Polenta with cheese (or grits)

Perfectly cooked polenta with butter and cheese gives this side dish a nice kick, comfy, creamy, and delicious. Add jalapeno and cheddar to make it a great side dish to Mexican food.

Sharing is caring! And I know right away I’ve made a friend when they share as freely as I do. I’m grateful to find newly inspired recipes, you just never know where they’ll pop up. I’ve had prepared polenta and polenta at restaurants, but never made it myself, until recently…

And with the help of a friend. You know who you are… Frank 🙂 and I think about our visit to your home and the delicious meal with polenta often.

I now make polenta all the time. I’m totally hooked on it. I knew it was time to share all the details with you.

Do you have a favorite way to make or serve polenta or eat it?

Options to add to meals so they aren’t the same old items. Although, don’t get me wrong, I love my old favorites! It was suggested I reduce items that cause inflammation, and I started eating more polenta. I’ve made this polenta many times and am sharing it with you to have in your arsenal to whip up in minutes, and it’s so delicious. Has a great texture, is buttery, cheesy, and delicious.

I use this polenta and it always tastes delicious. Comes out perfectly every time.

What else can I add to polenta?

There are lots of items you can add. My number one is butter. Oh, how I love butter!

If you’d like it on the sweet side, add some cinnamon and sugar, maple syrup, brown sugar, berries, or jam. Think of it as a version of a corn muffin, all warm and yummy.

For savory options, add some diced jalapenos, caramelized onions, garlic, lemon, some PB and J, some roasted or grilled peppers and tomatoes, or try some Old Bay and shrimp, and you’ll have a southern, slightly Creole flavor. Add black beans, roasted jalapenos, and corn for a great side dish to fish, tacos, and be sure to make and serve polenta with grilled steak and chimichurri sauce.

Another option is to use grits, while polenta and grits are not the same, they are similar.

Why serve polenta?

It’s a great alternative to floury carbs, perfect for gluten-free eaters, and it’s so quick to make. Polenta and grits can help with anti-inflammatory properties. If you are looking for more items that may help reduce sugar spikes, help keep you fuller longer, be sure to look at my post on Resistant Starch!

Grits have more texture than polenta. /you can use the same method and portions to cook 5 minute quaker grits.

Ok, let’s talk CHEESE

My favorite cheese to use is Romano Cheese, finely grated.

There are many other great cheese options, jalapeno and cheddar, another great flavor combination.

Use your favorite cheese. Is it Swiss, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, whichever cheese is your favorite, give it a try!

This is the perfect side dish to so many meals, from beef to chicken and pork, great served with eggs or grilled vegetables!