Italian Oven-Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy oven-baked polenta topped with a savory mushroom sauté and melted Parmesan for a comforting Italian vegetarian dish. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs polenta (cornmeal), water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup polenta, reduce heat to low, and cook, whisking frequently, for 5 minutes until thickened.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the polenta to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the surface and bake for 20 minutes until set.
  3. Step 3: While polenta bakes, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until mushrooms are browned and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove polenta from oven, evenly spread the mushroom mixture on top, then sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over everything. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese melts and polenta edges are lightly golden.
  5. Step 5: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Oven-Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep polenta (cornmeal) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Oven-Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Italian Oven-Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Italian Oven-Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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