Creamy Parmesan Polenta with Roasted Garlic

Polenta doesn’t have to be dry or bland—this Creamy Parmesan Polenta with Roasted Garlic is silky, rich, and deeply flavorful. Made with slow-simmered cornmeal, mellow roasted garlic, and a touch of cream and Parmesan, it’s a perfect side dish for hearty meats, sautéed vegetables, or as a comforting bowl on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish transforms humble cornmeal into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy side. The roasted garlic infuses the polenta with subtle sweetness and depth, while the Parmesan and cream create an irresistibly smooth texture.

• Elegant yet comforting

• Simple ingredients with bold flavor

• Pairs beautifully with meats or vegetables

• Mellow, sweet roasted garlic

• Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying

• Easy to make with minimal hands-on time

• Gluten-free

• Budget-friendly

• Customizable texture and richness

• A crowd-pleasing side for any season

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 125 grams cornmeal (such as Valle Del Sole maize flour, or your preferred brand)

• 1 liter water (adjust according to cornmeal package directions)

• 0.5 bulb garlic (about 8 large cloves)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other vegetable oil)

• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1½ teaspoons salt (or more, to taste)

Directions

To roast the garlic:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Slice off the tops of the garlic cloves to expose the inside.

3. Place the half bulb on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly.

4. Roast in the oven for 35 minutes until soft and golden.

5. Allow the garlic to cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash with a fork until smooth.

To make the polenta:
6. Bring 1 liter of water and 1½ teaspoons salt to a boil in a large saucepan.
7. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
8. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water as needed to maintain a smooth consistency.
9. Once fully cooked and thickened to your liking, stir in the mashed roasted garlic, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based butter, cream, and cheese alternatives.

• Herbed Polenta: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley at the end.

• Mushroom Topping: Serve with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cracked black pepper.

• Extra Cheese: Mix in sharp cheddar or fontina for added richness.

• Corn Kernel Add-In: Add a handful of sweet corn for extra texture and sweetness.

• Broth Base: Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for more depth of flavor.

• Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest at the end for brightness.

• Baked Finish: Pour polenta into a dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden.

• Polenta Cakes: Let it cool and slice into squares to fry or grill later.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water, broth, or cream to loosen the texture and bring it back to creamy consistency.
Polenta can also be poured into a dish, cooled until firm, sliced, and pan-fried for a new take on leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use instant polenta instead of traditional?

Yes, instant polenta will work and cooks much faster. Follow the package directions for timing.

What’s the difference between cornmeal and polenta?

Polenta is a type of cornmeal, typically coarser and made from specific corn varieties. You can use standard cornmeal, but the texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Reheat it gently with added liquid to restore its creamy texture before serving.

Is polenta gluten-free?

Yes, cornmeal is naturally gluten-free. Always check packaging to ensure no cross-contamination.

How do I make it smoother?

Stir frequently and cook it low and slow. Adding cream or butter also improves the texture.

What can I serve this with?

Polenta pairs well with braised meats, grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or even a fried egg on top.

Can I freeze polenta?

Yes, cooled and firm polenta can be sliced and frozen. Thaw and reheat by pan-frying or baking.

Do I have to roast the garlic?

Roasting is recommended for its sweet, mellow flavor. However, you can sauté minced garlic if short on time.

Can I use milk instead of water?

You can use part milk for a richer texture, or use broth for savory depth.

How thick should polenta be?

It should be soft and scoopable, similar to mashed potatoes, unless you plan to chill and slice it later.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Polenta with Roasted Garlic takes a simple side dish and transforms it into a gourmet comfort food. With its buttery texture, savory depth, and mellow garlic flavor, it’s a versatile recipe that fits both casual meals and elegant dinners. Once you master the base, the variations are endless—and always delicious.