Can I make Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole ahead?

Yes. Prepare components early, then store and reheat according to the storage guidance so the texture stays close to fresh.

How do I keep this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free packaged ingredients and avoid shared utensils, boards, pans, or toppings that touched gluten-containing foods.

Can I adjust the main ingredients?

Yes. Swap ingredients with similar moisture, protein, or cooking behavior to keep timing and texture close to the original.

How do I serve it with mixed-diet family?

Serve the gluten-free recipe first and keep any gluten-containing toppings and sides separate.

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Gluten-Free Baking

Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole

Name: Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup gluten-free coarse yellow polenta (cornmeal); 4 cups gluten-free-labeled low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Olive oil or nonstick spray for greasing baking dish

By Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 29, 2026 | Updated Oct 17, 2026

Italian-inspired 70 mins glutenfreebakingfamilymealeasysidedishcomfortfood

Polenta cooked with onion, herbs and broth, mixed with mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan, then baked in a separate dish. Use gluten-free-labeled broth and polenta. Estimated timing (not kitchen-tested): preparation 15 minutes; cooking 50 minutes; additional elapsed time 5 minutes; total about 70 minutes. Additional time includes the relevant cooling, chilling, soaking, marinating or resting stages. Cooling varies with room temperature and portion size. Allows about 20 minutes for polenta; use the package timing and allow more time for coarse polenta. Times are planning estimates based on the instructions. Follow the stated doneness and temperature checks, and extend cooking or cooling as needed.

Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole

Prep 15 min

Cook 50 min

Total 70 min

Servings 6

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Servings 6

1 cup gluten-free coarse yellow polenta (cornmeal)
4 cups gluten-free-labeled low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Olive oil or nonstick spray for greasing baking dish

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole ingredients

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to the onions and garlic, stirring for 30 seconds to release the aromas.
Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Gradually whisk polenta into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains are tender and creamy; follow the polenta package cooking guidance because coarse products may take longer than 10-15 minutes. Add hot water as needed if it becomes too thick before the grains are tender.
Once the polenta is thick and creamy, remove from heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella, all the ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Stir in the fresh parsley, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the polenta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
Serve warm as a hearty, cheesy, herb-infused side dish or light main course that’s perfect for gluten-free family meals.

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole finished dish

Tips

Allergen Overlap Note

Check every packaged ingredient for certified gluten-free status, especially spices, broths, sauces, seed products, and baking staples. Use clean prep surfaces and dedicated utensils when preparing Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole for someone with celiac disease.

Texture Expectations

Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole should keep the intended servings texture when cooked and plated carefully.

Dining With Non-GF Family Note

Prepare and serve on a dedicated gluten-free surface first, then keep any shared side dishes separate with dedicated serving utensils.

Timing note

Allow for sauteing, bringing broth to a boil, cooking polenta until tender, 25-30 minutes baking and 5 minutes resting, plus preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole ahead?: Yes. Prepare components early, then store and reheat according to the storage guidance so the texture stays close to fresh.
How do I keep this recipe gluten-free?: Use certified gluten-free packaged ingredients and avoid shared utensils, boards, pans, or toppings that touched gluten-containing foods.
Can I adjust the main ingredients?: Yes. Swap ingredients with similar moisture, protein, or cooking behavior to keep timing and texture close to the original.
How do I serve it with mixed-diet family?: Serve the gluten-free recipe first and keep any gluten-containing toppings and sides separate.

Storage and Reheating

Cool completely before covering. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, or freeze for later use. Reheat slowly to keep texture closer to fresh.

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Gluten-Free Cheesy Herb Polenta Casserole

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions