Description
This **Herbed Polenta Bake with Roasted Tomatoes** is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Creamy, herbed polenta forms the base, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes roasted in olive oil and za’atar. Rustic yet refined, this dish works as a main or side, perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional add-ons: crumbled feta, goat cheese, or sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook the Polenta: Bring broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, stirring constantly. Simmer 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in butter, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread into a greased baking dish.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
- Assemble: Spoon roasted tomatoes over the polenta. Drizzle with extra olive oil and herbs.
- Bake: Return dish to oven for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For creamier polenta, add extra broth or a splash of cream before baking.
- For a firmer bake, let polenta cool slightly before topping with tomatoes.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for extra flavor.
- Turn into a taco bake by swapping za’atar for taco seasoning and adding beans, corn, and cheddar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Vegetarian, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Herbed Polenta Bake, Creamy Polenta Recipes, Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes, Polenta Casserole, Za’atar Polenta Recipe, Vegetarian Polenta Dinner