Delicious Grilled Polenta Recipe for a Perfect BBQ Side

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for your next BBQ or cookout—Grilled Polenta. If you’ve never tried polenta on the grill, you’re in for a treat!

This creamy, golden cornmeal dish transforms into a smoky, crispy delight when grilled, making it the ultimate side dish for grilled meats, veggies or even as a vegetarian main.

It’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress your guests. Let’s get started!

What’s in This Grilled Polenta Recipe?

Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It’s typically cooked into a creamy porridge-like consistency, but in this recipe, we’re taking it a step further by chilling it, slicing it into pieces, and grilling it to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with a creamy, tender interior that’s irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Grilled Polenta:

For the Polenta:

• 4 cups water (or vegetable/chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

For Grilling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, for garnish)

How to Make Grilled Polenta

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious grilled polenta:

Step 1: Cook the Polenta

In a large saucepan, bring the water (or broth) to a boil. Add the salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the polenta is thick and creamy. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese (if using) until fully combined.

Step 2: Chill the Polenta

Pour the cooked polenta into a greased baking dish or loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm and set.

Step 3: Slice the Polenta

Once the polenta is firm, remove it from the fridge and turn it out onto a cutting board. Slice it into squares, rectangles, or triangles, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Polenta

Brush both sides of the polenta slices with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the polenta slices on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and have nice grill marks. Be gentle when flipping to avoid breaking the slices.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the grilled polenta from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats, veggies, or even as a base for toppings like marinara sauce, sautéed mushrooms, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
• Cook time: 30 minutes (polenta) + 10 minutes (grilling)
• Total time: About 3 hours (mostly hands-off)

Serving

This recipe makes 6-8 servings, depending on how you slice the polenta. It’s a great side dish for a BBQ or cookout and pairs well with almost anything you’re grilling.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: About 150-200 calories per serving
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

This dish is relatively low in calories and can be made dairy-free by omitting the butter and Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks

• Use broth for extra flavor: Cooking the polenta in vegetable or chicken broth adds a deeper flavor.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the polenta up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to grill.
• Add toppings: Grilled polenta is a blank canvas for toppings. Try it with pesto, roasted veggies, or even a fried egg for a complete meal.
• Use a grill pan: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop for similar results.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Grilled Polenta recipe because it’s so versatile and easy to make. It’s a great way to add something unique to your BBQ spread, and it’s always a hit with guests.

The crispy, smoky exterior paired with the creamy interior is irresistible. Plus, it’s a dish that works for vegetarians and can be customized to suit any taste.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your BBQ rotation. Enjoy!