How to Make Perfect Polenta

Perfect polenta is easier to make than you think! This top-rated polenta recipe will rival what you'd get at your favorite Italian restaurant.

What Is Polenta?

Polenta is a northern Italian dish made of yellow cornmeal. It's soft and creamy when it's freshly cooked, with a texture similar to porridge. When it cools, it becomes firm enough to be easily sliced with a knife.

Learn more: What Is Polenta and How Is It Made?

How to Make Polenta

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Perfect Polenta Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this polenta recipe:

· Water: You'll need about four cups of water for every cup of polenta.· Salt: Don't forget to salt the water before adding the polenta!· Polenta: Find it in the rice aisle at the grocery store.· Butter: Three tablespoons of butter adds richness and moisture.· Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese takes this polenta over the top.

How to Cook Polenta

Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make polenta at home:

1. Add the polenta to salted boiling water.2. Simmer until the polenta is slightly thick.3. Cover and continue cooking until the polenta is very thick.4. Stir in the butter and cheese.

Tip: Cooking time will depend on the grind of the polenta, so you'll have to adjust accordingly.

How to Serve Polenta

When it comes to enjoying polenta, your options are limitless! You can use it wherever you’d normally use rice or potatoes. Serve it as a side dish or top it with your favorite meat or veggies. Explore our collection of Polenta Recipes for delicious inspiration.

How to Store Polenta

Store the cooked polenta in a shallow, airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. We don't recommend freezing cooked polenta, as it will likely change textures as it thaws.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

"Nice, simple polenta," says one Cookdap community member. "Use this as your base and add other ingredients should you want to add more flavor. I served it with salmon."

"This is the best recipe and I am so truly converted now," according to Djinni. "It was so creamy and smooth. The butter and Parmesan elevated the flavor (I also added a chicken stock cube to the water)."

"The recipe is very easy, almost foolproof," raves Mark E. "The polenta is wonderful. The creamy texture paired very well with my steak."