MUSHROOM AND CHEESE BAKED POLENTA

Mushroom and Cheese Baked Polenta image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings as a main dish or 8 as a side

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more, for the baking dish
1 pound mixed mushrooms, such as cremini, porcini or stemmed sliced shiitakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup polenta
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs, separated
1 cup shredded white Cheddar (about 4 ounces)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon salt and a couple turns of pepper and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the milk and heavy cream and heat until very warm.
Whisk together the polenta, sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt and a couple turns of pepper in a large bowl. Whisk the mushroom sauce into the polenta mixture until well combined and thick. Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup of the hot polenta into the yolks, repeat twice, then pour the yolk mixture into the remaining polenta. Stir in the Cheddar.
Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until soft, glossy peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the polenta mixture in three additions.
Spoon the polenta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake until golden and puffed, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.