Baked Polenta with Mushrooms
	
		A comforting, savory baked polenta dish topped with sautéed mushrooms and herbs, perfect as a main course or side for an Italian-inspired meal.
	 
	
		
							- Author: sarra
 
							- Prep Time: 15 mins
 
							- Cook Time: 35 mins
 
							- Total Time: 50 mins
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Dish
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: Italian
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
 
- 4 cups vegetable broth
 
- 2 tbsp olive oil
 
- 1 tbsp butter
 
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
 
- 1 lb mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button), sliced
 
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
 
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
 
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
 
- Salt, to taste
 
- Black pepper, to taste
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
 
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
 
- Gradually whisk in the polenta, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy (about 10 minutes).
 
- Stir in butter, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pour into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
 
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and tender (about 8 minutes).
 
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 more minute.
 
- Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the polenta. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
 
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
 
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter and plant-based cheese.
 
- Mix mushroom varieties for a richer flavor.
 
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving
 
							- Calories: 310
 
							- Sugar: 2g
 
							- Sodium: 720mg
 
							- Fat: 16g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 6g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 34g
 
							- Fiber: 4g
 
							- Protein: 10g
 
							- Cholesterol: 20mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: baked polenta, mushrooms, vegetarian, Italian, comfort food