I do love a good polenta, however, lots of polenta recipes call for the addition of a very pungent cheese, such as, Gorgonzola. While I have nothing against a powerful blue cheese, I feel it can detract from the main meal the polenta has been served with.
Enter mascarpone, an Italian sweet cream cheese and one of my all time favorites. For some reason, it never dawned on me to use mascarpone in polenta, it’s the perfect texture to meld right in with the polenta, butter and Parmesan.
This flavorful dish will sit beside the main entree without taking over. It also reheats nicely if you have any leftovers.
Also, this would be a great addition to any upcoming holiday meals you might be having. Enjoy!
Melt two Tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
Slowly whisk in the polenta (about 1 Tablespoon at a time to prevent lumps from forming). Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the polenta is thick, about 2 minutes (adjust the consistency with water or stock, if necessary). Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone, Parmesan and remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter.
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.
Soft Polenta with Mascarpone
Adapted from Food Network
Serves six to eight
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Melt two Tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
Slowly whisk in the polenta (about 1 Tablespoon at a time to prevent lumps from forming). Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the polenta is thick, about 2 minutes (adjust the consistency with water or stock, if necessary). Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone, Parmesan and remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter.
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.
Memoria says
Wow. This dish looks absolutely yummy! I love how you presented it.
nina says
Why have not thought about this….I totally agree as much as I like a strong cheese, it does overpower some times.
Lea Ann says
I don’t know why I don’t make more polenta recipes. I’ve had it, I like it, I just never cook it. Will save this recipe and make a point to blend it into a menu next week.
Jennifer says
I’ve never had polenta…this looks really good.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
Using a mild cheese like mascarpone is a good idea. I don’t care for the stronger cheeses in this dish.
Barbie with a T says
Okay, this is a very beautiful presentation of polenta. I have seen it cut in squares, but never served in a form similar to mashed potatoes. I really have not ever eaten polenta before. What sort of entrees go best with polenta? Also, I notice you have not been taking photos of the ingredients in the prepping of your recipes. I miss that part. I usually stack up my ingredients on the countertop that I am going to be using for the next meal. I think it just adds a bit of “decor” to the countertop to set it out. Call me crazy. I know.
Mental P Mama says
Promise me you’ll never put the calorie content on these luscious recipes!
annbb says
Italian grits…and I love them! This looks delicious!
elra says
This is nice idea Cathy. I always cook it very plain. Now I can make it more delicious by adding mascarpone cheese.
June says
Love polenta and adding mascarpone is genius! Creamy, yummy, rich, oh I want some NOW.
Noble Pig says
Barbie-
Polenta is reminiscent of grits or by translation a corn meal mush. However, it is really so much more. It’s a staple food for many Italians and often outshines pasta. It can be served many ways, as a first course, baked, with stews, or even as a bread substitute.
Mitzi says
I’m so glad you replied because I was wondering what people were going to serve this deliciousness with!
Rachel the SdOC says
OMG! Great minds think alike! I did something quite similar to this once because I, like you, thought mascarpone was the perfect mix-in for polenta. I caramelized the onions and added pancetta too and called it “heart attack polenta”. 😀
dawn says
I think I love polenta more than bread and with mascarpone, I can’t wait to try it!
Bob says
Holy crap, that must be so good!
Audrey at Barking Mad says
I’m with Mental P Mama…no caloric content. *lol*
I’m going to try this. I bet it would go wonderfully with the bbq wings I’m making on Thursday night!
Misty says
Oh, how I love mascarpone! I’ll definitely give this a try next time I make polenta.
Marjie says
I have never had polenta, and really didn’t know what it was until Paula wrote about it. What a sheltered life, huh? Sounds good with the sweet cheese. I would think a strong cheese would overpower cornmeal.
Biz says
I’ve done the obvious Parmesan cheese, but never thought of marscapone! Genius!
Lena in VT says
I am making this tonight with roasted garlic chicken…thank you!
grace says
i agree–let nothing overshadow the polenta! this is a nifty side dish, cathy, and one that i’d like very much!
Miss Meat and Potatoes says
I love seeing lowly cornmeal gone fancy with mascarpone. Polenta is such a great vessel for all sorts of things. Gorgeous and scrumptious as usual Cathy.
megan says
I love polenta and I love mascarpone! Looks like a match made in heaven.
Katrina says
I haven’t had polenta much in my time, but this looks good. Mascarpone sounds great with it.
Lydia says
I like to make my polenta even softer than yours, so it slithers around on the plate underneath some wonderful dish with a sauce (short ribs? marinara?). This looks delicious and reminds me that it’s been a while since I made polenta.
Melynda says
Wow, this sure looks good!
Lisa says
I love polenta but never thought to pair it with mascarpone. Lovely idea! And your photo makes it extremely appealing.
redmenace says
What a great combination. I never would dream that up. Thanks so much!
Paula says
Oh yum, yum, yum! I make polenta all the time, but not with Marscarpone! That sounds and looks amazing. Hmmm … I feel the need to make polenta! 🙂
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Jen says
My aunt introduced me to this in Lake Placid on a trip. She served it with her homemade chili. I loved it. I love marscarpone cheese so much but thought I hated polenta. Not any more! I have to try this at home now.