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Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara

Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara layers creamy, sliceable cornmeal with tangy tomato sauce, buttery Parmesan, and pockets of gooey mozzarella. A touch of prosciutto adds a salty, meaty finish that balances the rich, comforting base. Serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side for Italian-inspired gatherings.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook1 hr 10 mins
  • Serves6
  • DifficultyEasy
Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

  2. 2

    Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, then whisk in polenta and salt. Immediately lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the polenta is thick, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.

  3. 3

    Stir Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and butter into the polenta. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

  4. 4

    Bake in the preheated oven until the polenta is fairly firm, about 40 minutes. It will firm up a bit more as it stands.

  5. 5

    Remove the polenta from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Spread marinara over the top, then sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with shredded prosciutto.

  6. 6

    Bake the polenta until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

About This Recipe

Oven Baked Polenta with Marinara is an Italian side dish recipe made with 8 ingredients. It takes about 1 hr 20 mins, serves 6, and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Butter, Chicken Broth, Grated Parmesan Cheese, and Marinara Sauce. Each serving provides about 251.95 kcal, and is a good source of protein.

Recipe Questions

What is Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara?
It is an Italian recipe made with 8 ingredients, usually served for side dish or dinner or lunch.
What is Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara made of?
The main ingredients are Butter, Chicken Broth, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Polenta. The full list of 8 is above.
How long does it take to make Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara?
About 1 hr 20 mins in total: 10 mins to prepare and 1 hr 10 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 251.95 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Oven-Baked Polenta with Marinara easy to make?
This recipe is rated easy, with 8 ingredients and 6 steps.

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