Margherita Baked Polenta Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
18 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr
-
Servings
12
-
Calories
297 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Margherita Baked Polenta Recipe
Report
This easy polenta recipe features layers of marinara sauce, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella cheese, all baked on a comforting pesto polenta base!
Share:
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups dried polenta (course yellow grits)
- 7 cups vegetable broth, or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 6 ounce smoked gouda, shredded
- 24 ounce marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 20 large fresh basil leaves
- 2 large fresh mozzarella balls (16 oz total)
Add to Shopping List
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Set out a 9X13 inch baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Then set a large 5-6 quart saucepot on the stovetop over medium-heat heat.
- Pour the vegetable broth (or water) in the saucepot. Once boiling, whisk in the polenta and salt. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the polenta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the polenta is very thick and the grains feel soft, turn off the heat. Stir in the pesto and smoked gouda. Then pour the polenta into the baking dish before it starts to firm. Smooth the polenta in an even layer.
- Bake the polenta for 25 minutes, uncovered. Meanwhile, slice the mozzarella balls into 12 rounds. *After 25 minutes, if the polenta doesn't seem set in the middle, bake an additional 10 minutes before you proceed. It needs to be firm before the marinara goes over the top.
- Pour the marinara over the top of the baked polenta and smooth into an even layer. Arrange 12 large fresh basil leaves over the marinara, 3 across and 4 down. Then cover the basil leaves with 12 mozzarella slices. Sprinkle ground black pepper over the top, if desired.
- Bake again, for 10-15, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted. Let the polenta rest for 5 minutes, before cutting and serving.
Notes
- You can store the leftovers of this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1square
Calories
297kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
25g
(8%)
Protein
15g
(30%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
47mg
(16%)
Sodium
1457mg
(61%)
Potassium
265mg
(8%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
1096IU
(22%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
310mg
(31%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1square | |
| Calories | 297kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 1457mg | 61% |
| Potassium | 265mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1096IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 310mg | 31% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
18 reviews
Excellent
Other Recipes
You'll Also Love
