Name: Baked Polenta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 28, 2026

Creamy inside, crisp on the edges, and loaded with cheese and jalapeños... this baked polenta is an easy, crowd-pleasing side or vegetarian main.

From the Cook

1/10

Baked Polenta

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on Balancing Bowls.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Bring water to a boil; dissolve bouillon cube.

Whisk in polenta; stir 3 minutes until thick.

Add jalapeños and cheeses; stir until melted.

Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C).

Butter baking dish, spread polenta evenly.

Bake 25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Rest 10 minutes; slice or spoon to serve.

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Liquid Gold Ratio 💧
For ultra-creamy polenta, use a 4:1 liquid to polenta ratio, and whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Cheese Layering Technique 🧀
Create flavor depth by mixing cheeses - use mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for sharp, nutty undertones.
Jalapeño Heat Control 🌶️
Remove jalapeño seeds for milder heat, or keep them for a spicier dish - always taste and adjust to your heat preference.
Crispy Edge Mastery 🔥
For perfectly crisp edges, use a cast-iron or ceramic baking dish and spread polenta in an even, thin layer before baking.
Bouillon Boost 🥄
Dissolve the bouillon cube completely in hot water before mixing with polenta to ensure maximum flavor distribution.

Intelligent Tags

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.

Recipe Facts

Diet at a Glance

High Protein

Low Sugar

Low Carb

My Calorie Intake

Smart Nutrition

Nutrition Per Serving

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Allergen Analysis

Eggs Free

Treenuts Free

Peanuts Free

Sesame Free

7 Allergens Identified

More Recipes by Balancing Bowls

Check out more Balancing Bowls content!Browse Balancing Bowls recipes!

View All

Complete The Meal! 🔎

Quick Explore Recipes by Category

See All Other

No Recipes Available