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Instant Pot Polenta Recipe

Instant Pot Polenta! A delicious healthy side dish that is quick and easy to make in your Instant pot. Vegan adaptable and totally gluten-free! Use this as a delicious healthy base for your own creations!

4.6 from 149 votes
25 mins
Total Time
4
cups
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Instant Pot Polenta

How to Make the Best Instant Pot Polenta

Creamy, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes—this Instant Pot polenta is about to become your new favorite side dish. Traditional polenta requires constant stirring at the stove, but the pressure cooker does all the work for you, producing perfectly smooth and creamy results every time.

This versatile Italian classic is naturally gluten-free and easily adapts to vegan diets by using vegetable broth and plant-based butter or cheese. The garlic and herbs infuse the polenta with savory depth, while a generous swirl of olive oil or butter at the end adds richness. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese—parmesan gives it a sharp, salty punch, while goat cheese adds tangy creaminess.

Serve this polenta as a bed for braised meats, roasted vegetables, or a hearty mushroom ragù. It’s also delicious on its own with a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Once you try making polenta in the Instant Pot, you’ll never go back to the stovetop method.

Instant Pot Polenta

Instant Pot Polenta

Instant Pot Polenta! A delicious healthy side dish that is quick and easy to make in your Instant pot. Vegan adaptable and totally gluten-free! Use this as a delicious healthy base for your own creations!

4.6 from 149 votes
CourseSide Dish
CuisineItalian
Keywordinstant pot polenta, pressure cooker polenta, vegan polenta, gluten free side dish, easy polenta recipe
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings4 cups
Calories101kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Polenta Base

Finishing

Instructions

Cooking the Polenta

  1. Add the water (or broth) and salt, spices, and herbs to the Instant Pot. Whisk in the polenta until combined.
  2. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to 9 minutes on high pressure.
  3. When cooking is complete, manually release the pressure, covering the steam valve with a kitchen towel for safety.

Finishing

  1. Give the polenta a good whisk. Stir in the olive oil (or butter) and cheese—it will thicken as it sits.
  2. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  3. Keep on the warm function until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.

Notes

  • You can use 1-2 teaspoons of fresh herbs instead of dried if preferred.
  • For a creamier texture, add up to ½ cup of cheese.
  • Try different cheese options like goat cheese, smoked mozzarella, or thick Greek yogurt for variety.
  • The polenta will thicken as it cools, so serve it while warm for the creamiest texture.
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