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