Uncle Jim'S Polenta And Cheese
Creamy polenta infused with melted cheese and Parmesan, topped with butter and pepper—rich, comforting, and perfect for a hearty meal or side dish with sausage.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water and salt to boiling point in a deep pan.
- Slowly add cornmeal to boiling water, stirring with a wooden spoon to prevent lumping.
- Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the diced cheese.
- Cook for 20 more minutes, stirring frequently.
- The mixture should be on the soft side.
- Add a little ground pepper.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Turn out onto a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with your favorite sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To prevent lumps in your polenta, add the cornmeal slowly while stirring continuously. If you're out of cornmeal, you can substitute with coarse ground oats for a different texture. For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses such as Muenster and sharp Cheddar. Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of your cheese. This dish also works well as a base for sauces like the Spicy Tomato-Artichoke Sauce Over Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Uncle Jim's Polenta and Cheese as a comforting side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Renae's Lasagna or Spinach Fettuccine With Mushrooms And Artichokes. For added flavor, drizzle with olive oil or serve with your favorite sauce. It can be enjoyed on its own or topped with sautéed greens for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the polenta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Jim'S Polenta And Cheese contains roughly 1554 calories, with 58g protein, 311g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (428% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2213mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Muenster, Swiss, or Cheddar are great choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Fontina. Just keep in mind that the flavor and melting characteristics will vary, so choose according to your taste preference.
How do I know when the polenta is done cooking?
The polenta is done when it pulls away from the sides of the pot and has a creamy, thick consistency. It should take about 30 minutes of cooking time total, with frequent stirring. The final texture should be soft but not runny.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the polenta in advance! Cook it, let it cool slightly, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid to restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).