Creamy Polenta — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Good polenta is just time and stirring: coarse stone-ground cornmeal cooked slow until the grit softens and the starch goes creamy. Whisk it in a steady stream to avoid lumps, then keep the heat low so it never scorches on the bottom.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Parmigiano-Reggiano

Grated in at the end for the savory backbone; a well-aged wedge lifts plain cornmeal.

3/4 cup grated

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Cultured butter

Beaten in at the finish for richness and shine.

3 tbsp

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Whole milk

Part of the liquid for a softer, richer polenta; whole milk from a good dairy adds body.

1 cup

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Coarse cornmeal

Stone-ground coarse cornmeal, not instant; the texture is the whole point.

1 cup

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

One-pot

The Method

Whisk it inBring 4 cups salted water and the milk to a bare simmer. Rain the cornmeal in slowly while whisking so it never clumps.
Cook lowDrop to the lowest heat and cook 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every few minutes with a wooden spoon so it does not catch on the bottom.
Check the gritIt is done when the grains have no chalky bite and it falls thickly off the spoon; loosen with hot water if it stiffens.
FinishOff the heat, beat in the butter and Parmesan until glossy. Serve loose right away, it firms as it sits.

The Toolkit

Heavy saucepan · Whisk · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers

Can you make Creamy Polenta in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Creamy Polenta? — Yes

Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.

Can you make Creamy Polenta ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Creamy Polenta gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Creamy Polenta vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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Creamy Polenta, and where to source it