Appetizer · Breakfast · Turkish · Middle Eastern ·

Turkish Muhlama with Cheese and Cornmeal

Name: Turkish Muhlama with Cheese and Cornmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Cornmeal, 1 cup; Water, 2 cups; Turkish cheese (like Trabzon or kasar), grated, 3 cups; Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup; Freshly diced tomatoes, for garnish; Fresh herbs (parsley or mint), for garnish

Savor the rich flavors of the Black Sea with this traditional Turkish dish made from cheese, cornmeal, and butter — a truly comforting experience.

4.3(295 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 22, 2025

Turkish Muhlama with Cheese and Cornmeal — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Muhlama Base

For the Cheesy Mixture

For Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 704 kcal
Protein: 27 g
Carbs: 47 g
Fat: 48 g
Fiber: 2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2816 kcal
Protein: 108 g
Carbs: 188 g
Fat: 192 g
Fiber: 8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Cornmeal 1 cup	480	8	105	5	8
Water 2 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Turkish cheese (like Trabzon or kasar), grated 3 cups	1280	96	0	96	0
Unsalted butter 1/2 cup	1056	4	0	91	0
Freshly diced tomatoes for garnish	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh herbs (parsley or mint) for garnish	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Cornmeal Mixture

1
Heat water
In a medium saucepan, heat the water until simmering.
2
Add cornmeal
Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, reducing the heat to low.
3
Thicken mixture
Stir consistently to prevent lumps and allow the mixture to thicken.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

1
Melt butter
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add cheese
Gradually add the grated cheese, stirring until it’s smooth and fully melted.
Tip: Do not overcook the cheese to prevent it from becoming stringy. Pro Tip: Add a pinch of salt or Aleppo pepper to elevate the flavor of your dish.

How to Make Turkish Muhlama with Cheese and Cornmeal

Total time: 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Combine mixtures
Slowly incorporate the melted cheese into the thickened cornmeal, stirring continuously to meld the flavors.
2
Final cooking
Ensure the mixture is silky and stretchy, adjusting the butter as needed for consistency.
3
Serving
Pour the Muhlama into a deep serving dish while warm, ready to be garnished.