Gourmet Baked Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms

Gourmet Baked Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms

270 mins
medium
6 servings

A decadent and flavorful baked polenta dish topped with roasted mushrooms, a creamy blend of cheeses, and a touch of Italian herbs. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.

FallMushroomPolentaVegetarian

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch Springform Pan
  • Baking sheet
  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Skillet

Ingredients

  • 1.50 cupsPolenta(Use high-quality polenta for best results.)
  • 5.00 cupsWater(Filtered water is recommended.)
  • 2.00 teaspoonsSalt(Kosher salt preferred.)
  • 2.00 tablespoonsButter(Unsalted butter for control over salt.)
  • 0.50 cupParmesan Cheese(Grated Parmesan.)
  • 2.00 ouncesGorgonzola Cheese(Use a creamy Gorgonzola.)
  • 8.00 ouncesMozzarella Cheese(Sliced mozzarella.)
  • 1.00 poundMushrooms(Button or cremini mushrooms.)
  • 4.00 tablespoonsOlive Oil(Extra virgin olive oil.)
  • 0.25 cupParsley(Freshly chopped parsley.)
  • 2.00 clovesGarlic(Minced garlic.)
  • 1.00 teaspoonLemon Zest(Freshly grated lemon zest.)
  • 1.00 pinchCrushed Red Pepper(For a touch of heat.)

Instructions

1

Combine polenta, salt, and water in a heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and whisk constantly until thickened.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

2

Reduce heat to low, whisk occasionally, and cook for 20 minutes, or until polenta is creamy and smooth. Stir in butter.

Estimated time: 20 minutes

3

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

4

Pour polenta into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

5

Sprinkle with Parmesan, top with Gorgonzola cubes, and arrange mozzarella slices on top.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

6

Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and bake for another 10 minutes.

Estimated time: 55 minutes

7

Let cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate overnight to set.

Estimated time: 120 minutes

8

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Estimated time: 5 minutes

9

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, cut-side down, and sear until browned on both sides.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

10

Transfer mushrooms to a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 10 minutes.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

11

In a bowl, combine parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper. Toss with roasted mushrooms.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

12

Reheat polenta in the oven (covered with foil if chilled) until heated through. Serve polenta topped with the mushroom mixture.

Estimated time: 15 minutes