John Besh's Creamy Polenta with Mascarpone Cheese

Elevate your side dish game with John Besh’s Creamy Polenta with Mascarpone Cheese, a luxurious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds in awe. Made with hearty coarse polenta simmered to perfection and enriched with velvety mascarpone and savory Parmesan, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece. Butter and warm milk lend an irresistibly smooth consistency, while a touch of salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs enhance the flavor profile. With just 40 minutes from stovetop to table, this creamy polenta is the ultimate comfort food to pair with everything from braised meats to roasted vegetables, or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a must-try for any home cook!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Polenta (coarse cornmeal)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 cup Milk
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Optional: Fresh herbs (e.g., chopped parsley or thyme)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Gradually whisk the polenta into the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3

Once the polenta is mixed in, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, for about 20-25 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

Step 4

In a separate small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat, then stir it into the polenta for added creaminess.

Step 5

Add the butter and continue stirring until fully incorporated and the polenta is velvety smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the mascarpone cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheeses melt and combine with the polenta.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and cover the polenta to keep it warm until ready to serve.

Step 9

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1818.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2676.8

Total Fat 171.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 109.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 538.2mg	0%
Sodium 3887.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 211.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 13.4g
Protein 70.2g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 1634.2mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 780.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.9%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 31.6%