Welcome to a culinary delight that will elevate your taste buds: the recipe for “Cheesy Baked Polenta in Tomato Sauce”! If you’re a fan of comforting Italian cuisine, this dish is sure to please. Picture a golden-baked polenta, topped with juicy, ripe tomatoes and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly irresistible experience. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a passionate food lover, our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the harmony of creamy polenta, vibrant tomatoes, and the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 fresh basil leaves, chopper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Place the water, milk, and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the polenta and stir with a wooden spoon until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese and 2 chopped basil leaves; season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the polenta to the prepared baking dish and arrange the remaining chilled pieces of butter over the top.
- Bake the polenta in the preheated oven until bubbly and beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.
- Decoratively arrange the slices of tomato over the top of the polenta, spread the remaining basil leaves over the tomatoes, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake until the tomatoes are warm and the Parmesan cheese is bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes.
