This Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake brings the warmth of comfort food with a twist. The combination of creamy polenta, savory refried beans, and perfectly baked eggs offers a filling meal, whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Customize it by adding your favorite toppings like fresh salsa, avocado, or a squeeze of lime. This dish is versatile and can be made vegan or dairy-free by omitting cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The smoky spices and creamy texture make every bite a treat, and it’s ideal for both solo meals and sharing with loved ones.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup yellow cornmeal (polenta)
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup refried beans (store-bought or homemade)
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4 large eggs
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh salsa (optional)
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Avocado slices (optional)
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Lime wedges (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cornmeal (polenta) and vegetable broth. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Once thickened, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
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Spread the polenta mixture evenly across the skillet and smooth the top.
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Spoon the refried beans onto the polenta and spread evenly.
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Make small wells in the beans for each egg. Crack the eggs carefully into each well.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and yolks are still runny (or longer if you prefer fully cooked eggs).
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Add fresh salsa, avocado slices, and lime wedges, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake
The Polenta, Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s a unique take on a savory breakfast, where creamy polenta is layered with refried beans, topped with fresh salsa, cheese, and perfectly baked eggs. The dish is made in one skillet, making it as easy as it is delicious. This recipe is perfect for those who crave a satisfying, nutritious, and filling meal to start the day, but it can also be enjoyed for dinner. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired flavors or simply looking for a comforting breakfast dish, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Polenta, often underrated, is a fantastic base for creating a variety of dishes. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor provides the perfect canvas for pairing with more intense flavors like spicy salsa, creamy refried beans, and tangy cheese. The added eggs provide protein and richness, making the Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake a well-rounded, complete meal. Additionally, this dish is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to suit vegan or dairy-free diets by using plant-based cheese or omitting the cheese altogether.
Why You’ll Love Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake
This recipe is all about balance. You get the mild creaminess of polenta combined with the heartiness of refried beans, spiced up with salsa and seasoned eggs. It’s an excellent dish for those who love comfort food but want to keep it healthy. Packed with fiber and protein, this skillet bake can easily fuel you for hours, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s packed with flavor, too.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Polenta is a grain made from cornmeal, and though it may seem unfamiliar to some, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to cook. You’ll be amazed by how such a humble ingredient can be transformed into something so delicious. Additionally, refried beans are another great addition, adding an extra layer of creaminess while also contributing to the dish’s high fiber and protein content. Salsa and cheese provide the finishing touches, elevating the dish to something both fresh and indulgent.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Brunch
This Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake makes a fantastic brunch item that requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean! The combination of savory polenta, creamy refried beans, and eggs creates a hearty dish that feels indulgent, yet it’s made with whole, healthy ingredients.
For those who enjoy a little heat in their food, the recipe offers the flexibility to add spicy salsa or drizzle hot sauce over the top. The slight smokiness from the spices in the salsa combined with the richness of the eggs makes for an unforgettable taste experience. You can also switch up the toppings, from fresh cilantro to creamy avocado or a squeeze of lime, which adds a bright contrast to the dish.
A Nutritionally Balanced Meal
What sets the Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake apart is its nutritional profile. Each serving is a great source of protein and fiber, thanks to the polenta, beans, and eggs. With 14 grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of fiber, this dish can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout meal or a filling breakfast to get you through the day, this recipe has you covered.
For those who are concerned about dietary preferences, this dish can easily be adapted. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it vegan or go for a lactose-free version of cheese to cater to lactose-intolerant individuals. The recipe is flexible and can be customized to your tastes. For a slightly healthier twist, feel free to experiment with toppings like avocado, fresh salsa, or cilantro, all of which complement the savory elements of the dish.
Making It Your Own
One of the wonderful things about this Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake is how customizable it is. If you prefer a little more spice, consider using a hot salsa or adding extra chili flakes to the dish. If you’re someone who enjoys more complex flavors, you could incorporate diced bell peppers, onions, or even a few spoonfuls of sour cream to bring in some richness. This dish can easily evolve depending on what ingredients you have at hand, and it’s a great way to clean out the fridge by using up leftover salsa or beans.
The versatility of the recipe also extends to serving it for different meals. While it’s primarily a breakfast or brunch dish, it can be adapted for dinner with a few modifications. By adding a couple more eggs and increasing the amount of refried beans, you can create a larger portion that serves a hungry family or group of friends.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe
The Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake is a beautiful, hearty meal that brings all the comforts of a flavorful breakfast in a simple, easy-to-make dish. From the rich texture of the polenta to the creamy refried beans, the melted cheese, and the runny yolk of the baked eggs, each bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special weekend brunch or need a quick dinner solution, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
What’s even better is the fact that it’s a one-pan meal. This means less time cleaning up, which is always a bonus. Whether you’re cooking for one, a small group, or an entire family, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your needs. It’s nutritious, filling, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to option for any meal of the day. So, the next time you’re looking for a filling and flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and full of heartwarming ingredients, the Polenta Refried Beans & Egg Skillet Bake is the way to go.
Let this recipe become a part of your regular meal rotation. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect choice for busy mornings or lazy evenings when you just need something delicious and nourishing.