As the weather cools and comfort food starts calling, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, cheesy polenta. This humble dish transforms simple stone-ground corn into something rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying. Made with polenta from Artisan Milling Company, this recipe brings out the flavor and texture that only small-batch, stone-ground grains can offer.

Why We Love It

Polenta is one of those quietly versatile dishes – perfect as a creamy side for hearty meats like beef short ribs or sausage (both available at the market), or served on its own with roasted vegetables or sautéed greens. It’s easy to prepare, economical, and endlessly adaptable.

The Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup polenta (try Artisan Milling Company’s stone-ground variety)
½ cup milk
½ cup parmesan
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into ½” pieces
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the polenta, breaking up any clumps as you go.
3. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth.
4. Once the polenta grains are tender, remove from heat and stir in the cheese, milk, and butter until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir in parsley if desired, and serve warm.

The Best Part: Leftovers

Don’t let any of that delicious polenta go to waste! Spread leftovers in a greased Pyrex pan so it’s about an inch thick, then refrigerate until firm. Once chilled, cut into squares and pan-fry in a bit of vegetable oil over medium-low heat until golden and crisp on the outside. The result? Crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside polenta bites that pair beautifully with just about anything!

Market Pairings

Creamy polenta is the perfect canvas for showcasing what’s in season. Try it topped with slow-braised beef short ribs or local sausage from your favorite Main St Farmers Market meat vendor (plot twist: they’re all amazing). 

Warm, rustic, and endlessly comforting – this dish is a reminder of how good simple ingredients can be when they’re made with care.

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