Name: Layered Polenta Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Polenta; 1/2 cup Water; 1/2 cup Milk; 2 Tablespoons Butter; Pinch Salt; Pinch Ground Black Pepper; 1 cup Tomato Sauce; 10 Olives (whole or sliced); Pinch Salt; Pinch Ground Black Pepper; Basil (optional, to taste); 1 Tablespoon Butter; 1 Tablespoon All-purpose Flour; 1 3/4 cups Milk; Pinch Salt; Pinch Ground Black Pepper; Parmesan Cheese (quantity not specified, approximately 1/2 cup shredded)

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Introduction

This layered polenta casserole is a comforting dish that combines creamy polenta, savory tomato sauce with olives, and a rich white sauce topped with Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

A close-up view of a cheesy baked dish in a white oval baking dish, showing one large square piece being lifted by a black spatula. The top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with a bubbly and slightly crispy texture. Below the cheese, there is a thick, creamy white sauce layer that looks smooth and rich, covering the bottom layer which seems to be composed of a soft, light beige base, possibly pasta or a casserole mix. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Polenta
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Milk
2 Tablespoons Butter
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper, ground
10 Olives (whole or sliced)
1 cup Tomato Sauce
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper, ground
Basil (optional)
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon All-purpose Flour
1 3/4 cups Milk
Pinch Salt
Pinch Black Pepper, ground
Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the polenta, water, milk, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Watch the polenta carefully to prevent burning; it cooks quickly. Remove from heat as soon as it starts to boil.
Step 3: Spread half the cooked polenta evenly into a baking dish to create the first layer.
Step 4: To make the white sauce, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Step 5: Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.
Step 6: Gradually pour in 1 3/4 cups milk while whisking. Season with salt and pepper, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 8: In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the olives, basil if using, salt, and pepper.
Step 9: Spread the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the polenta layer in the baking dish.
Step 10: Add the remaining polenta on top of the tomato sauce to form the next layer.
Step 11: Spread the white sauce over the top polenta layer to create a creamy finish.
Step 12: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously over the white sauce.
Step 13: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh basil for a fragrant touch or substitute with dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach between the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a richer white sauce, stir in a little grated cheese before layering.
Use whole milk for creaminess or a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The casserole may thicken when chilled, so you can add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white round dish filled with a baked cheesy casserole showing at least three layers: the top layer is melted, bubbly golden cheese with brown spots; below it, a creamy white sauce layer with a smooth texture; and the bottom layer is a brown, slightly crisp base that looks like bread or meat. A woman's hand is lifting a portion with a black spatula, showing the layers clearly. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant polenta for this recipe?

Yes, instant polenta can be used and will reduce cooking time, but be careful to stir continuously to avoid lumps and burning.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.