Best Vegan Cream Polenta Recipe for Easy Comfort Meals

Polenta is a comforting staple that hails from Northern Italy, loved for its creamy texture and versatility. Traditional versions often rely on butter and cheese, but this vegan cream polenta recipe offers all the richness and indulgence without any animal products.

Using plant-based milk and a few simple ingredients, this recipe transforms basic cornmeal into a luscious, velvety dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just exploring plant-based options, you’ll find this polenta incredibly satisfying and easy to make.

It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, hearty stews, or a fresh salad, making it a go-to for cozy dinners or impressive dinner parties. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber, making it a nourishing choice for any meal.

Ready to dive in and discover how to make the best vegan cream polenta? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cream polenta stands out for its silky smooth texture and rich flavor, achieved without dairy. The use of plant-based milk and a touch of nutritional yeast gives it a subtle cheesy depth that satisfies cravings and complements a variety of dishes.

It’s also incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Plus, it’s customizable—you can easily add herbs, spices, or your favorite vegan cheese alternatives to tailor it to your taste.

Most importantly, this recipe is comfort food made healthy, so you can indulge guilt-free. Its creamy goodness will have you wondering why you ever needed dairy in polenta at all!

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
• 4 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the liquid base: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsweetened plant-based milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Add flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Slowly add the cornmeal: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a steady stream to avoid lumps, stirring continuously.
4. Cook the polenta: Continue stirring frequently as the mixture thickens. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until it becomes creamy and the cornmeal is tender.
5. Finish with vegan butter and nutritional yeast: Stir in the vegan butter (or olive oil) and nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor and smooth texture.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste the polenta and add more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve warm: Spoon the creamy polenta into bowls or plates and garnish with fresh parsley or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest texture, stir the polenta often to prevent lumps and sticking. Using a whisk in the beginning helps break down any clumps.

You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter flavor, but broth adds more depth.

Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spinach for a hearty meal.

For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

If you like a firmer polenta, pour the cooked mixture into a dish, let it cool, then slice and pan-fry or grill.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cream polenta pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try it alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a colorful plate.

It’s also a fantastic base for hearty stews, such as a mushroom ragout or a rich tomato sauce with vegan meatballs.

For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or a tangy Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe. You can also dollop some spicy tomato chutney on top or garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

If you’re looking to explore more vegan comfort foods, check out this delicious Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or try your hand at a fluffy Leche De Pantera Recipe for dessert.

Conclusion

Making the best vegan cream polenta is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and wholesome goodness, all while being 100% plant-based.

It’s adaptable, nutritious, and deeply satisfying—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting dish without dairy.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dipping your toes into plant-based cooking, this polenta is a must-try. Its versatility means you can dress it up for special occasions or keep it simple for a cozy weeknight meal.

Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and toppings to make it your own. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Cream Polenta Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A smooth and creamy vegan polenta perfect as a comforting side or base for your favorite dishes. Made with plant-based milk and vegan butter for rich flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT5M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup yellow cornmeal”, “4 cups unsweetened almond milk”, “2 cups water”, “2 tablespoons vegan butter”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “2 tablespoons nutritional yeast”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “Fresh chopped parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, bring almond milk and water to a gentle boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vegan butter, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and nutritional yeast.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly to make it creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “33 g”}}