Cheesy Bacon Polenta Casserole (50-55 Minutes)

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This cheesy bacon polenta casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the creamy texture of polenta with the savory flavors of cheese and bacon.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy rich, comforting meals that warm you up from the inside out.

Topped with crispy bacon pieces and fresh parsley, it not only offers a delightful blend of flavors but also adds a beautiful presentation.

Ideal for family dinners or as a satisfying side dish, this casserole is sure to become a favorite for its ease of preparation and delicious taste.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup polenta
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 slices for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook Polenta (15 minutes): In a large saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in polenta and salt. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until polenta is thickened and creamy, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, black pepper, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until well combined.
  3. Assemble Casserole (5 minutes): Pour the polenta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish).
  4. Bake (20-25 minutes): Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
  5. Garnish and Serve (5 minutes): Garnish the baked casserole with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and fresh parsley. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a smoother polenta, continuously stir while cooking to prevent lumps. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses offers a nice blend of flavor and meltiness, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses according to your preference.

The crispy bacon not only adds a savory depth to the dish but also a delightful texture contrast. This casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Pair this with...

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

Green Beans with Almonds

Begin by trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. Bring a pot of water to a boil, toss in the beans, and blanch them for just a few minutes until they're bright green and slightly tender. Drain them and dunk in cold water to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color. On the side, toast some roughly chopped almonds in a dry skillet until they're golden and fragrant. In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil or butter, and sauté the green beans briefly to warm them up. Toss in the toasted almonds, give everything a good stir, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

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Start by washing and drying fresh spinach leaves, which will serve as the vibrant base of your salad. Hull and slice some ripe strawberries, their juicy sweetness a perfect contrast to the spinach. Crumble in some creamy feta cheese, which adds a delightful salty tang. For that crunch, toss in a handful of your favorite nuts—be it toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans. When it comes to dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

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