Baked Polenta Marinara

This baked polenta marinara—a layer of polenta baked topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and prosciutto—makes a unique and delicious side dish.

red plate with square of baked polenta topped with marinara and cheese
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Stand Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth

  • 3/4 cup yellow or white polenta

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, divided

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons butter

  • 8 ounces marinara sauce

  • 2 slices prosciutto, shredded

Directions

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

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

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

  4. Bake in the preheated oven until polenta is fairly firm, about 40 minutes. It will firm a bit more on standing.

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

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

132 Calories
8g Fat
7g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 132
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 28mg 9%
Sodium 1315mg 57%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 136mg 10%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 221mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.