Polenta, a versatile and comforting Italian dish made from cornmeal, can be served in various ways, from creamy to crispy.
To create a delicious and balanced meal with polenta as the star, its important to pair it with side dishes that complement its rich and hearty flavors.
In this post, you will find 16 amazing side dishes that will perfectly accompany your polenta, making your meal an unforgettable culinary experience.
The best side dishes to serve with polenta are sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, pulled pork, beef steak, caramelized onion, chicken salad, pest pork chops, Italian sausage, braised greens, tomato and basil salad, grilled chicken, caponata, and shrimp scampi.
You can serve this basic side dish on its own or alongside protein such as Pressure-Cooker Short Ribs, pan-seared chicken, or seafood.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a flavorful and earthy side dish that pairs well with polenta. The tender, juicy mushrooms cooked in garlic and butter add a touch of savory depth to your meal. This simple yet delicious side dish brings a taste of rustic, Italian cuisine to your dinner table.
Eggplant Caponata is a sweet and tangy Sicilian dish that pairs beautifully with polenta. This eggplant-based side dish, simmered with tomatoes, onions, and olives, creates a flavorful combination that adds depth and variety to your meal. This traditional Italian dish brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your dinner.
Shrimp scampi is a succulent and garlicky side dish that perfectly accompanies polenta. The tender shrimp, cooked in a rich butter and white wine sauce, adds a touch of luxury and indulgence to your meal. This delicious seafood dish pairs wonderfully with the creamy, comforting flavors of polenta.
Pulled pork is a tender and flavorful side dish that pairs well with polenta. The slow-cooked, succulent pork is seasoned with a tangy barbecue sauce, adding a mouthwatering contrast to the creamy polenta. This Southern-inspired dish brings a touch of smoky goodness to your meal.
Tomato and Basil Salad
Tomato and basil salad is a light and refreshing side dish that complements the rich flavors of polenta. The juicy tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, offer a vibrant contrast to the warm, savory polenta. This classic Italian salad adds brightness and balance to your meal.
Gordon Ramsay Makes an Italian Inspired Dish in Under 10 Minutes
FAQ
What is traditionally served with polenta?
What meats go best with polenta?
What does polenta taste good with?
What do you eat with ready made polenta?
What to eat with polenta?
Here’s the short answer. The best dishes to serve with polenta are shrimp scampi, skillet meatballs, osso bucco, pan-seared lamb chops, and ratatouille. Try chickpea marsala, asparagus and zucchini salad, tomato confit, or collard greens for more vegetable options. Sauteed mushrooms or berry compote are great for breakfast. Ready?
Is polenta good for a dinner party?
Here Are 27 Ideas, from Hearty to Healthy Ah, polenta: The simple Italian porridge, made from cornmeal, is kind of our secret pantry darling. It’s creamy, filling, comforting and cheap—but tastes downright luxurious and will be oh so impressive to your dinner party guests.
Are meatballs good with polenta?
Meatballs aren’t just for pasta – they’re superb with polenta too! The savory meatballs and rich marinara sauce will work perfectly with cheesy polenta. Their recipe makes the meatballs from scratch, but if you’re in a time crunch, it’s fine to use frozen ones.
Can you make polenta with wild mushrooms?
Wild mushrooms provide texture and umami, and the polenta is the perfect vehicle for the distinct flavor of sage. Find the recipe here. This recipe is the perfect mashup of an easy, comforting, veggie-packed pot pie and a cheesy jalapeño popper. Do all the prep in advance so it’s ready to “pop” in the oven on busy weeknights. Find the recipe here.