Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Gorgonzola

This was surprisingly heavy for what looks like a side dish. And I've discovered that gorgonzola is a little on the strong side for my personal palate. But it certainly makes a pretty presentation in the ramekins. And I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of grittiness that I was able to achieve with the polenta. Way to go, cheese!

Baked Polenta with Mushrooms and Gorgonzola
Courtesy of Real Simple



1 1/2 cups instant polenta
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds pounds cremini or button mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Heat oven to 350° F. Bring 4 1/2 cups water to a boil. Whisking constantly, slowly add the polenta. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and the butter. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of the Gorgonzola.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add half the mushrooms and cook for 6 minutes. Add half the shallot and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining oil, mushrooms, and shallot. Season the mushrooms with the pepper, thyme, and the remaining salt.

Butter an 8- or 9-inch baking dish or eight 6-ounce ramekins. Stir 2/3 of the mushrooms into the polenta and transfer to the prepared dish or ramekins. Top with the remaining mushrooms and Gorgonzola. Bake, uncovered, until the Gorgonzola has melted, about 15 minutes.