 minutes. It should still be slightly loose.

  • At this point, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 30 minutes, whisking every 5 minutes. At this point you want to mix with wooden spoon as it gets too thick to mix. The polenta is ready when creamy and individual grains are tender.

  • Turn off heat and stir in butter, goat cheese and Parmesan cheese. Season with more salt if needed. Serve in bowl with some more Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Use at least 4 to 1 liquid to polenta ratio which allows for a creamy polenta. Sometimes even a 5 to 1 ratio will be needed.
  • Use a combination of milk and water for the polenta. All water makes a neutral polenta while all milk makes the polenta too rich. Using half of each gives you the perfect polenta.
  • Whisk the polenta constantly for at least 5 minutes right when you add it to the boiling liquid. This helps prevent it from sticking and burning.
  • As the goat cheese polenta is simmering, stir every 5 minutes so it doesn't burn.
  • The polenta is ready when the individual grains are tender. It should be spreadable, spoonable and creamy.
  • Don't add additional flavor until the polenta is done. Stir in the butter, goat cheese and Parmesan at this point.
  • Polenta can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. When reheating, add ¼ cup to ½ cup water to help bring back the creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 638mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 340mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Smoked Mashed Potatoes
  • Risotto Cakes
  • Lentil Quinoa Salad
  • Smoked Mac and Cheese

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chris says

    Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (10)
    Big fan of polenta as well!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe - Chisel & Fork (2024)

FAQs

Is quick cooking polenta the same as regular polenta? ›

Regular polenta can take up to 40 minutes to cook and requires constant stirring, while "instant" or "quick-cooking" polenta can be made in minutes. Purchasing instant polenta can really cut down the cooking time, but some say that these versions aren't as flavorful as standard polenta.

What is the best grind for polenta? ›

"Most people, including chefs we know and love, say any version of medium or coarsely ground corn works for polenta," says Roberts. "Ultimately, yes, a cook can prepare a porridge from medium or coarsely ground corn. Fine-grind can be a bit too pasty if prepared this way.

How do you make Jamie Oliver polenta? ›

Pour the milk into a large, heavy pan along with 800ml of water and 1 teaspoon of sea salt and bring it to the boil. Pour in the polenta in a thin stream, whisking all the time so it thickens as you go. Keep whisking for 2 to 3 minutes over a high heat.

How do you make Martha Stewart polenta? ›

In a large, deep saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. While whisking constantly, add polenta in a slow, steady stream. Reduce heat to medium, cook until thickened, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in cheese, heavy cream, and butter.

Do you have to stir polenta constantly? ›

Now, as I said above, you don't actually have to stir the polenta constantly for a full hour as it cooks, but it does require frequent attention.

Is Bob's Red Mill polenta quick cooking? ›

Polenta can be the star of the meal or side dish. Like a blank slate, make your own masterpiece with Yellow Corn Polenta: your next meal is ready in just 5 minutes!

Is polenta basically cornmeal? ›

Polenta is basically cornmeal mush, and it can be made with any kind of cornmeal, ground coarse, medium or fine. (You don't need bags marked “polenta.”) As with most ingredients, though, the better the cornmeal you start with, the better your result in the kitchen.

How do you make polenta taste better? ›

Cooked veggies are the perfect way to add hearty texture, richness, and flavor to creamy polenta. Try pairing it with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, butternut squash, or cauliflower, with grilled mixed vegetables or zucchini, or with sautéed mushrooms.

Is polenta a carb or protein? ›

Polenta is often used to substitute grains like pasta and rice, as it's lower in calories and is a source of complex carbohydrates.

Why does my polenta fall apart? ›

After placing the polenta into the pan, don't touch it until a crust has formed. When the crust forms it will release from the pan. If you play with it, you won't get a crust to form and it'll come apart.

How did Italians make polenta before corn? ›

Of course, back then polenta was not made of maize, but with other grains. Yes, since ancient roman times. It was called Pulenta, made with barley flour. A similar porridge made with spelt, or millet, buckwheat, pulse, but not barley, was called Puls.

How do you keep polenta creamy? ›

Slowly pour the cornmeal into the pot, maintaining a boil and continuing to stir. This is basically prevents lumps and clumping. Once all the cornmeal has been added, reduce the heat to a low simmer and stir frequently until polenta gets creamy.

Should polenta be soaked before cooking? ›

If you feel like it is getting too thick earlier than that, simply whisk in more liquid and keep cooking. One way to reduce the cooking time is to soak your polenta overnight in water and drain it before cooking.

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