Casseroles are a staple for comfort food. And when you’re living a keto lifestyle, you don’t have to give them up! I’ve found ways to enjoy hearty dishes without falling out of ketosis. One of my favorites is this keto ham and cheese casserole!
My version of a ham and cheese casserole is not only satisfying, but also aligns with the nutritional needs of a keto lifestyle. It’s a customizable dish that’s easy to prepare. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious meal that doesn’t require hours of prep.
Key Takeaways
- A keto ham and cheese casserole is a comforting and family-friendly meal that fits into a low-carb diet.
- The dish is nutritious, aligning with the keto diet’s macros, and includes high-quality fats and proteins.
- This casserole is simple to make, proving that easy keto recipes can also be delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients and Nutrition
When I’m whipping up my go-to Keto Ham and Cheese Casserole, I make sure I’ve got a hefty helping of low-carb ingredients on hand. My casserole dish is usually bursting with cooked ham, a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and sometimes a sprinkle of Monterey Jack for that perfect melt.
Ingredients:
- Cooked ham
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Cauliflower or broccoli florets
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Butter
- Eggs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
I’m all about keeping track of the nutrition information, especially when tailoring meals for a keto lifestyle. Here’s a snapshot of what I’m usually looking at per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Protein | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Net Carbs | ~5g |
In crafting the dish, I lean on heavy cream and sour cream for that creamy texture without upping the carb count too much. I also like to throw in some fresh broccoli or cauliflower florets. Both are brilliant for fiber and keep things hearty.
I often use leftover ham; it’s a great way to not let anything go to waste and adds a good amount of protein to the mix. And let’s not forget about the eggs, they’re a staple in this casserole, contributing to the fluffy texture and upping the protein ante.
A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, plus a dash of salt and pepper, can transform the taste entirely. These spices hike up the flavor without piling on the carbs.
Remember, the key to nailing this dish is to balance the macros and not skimp on taste. So go ahead and adjust the cheeses and spices to suit your palate – that’s the beauty of a keto casserole, after all.
Preparation Guidelines
Creating a keto ham and cheese casserole is easier than you might think. It’s all about following the steps of preheating, assembling, and garnishing. I’ve broken down the process to make it super manageable.
Preheat And Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a nice, even bake. While that’s heating up, I like to grease my casserole dish with a bit of butter or oil so nothing sticks.
- Prep time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: Around 50 minutes
Recipe Steps
Here’s how I make my casserole:
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, I toss together diced ham, shredded cheese, and pre-cooked cauliflower.
- Prepare the sauce: Mix up a blend of cream, cheese, eggs, and seasonings until smoothly combined.
- Assemble: Pour the sauce over my ham and veggie mix, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Bake: I then transfer the mixture into my casserole dish and pop it in the oven. It takes about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnishing And Serving
Once it’s done, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor. It makes the dish look fantastic and adds a bit of freshness.
- Servings: This typically serves 4-6 people, perfect for dinner.
- Course: It’s a hearty main course.
- Cuisine: This is a down-to-earth, keto-friendly twist on classic comfort food.
Remember, you can always make ahead and do some meal prep by chopping your ham and veggies in advance to save time on busy nights!
Keto Ham and Cheese Casserole
Course: KetoCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes40
minutesThis Keto Ham and Cheese Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Enjoy a delicious and comforting meal without the guilt!
Ingredients
2 cups diced ham (cooked)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced mushrooms (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, and whisk until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced ham, sautéed vegetables, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. You can test by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Ham: Make sure to use cooked ham, either leftover or store-bought diced ham. Avoid ham with added sugars to keep it keto-friendly.
Cheese: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese based on your preference. Gruyere or Swiss cheese would be great alternatives.
Veggies: You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Spinach or broccoli would be great low-carb additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When making a keto ham and cheese casserole, we often run into questions about ingredient substitutions and methods to keep it low-carb but still delicious.
What are some low carb substitutes for potatoes in a ham and cheese casserole?
I like to swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, as they mimic the texture and are low in carbs. Another great option is turnips, which give a similar heartiness to the dish.
Can you use almond flour as a thickener for a keto-friendly casserole sauce?
Yes, I often use almond flour to thicken casserole sauces. Just remember that it’s more absorbent than traditional flour, so you might need less of it.
How can cream cheese be incorporated into a keto ham and cheese casserole?
Mixing softened cream cheese with heavy cream and spices is my go-to method. It makes the casserole creamy without kicking you out of ketosis.
What are the best cheeses to use for a keto casserole that will still give it a rich flavor?
For richness in flavor, I reach for sharp cheddar, parmesan, or gouda. They melt well and pack a punch of taste that complements the ham.
Which type of ham is best when making a low-carb ham and cheese casserole?
I recommend using ham off the bone or a high-quality, sugar-free deli ham to keep carbs in check.
How can you add extra vegetables to a keto ham casserole without adding too many carbs?
I love tossing in broccoli, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrients. These vegetables are not only low in carbs but also add color and crunch to the casserole.