Mediterranean Creamy Cheesy Delight
This Mediterranean-inspired creamy cheesy delight is a smooth, lightly sweet and savory bake that’s comfort in every bite. It combines milk, eggs, and cheese with the gentle texture of cornmeal and flour, creating a soft, custard-like center with a golden crust. It’s a rustic dessert or snack that feels both homey and elegant. Enjoy it warm with coffee or tea, or serve it chilled for a creamy, pudding-like treat.
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
2 cups milk
¾ cup white sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup cornmeal (fubá)
½ cup grated cheese (Parmesan or another hard, salty cheese)
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
(Optional) ¼ cup grated coconut or ¼ cup coconut milk for added flavor
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a medium baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Blend the Batter:
In a large bowl (or blender), combine milk, sugar, eggs, cornmeal, grated cheese, olive oil, flour, baking powder, and salt.
If using, add grated coconut or coconut milk.
Blend or whisk until smooth and lump-free. The mixture will be thin, which is what gives the dish its creamy texture.
Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but slightly moist.
Cool and Serve:
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm for a soft, pudding-like center or chilled for a firmer texture.
Tips
Use Good Quality Cheese:
A sharp, salty cheese like Parmesan or aged pecorino adds depth and balances the sweetness of the batter. You can mix in a bit of mozzarella or cheddar for extra creaminess.
Choose the Right Milk:
Whole milk gives the richest, smoothest texture. You can use low-fat milk if preferred, but the result will be slightly less creamy.
Mix Until Smooth:
The batter should be completely lump-free for that silky custard texture. If you have a blender, use it—it helps aerate the mixture slightly for a lighter consistency.
Avoid Overbaking:
The delight should have a lightly golden top but still feel slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will make it dry instead of creamy.
Add Coconut for a Tropical Touch:
Grated coconut or coconut milk gives the dish a subtle sweetness and aroma that pairs beautifully with the cheese. It’s especially good if serving this as a dessert.
Rest Before Slicing:
Allow the bake to cool for 10–15 minutes. This helps it set properly, so each slice holds together without losing its creamy interior.
Serve It Your Way:
Enjoy it warm as a comforting, custardy side dish, or chill it and serve it as a sweet-savory dessert with a drizzle of honey.
Variations:
Sweet Version:
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve with a touch of honey or fruit compote.
Savory Version:
Reduce the sugar slightly and add chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a Mediterranean twist. You can also mix in bits of feta or sun-dried tomatoes.
Coconut Lover’s Version:
Replace half the milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a creamy tropical version.
Cheese Blend:
Combine Parmesan with Gruyère, manchego, or mozzarella for more complexity and a gooier texture.
Crispy Top Option:
Sprinkle a thin layer of grated cheese on top before baking for a golden, lightly crisp crust.
Mini Portions:
Bake the mixture in muffin tins or small ramekins for individual servings—perfect for parties or brunch spreads.
Q&A
Q: Is this dish meant to be sweet or savory?
It can be either, depending on your taste. The base recipe has a gentle sweetness balanced by salty cheese. For a sweeter version, add a little vanilla or honey; for savory, reduce the sugar and add herbs or extra cheese.
Q: Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well. If you use a thinner milk (like almond), you may want to add a bit more cornmeal for body.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave, or enjoy it cold for a custard-like texture.
Q: What kind of cheese works best?
Hard, salty cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Kefalotyri work beautifully. You can also mix in softer cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta for creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t ideal because it can change the creamy texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q: How do I serve it?
Serve it as a snack, dessert, or side dish. It pairs nicely with coffee, tea, or even fresh fruit. For a savory meal, serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition
(Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 8 servings)
Calories: 240
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Sugar: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Cholesterol: 75 mg
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Creamy Cheesy Delight is a humble yet elegant dish that celebrates balance—sweet and salty, creamy and lightly crisp. Its smooth custard center and golden top make it as comforting as it is versatile. You can enjoy it as a dessert, a snack, or a brunch side, depending on your twist. Whether baked with coconut for a sweet version or herbs for a savory one, it’s the kind of Mediterranean comfort food that feels both nostalgic and timeless.