A creamy, molten side dish that’s studded with hearty portobellos and topped with sharp nuggets of blue cheese.

Inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe in her book “Make It Ahead”

4-6 large portobellos, depending on the size of your baking dish
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half
3/4 cup cornmeal
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp white pepper
generous 1/4 cup marscarpone cheese
4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, optional

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. De-stem the mushrooms and wipe with a paper towel to remove any dirt. Place them on a baking sheet, underside up, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for 20 minutes. Set aside; if desired, you can drain away some of the excess liquid that collects in the mushroom caps.
  • Now, for the polenta: Combine chicken stock and half-and-half in a medium saucepan. Heat to boiling, then reduce to a simmer and whisk in cornmeal. Once incorporated, add the garlic powder and white pepper. Then switch to a wooden spoon and continue to stir until thick and smooth.
  • Remove polenta from heat and stir in marscarpone and salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Pour polenta into a baking dish and arrange mushrooms, underside up, on top. Sprinkle with gorgonzola crumbles and parmesan, if desired. Freshly ground pepper is a nice addition, too.
  • Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the polenta and cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.