Baked Polenta Marinara: A Delicious and Easy Italian Comfort Food Recipe

Baked polenta marinara is a delightful and comforting Italian dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that can be customized to your liking with various toppings and cheese. This recipe guides you through each step, ensuring a perfect baked polenta every time, topped with a vibrant and flavorful marinara sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the toppings and cheese to your preference.
* **Vegetarian:** A great vegetarian meal that’s satisfying and flavorful.
* **Comfort Food:** Warm, cheesy, and comforting – perfect for any occasion.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The polenta can be made ahead of time and baked later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **For the Polenta:**
* 4 cups water or vegetable broth
* 1 cup polenta (coarse or medium ground)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (optional, for richness)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* **For the Marinara Sauce:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
* **For Topping:**
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Optional toppings: cooked vegetables (such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini), sausage or pepperoni slices, olives, fresh herbs

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large saucepan
* Whisk
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Oven
* Cutting board
* Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Making the Polenta

1. **Bring Liquid to a Boil:** In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Using broth will add more flavor to the polenta.
2. **Whisk in Polenta:** Gradually whisk in 1 cup of polenta. It’s important to whisk constantly as you add the polenta to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until all the polenta is incorporated.
3. **Add Seasonings:** Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (if using). You can also add a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor.
4. **Cook the Polenta:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently. The polenta should thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan. Be patient, as this process takes time.
5. **Add Richness (Optional):** Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil (if using) and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (if using) for added richness and flavor. Mix well until everything is melted and combined.

Part 2: Making the Marinara Sauce

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Pour in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Polenta Marinara

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. **Spread Polenta:** Pour the cooked polenta into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. **Top with Marinara Sauce:** Pour the marinara sauce over the polenta, spreading it evenly over the entire surface.
5. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a cheesy delight.
6. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add any optional toppings such as cooked vegetables, sausage or pepperoni slices, or olives. Get creative and customize it to your liking.
7. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the baked polenta marinara from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Baked Polenta Marinara

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality tomatoes and cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Stir Polenta Frequently:** Stirring the polenta frequently while it’s cooking prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures a smooth texture.
* **Don’t Overcook the Polenta:** Overcooked polenta can become dry and crumbly. Cook it until it’s thick and creamy, but still slightly soft.
* **Make Ahead:** The polenta and marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble the dish and bake as directed.
* **Customize the Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique baked polenta marinara. Some popular options include mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, pepperoni, olives, and spinach.
* **Use Broth for More Flavor:** Substitute water with vegetable or chicken broth for a richer, more flavorful polenta.
* **Add Herbs to the Polenta:** Stir in fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the polenta for added flavor.
* **Adjust the Sauce Consistency:** If the marinara sauce is too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to reduce it.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the baked polenta to rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
* **Broil for Extra Browning:** For an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, broil the baked polenta for a minute or two before removing it from the oven, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variations

* **Spicy Polenta Marinara:** Add more red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the polenta for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Polenta Marinara:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for a savory mushroom marinara sauce.
* **Vegetable Polenta Marinara:** Add a variety of cooked vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, to the marinara sauce or as toppings.
* **Meat Lovers Polenta Marinara:** Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef to the marinara sauce or as toppings for a heartier meal.
* **Vegan Polenta Marinara:** Use plant-based cheese and vegetable broth to make a vegan version of this dish. Ensure the polenta is made without butter or Parmesan cheese, using olive oil instead.
* **Creamy Polenta Marinara:** Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese to the polenta for a creamy and decadent twist.

Serving Suggestions

* **Serve as a Main Course:** Baked polenta marinara makes a satisfying and comforting main course, especially on a cold evening.
* **Serve as a Side Dish:** It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Serve with a Salad:** Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced and complete meal.
* **Serve with Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the marinara sauce.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked polenta marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the baked polenta marinara in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on toppings)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-25g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

This baked polenta marinara recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a vegetarian option for a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the warm, cheesy, and flavorful experience of this Italian classic!