If you’re craving a cozy yet vibrant dish that’s easy to whip up any day of the week, let me introduce you to this Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe. It’s a delightful marriage of creamy polenta slices topped with rich tomato sauce, sweet tangy balsamic onions, and salty crumbled feta—each bite bursting with layered flavors and textures that will warm your soul.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Simplicity meets elegance: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients but results in a dish that feels special and impressive.
Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness of balsamic onions, robust tomato sauce, and salty feta create a harmonious flavor profile.
Quick and versatile: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for both weeknights and casual entertaining.
Vegetarian-friendly comfort food: A satisfying, meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on richness or texture.

The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface, each with three small round yellow cornmeal cakes. Each cake is topped with a visible layer of dark brown caramelized onions, a layer of white crumbled cheese, and a small sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs. The cornmeal cakes have a slightly crispy, browned texture around the edges. To the left, there are two bowls: one with assorted peppercorns and another with sea salt. On the right side, a silver fork and a knife rest on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Polenta with Tomato Sauce Balsamic Onions and Feta, vegetarian polenta dish, easy quick vegetarian dinner, flavorful polenta recipes, creamy polenta with toppings

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic behind this Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe happens thanks to a handful of simple ingredients. Each adds a unique dimension — from the creamy, golden polenta base to the luscious homemade tomato sauce and tangy, richly caramelized onions, all tied together with salty feta and fresh chives for a pop of color and brightness.

Flat lay of thick golden polenta slices, bright red homemade tomato sauce dollops, soft glossy balsamic-glazed sliced onions, crumbly white feta cheese scattered in small chunks, fresh vibrant green chopped chives, and whole cloves of raw garlic arranged attractively, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Polenta with Tomato Sauce Balsamic Onions and Feta, vegetarian polenta dish, easy quick vegetarian dinner, flavorful polenta recipes, creamy polenta with toppings

Polenta: Using cooked polenta in tube form makes this recipe quick and fuss-free; grilling the slices imparts a delightful crisp edge and smoky flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Homemade is ideal for vibrant freshness, but store-bought works perfectly when time’s tight and adds savory richness.
Balsamic Onions: Slow-cooked with vinegar to melt sweetness into every bite, these onions bring complexity and a beautiful tang.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta layers in creamy saltiness and a crumbly texture contrast that brightens the entire dish.
Chopped Fresh Chives: These add a subtle oniony freshness and a lovely pop of green to finish off the presentation.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Grill the Polenta Slices

Start by warming a skillet over medium heat and lightly spray your polenta slices with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Then, grill each slice for about 5 minutes per side or until they get those beautiful golden-brown grill marks. This step adds a crispy exterior that’s irresistible and transforms soft polenta into something delightfully textured.

Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing briefly to release their lovely aromas. Toss in the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften and turn tender. Lower the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar, allowing it to infuse the onions for about 3 minutes. This slow-cooked process caramelizes the onions, balancing their natural sweetness with the vinegar’s tang.

Step 3: Assemble Your Polenta Masterpiece

Now comes the fun part: layering! Spread a generous spoonful of your homemade tomato sauce over each grilled polenta slice. Next, pile on the luscious balsamic onion mixture before topping with crumbled feta cheese. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped chives for that perfect fresh touch. Each slice becomes a vibrant canvas of colors and flavors ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe

The image shows three round, golden yellow slices of grilled polenta placed evenly on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each polenta slice has a layer of red tomato sauce topped with dark brown caramelized onions. On top of the onions, there are small white crumbles of cheese and a sprinkle of green herbs. In the background, there is a small white ramekin blurred out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Polenta with Tomato Sauce Balsamic Onions and Feta, vegetarian polenta dish, easy quick vegetarian dinner, flavorful polenta recipes, creamy polenta with toppings

Garnishes

For that extra “wow” factor, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or additional chives. A small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add exciting layers of flavor and color, making your dish feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a simple lemony couscous. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms on the side to round things out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the polenta slices like mini towers and layering the toppings between for an elegant appetizer. Alternatively, serve slices open-faced on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra tomato sauce and feta on the side for a shareable, casual vibe that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and honestly, you might want seconds), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 days, maintaining much of the texture and flavor, ready to be enjoyed again.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze the grilled polenta slices separately for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat before adding the tomato sauce, onions, and feta to keep the best texture and freshness intact.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your assembled slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain that delightful crispness, or use a microwave for a quick warm-up. Either way, the flavors will come together beautifully, delivering comfort with each bite.

FAQs

Can I use regular cornmeal instead of pre-cooked polenta?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook. Regular cornmeal needs to be cooked with water or broth until thick and creamy, which can take about 30-40 minutes. Pre-cooked polenta from a tube is much faster and easier to slice and grill.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

This recipe as is uses feta cheese, which means it’s vegetarian but not vegan. To make it vegan, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether for a dairy-free option.
Can I prepare the balsamic onions ahead of time?

Absolutely! Balsamic onions can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. This actually helps deepen their flavor. Just warm them slightly before assembling the dish.
What types of onions work best for the balsamic onions?

Yellow onions are classic for caramelizing, but sweet onions or even red onions work beautifully, adding a hint of different sweetness or sharpness to complement the balsamic vinegar.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe a whirl, because it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and fancy all at once—and the perfect way to make everyday ingredients sing. Cooking it is a joyful little adventure in flavor harmony, and sharing it with friends or family just makes it even better.

Polenta with Tomato Sauce, Balsamic Onions, and Feta Recipe