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Home » Gluten-Free Recipes » Gluten-Free Sides & Salads » Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta Recipe

Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta Recipe

Dec 13, 2019 · by Valentina · 46 Comments

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This Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta Recipe is one of my all time favorite stew side dishes. It's rich, delicious, and is just the right texture to soak up any leftover sauce in the plate!

Blue-rimmed bowl with creamy gorgonzola polenta

One of the reasons I love cool, foggy weather is that I feel like I have a free pass to "get cozy" at home.

I really love a fire in the fireplace, blankets on the sofa, and -- most of all -- cooking really delicious comfort foods.

This recipe is, to the best of my memory, much like an amazing, creamy, smooth, flavorful, bowl of polenta I heard about in Italy. Yup, you heard me right, I only heard about it -- and it sounded so incredibly wonderful that I had to recreate it!

It was described as rich, creamy and buttery, with just the right amount of a strongly flavored, aged cheese. I was also told it was an amazing eating experience.

 creamy gorgonzola polenta in a blue-rimmed bowl

What Ingredients are in Gorgonzola Polenta?

  • vegetable stock - Preferably low sodium.
  • coarse cornmeal
  • half and half
  • Gorgonzola cheese - Gorgonzola is a salty creamy and crumbly blue cheese that's dreamy mixed into the buttery polenta.
  • unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt - Use half the listed amount if you use table salt.

(See recipe card below for quantities.)

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

  • To keep the polenta smooth, and for the dreamiest result, it's very important to whisk the cornmeal into the stock very gradually. It won't take too long, and is worth having a little patience.
  • Blue cheese or Roquefort are both good substitutes for Gorgonzola.

How to Make it

- In a medium-sized saucepan, add the salt to the stock and bring to a boil.

- Gradually whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat and cook until it thickens and is tender, stirring often.

- Turn off the heat and add the half and half, cheese, and butter. Stir to blend and serve immediately!

(More detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Stews to Serve With it

Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs

Can you see that sweet, rich pumpkin glaze seeping into the polenta? How good would a bit of that be!?

Serving of Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs on polenta with fresh thyme, in a white plate with pumpkin in background.

Braised Short Rib and Swiss Chard Stew

Just look at the right edge of the bowl! Yum!

Braised Short Rib Stew with Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta and Swiss Chard in a pretty gold, creamic bowl with fresh thyme sprig.

Stove-Top Gnocchi and Meatball Stew

The spices in these meatballs would go so well with the creamy, mellow polenta.

Close up of turkey meatballs and gnocchi in a large skillet with basil leaves.

Quick and Easy Caramelized Mushroom Pork Stew

Trust me, you need the polenta to catch any extra juices from the mushrooms and pork -- you don't want to miss out on even one drop!

Mushroom and Pork Stew in a gold bowl with black rim, on dark wood surface.

Can you make polenta ahead?

No, I wouldn't. Creamy polenta is best if it's served as soon as it comes off the stove. You want to eat it at its creamiest, while it's hot and as soon as the gorgonzola melts.

More Delicious Polenta Recipes

  • Crispy Pancetta Polenta
  • Savory Polenta Cake with Mushrooms

The weekends have been so cozy around here, and they've featured all sorts of comfort foods. I'm ready to get a fire going in the fireplace!

I'm thinking this Gorgonzola polenta might quickly become one of your favorite stew side dishes too!

Creamy polenta in a blue-rimmed bowl with crumbled blue cheese on top.

Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta

Valentina K. Wein
This Creamy Gorgonzola Polenta Recipe is one of my all time favorite stew side dishes. It's rich, delicious, and is just the right texture to soak up any leftover sauce in the plate!
5 from 18 votes
Print
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 351 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups vegetable stock
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1¾ cups polenta (coarse cornmeal)
  • 1 cup half and half
  • ¾ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • Boil stock. In a medium-sized saucepan, add the salt to the stock and bring to a boil.
  • Add polenta. Gradually whisk in the polenta. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Turn off the heat and add the half and half, cheese, and butter. Stir to blend and serve immediately!

NOTES

Calorie count is only an estimate.

NUTRITION

Calories: 351kcal
Keywords good to serve with stews, great with meat
Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

Save

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maple

    March 12, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh, I would love those meatballs with the polenta!

    Reply
  2. Adrianne

    October 12, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    5 stars
    Valentina - gorgonzola is my ALL TIME favourite cheese! Yet, you don't see it in many recipes. I am glad I have come across this recipe as it look fabulous. I hadn't thought of pairing it with polenta and now I can't wait to try it. Yum and yum!! Nice recipe.

    Reply
    • valentina

      October 13, 2018 at 10:31 am

      Thank you Adrianne! I love the way it melts into the polenta with the butter. YUM! I hope you love it as much as I do. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Danielle

    October 12, 2018 at 11:53 pm

    5 stars
    I only recently discovered polenta and I am always looking for new ways to use it and this looks delicious.

    Reply
    • valentina

      October 13, 2018 at 10:31 am

      Thanks Danielle!

      Reply
    • Drago Dordic

      October 22, 2024 at 5:20 am

      In the ingredients it says
      • 1 cup half and half
      ...of what?

      Reply
      • Valentina

        October 22, 2024 at 11:05 am

        Hi Danielle, "half and half" is the ingredient. If you're not sure, it's this. Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
  4. Mary Bostow

    October 13, 2018 at 2:38 am

    5 stars
    Now, this creamy gorgonzola polenta recipe will be one of my favorites. Looks incredible!
    Great recipe. I like all the ingredients in it. This is perfect for me. thank you.

    Reply
    • valentina

      October 13, 2018 at 10:31 am

      Thank YOU! Hope you love it!

      Reply
  5. Jacqueline Debono

    October 13, 2018 at 3:08 am

    5 stars
    Delicious! This is actually a very traditional way to eat polenta here in Northern Italy. Italians usually eat it as a first course or antipasto rather than a side dish. It's also delicious with pears or walnuts!

    Reply
    • valentina

      October 13, 2018 at 10:33 am

      Hi Jacqueline. Northern Italy! How lovely it must be to live there. Italy is one of my favorite places I've ever been to. Such a beautiful, warm and inviting country.I'm definitely going to try it would pears AND walnuts next time. Sounds delicious!

      Reply
  6. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings

    October 13, 2018 at 3:36 am

    5 stars
    I can't believe I never make polenta. I must really be missing out and I'm always looking for new side dishes. I feel like I serve the same boring ones every night. I love how you have made this super creamy and rich!

    Reply
    • valentina

      October 13, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Thank you, Karen. I think you will love it! And it's so easy and good with so many things -- with and without the gorgonzola. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

    October 13, 2018 at 4:48 am

    5 stars
    What a tasty idea for a side! I never think to make polenta but I really should make it more often, this looks great.

    Reply
    • valentina

      October 13, 2018 at 10:34 am

      Thanks! Hope you try it. 🙂

      Reply
  8. angiesrecipes

    December 14, 2019 at 3:50 am

    I would love to have some ribs with the polenta 🙂 Yours with blue cheese must have tasted particularly flavourful and delicious.

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 14, 2019 at 8:05 am

      It is so creamy and rich! I hope you love it! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  9. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

    December 15, 2019 at 6:34 am

    5 stars
    This polenta looks so creamy and delicious. Perfect comfort food and perfect during a snowy day.

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 16, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Ah yes a snowy day! Or a rainy day in LA. 😀 Thanks, Kathy. ~Valentina

      Reply
  10. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

    December 16, 2019 at 4:15 am

    5 stars
    Polenta is a fave in our home! Love how creamy dreamy this is, especially paired with gorgonzola! What a wonderful base to go along with all the season's comfort food eats :)!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 16, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Thank you, Dawn! A favorite over here, too! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  11. Marissa

    December 16, 2019 at 1:02 pm

    5 stars
    What a delicious sounding polenta! I love the idea of serving stew over it!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 16, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Thanks, Marissa! 😀 ~Valentina

      Reply
  12. Eha

    December 16, 2019 at 5:51 pm

    5 stars
    Polenta has been served hereabouts for decades but gorgonzola so far has not entered the equation . . . perchance having it on its own with a port or single malt after dinner in the library has made one non-inquisitive as far as other modes are concerned ! Interesting may just try 🙂 !

    Reply
  13. Jeff the Chef

    December 16, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    I love this recipe, Valentina. I have so many stew recipes that this would be great with. It would be such a nice alternative to mashed potatoes. Don't get me wrong, I love mashed potatoes but sometimes and alternative would be nice.

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 19, 2019 at 9:43 am

      Ha! I LOVE mashed potatoes, too!Thanks, Jeff. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  14. Ron

    December 17, 2019 at 3:15 am

    5 stars
    Valentina, we truly loved your Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs and polenta is seen often on our table, so this is perfect for us. I've been wanting to make a repeat of the Pumpkin Braised Short Ribs so now I'm motivated.

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 19, 2019 at 9:44 am

      Hi Ron, This makes me so happy! I love that you like that stew -- it's a favorite over here. I wish you and yours a very happy (and delicious!) holiday season. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  15. John / Kitchen Riffs

    December 18, 2019 at 8:20 am

    Love polenta. LOVE it. I often add parmesan to polenta, but don't believe I've ever added gorgonzola. Great idea -- I will. 🙂 Thanks. And Happy Holidays!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 19, 2019 at 9:47 am

      Happy holiday's to you too, John! I hope you love the polenta with Gorgonzola -- I often use Parmesan, too. Nothing like a cheesy, creamy polenta! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  16. mimi rippee

    December 18, 2019 at 9:40 am

    I love polenta, and I really love cheesy polenta. I have a problem with super strong blue cheeses, but I could sure see adding some Cambozola to this.... although it's hard to crumble. It might just have to sit there and melt into the polenta! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 19, 2019 at 9:48 am

      I love it, Mimi. Honestly, even without the cheeses, nothing quite like a creamy, buttery polenta to soothe the soul. Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  17. Kim Lange

    December 20, 2019 at 6:41 am

    5 stars
    Polenta seems to be underrated. Thanks for the reminder and thanks so much for all your ideas and it looks amazing! xo

    Reply
  18. David Scott Allen

    December 20, 2019 at 4:18 pm

    How did I miss this last year? Gorgonzola polenta is one of our favorite things on earth… I can’t think of anything more comforting than this. If you add a few fried sage leaves, I’m in heaven!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 21, 2019 at 6:33 pm

      Fried sage leaves!! YUM! I love them, and yes, so perfect with polenta. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  19. Kelly | Foodtasia

    December 20, 2019 at 11:39 pm

    5 stars
    Polenta is the coziest side dish and perfect with so many saucy dishes! The gorgonzola must give it even more wonderful flavor! So drooling over the short ribs with polenta!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 21, 2019 at 6:52 pm

      Thanks so much, Kelly. I hope you try the ribs with the polenta. Yum. Happy Holidays! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  20. David @ Spiced

    December 23, 2019 at 4:31 am

    5 stars
    Polenta is one of my favorite comfort foods! It really does just require you to curl up next to the fireplace while you eat it. And adding the gorgonzola here? This sounds amazing! In fact, I'm thinking this would be a great base with some slow cooked short ribs on top. Mmmmm... 🙂

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 25, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      Oh my gosh -- perfect with short ribs! Thanks, David. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  21. joan iaconetti

    April 21, 2020 at 11:31 am

    Hi, Valentina,

    Can this recipe be halved? Or somehow saved and re-heated if it cannot be halved?

    I've been looking for a recipe like this for years, after trying the exquisite polenta with gorgonzola at the Union Square Cafe in NYC many years ago. But I live alone, so would rather not make it for six!

    Thanks so much, hope you are staying safe and sane during the quarantine... joan

    Reply
    • valentina

      April 21, 2020 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Joan, Thanks for writing in. 🙂 I'm so happy you landed on my Gorgonzola Polenta. You can absolutely cut the recipe in half. I would do that instead of re-heating large amounts, as it's best right after it's cooked. If you do have leftovers, you can add a bit more half and half or even a bit of water, as you're heating it, which should help loosen it up. Thanks again, enjoy and stay well! Warmly, Valentina

      Reply
  22. Christine

    November 17, 2021 at 1:50 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, this is sooo flipping yummy! Served it with roasted chicken, collards and roasted mushrooms. I would seriously eat a giant bowl of this polenta by itself for dinner, it’s that good!

    Reply
    • valentina

      November 17, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      Hi Christine, Thanks so much for writing in. You made my day. This is one of all time favorites, and I'm so happy you liked it so much.Enjoy and happy cooking. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  23. Linger A Little, Kristy

    May 31, 2022 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    I absolutely love a good cozy meal. I popped over to your short rib stew with Swiss chard and both of these together speak 100% comfort. The gorgonzola in this polenta dish is so fantastic and would give it that "strongly flavored aged cheese" you were going for. This is a must-try!

    Reply
  24. Gavin

    June 28, 2024 at 1:44 pm

    5 stars
    Serve this alongside Nigella's black pudding meatballs.
    Heaven on a plate . . . .

    Reply
    • Valentina

      June 28, 2024 at 9:00 pm

      Thank you, Gavin! What a delicious combination! I love it and will definitely check out her meatballs. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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