Creamy Polenta with Egg, Arrabiata & Bacon

Some nights call for a meal that feels like a warm, comforting hug. You know the ones—where you want something deeply satisfying but don't want to fuss with a million complicated steps. This bowl of creamy polenta topped with a runny egg, spicy arrabiata sauce, and crispy bacon is my absolute go-to for those evenings. It’s a humble, rustic dish that feels incredibly luxurious with every single bite.

The Soul of the Bowl: Creamy Polenta

Let's talk about the base. Polenta can be finicky, but the key is patience. Whisking it slowly into boiling water prevents those dreaded lumps. As it simmers for a good 30 minutes, your kitchen starts to smell like toasty, buttery corn—it’s pure comfort. The real magic happens when you stir in the goat cheese and cream cheese off the heat. They melt into a velvety, tangy creaminess that makes this polenta anything but ordinary.

• Sight: A smooth, pale yellow canvas, steaming gently.
• Sound: A quiet, thick plop as it drops from the spoon.
• Smell: Warm, toasted corn and a tangy cheesy aroma.

The Toppings That Make It a Meal

While the polenta is doing its thing, the rest comes together. Roasting the bacon in the oven is a game-changer—it gets evenly crisp without any splattering mess. The arrabiata sauce (I use a good store-bought one to keep it easy) brings a necessary kick of spicy tomato goodness. And the crowning glory? A perfectly fried egg with a yolk that’s just begging to be broken.

• Sight: Crispy, mahogany-colored bacon; vibrant red sauce; a glossy yellow yolk.
• Sound: The definitive crack of a fork piercing the egg; the crunch of the bacon.

Bringing It All Together

Assembly is the best part. A generous scoop of that creamy polenta, a ladle of warm sauce, one beautiful egg, and two slices of that perfect bacon. A final sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a little color and a fresh note. Then, you dive in. You break the yolk and watch it mix with the spicy sauce and rich polenta, and you get a little bit of everything in one perfect bite. It’s messy, hearty, and exactly what you needed.