Casseroles have always been my go-to for quick, satisfying meals. A good casserole can easily be a healthy comfort food. I’m always looking for ways to use up leftovers and add more nutrients. Recently, my husband and I started following a keto diet. He’s trying to get his abs back that he used to have before baby, and I’m supporting him by creating tasty low-carb meals for us both. I mean why not, a bit of low-carb never hurt anyone.
Sunday afternoon is my meal planning time for the week ahead, usually unless we are out somewhere. I was staring into the fridge, wondering what to do with the extra ham from my family’s sandwiches; I always buy too much. I knew I had a head of cauliflower and broccoli in my veggie drawer – my weekly staples. My daughter loves cauliflower, so we always have it on hand. That’s when I thought of making a keto ham casserole.
I made another very similar delicious recipe recently, a keto chicken broccoli casserole and chicken parmesan cheese casserole, which was also based on cauliflower, so you can see I am really into my casserole era at the moment. If you also love casseroles, then make sure to give those a try as well later.
As I gathered ingredients, I could almost smell the cheesy goodness about to fill my kitchen. There is something about adding vibrant greens to your dish, you know you are doing something really, really good, right? I almost want to pat myself on the back when I come up with a new dish that includes broccoli; maybe it’s just me lol
The house was quiet except for the dishwasher’s hum. I thought about our busy week ahead – packed schedules, after-school activities, and late work nights. This keto ham casserole would be the perfect way to kick off a good week with veggies and protein.
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Keto Ham Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh cauliflower florets
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven on medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture. Stir well.
- Fold in the cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, diced ham, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker Method
- For the slow cooker: Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- For the pressure cooker: Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. I love making this in my Instant Pot Duo, it just makes things so much faster especially when everyone is starving.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Keto Ham Casserole
This keto ham casserole is a great way to use leftovers in a tasty, low-carb meal. It’s full of protein from the ham and nutrients from the cauliflower and broccoli. The creamy cheese sauce ties it all together, making it a comforting dish for the whole family.
Adding both broccoli and cauliflower to this keto ham casserole isn’t just about taste – it’s about nutrition too. Broccoli is low in calories but high in essential nutrients. It’s a great source of fiber, which helps digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Cauliflower is a favorite for keto dieters. It’s very low in carbs but rich in vitamins and minerals. Studies show that cauliflower has antioxidants that may lower inflammation and protect against some chronic diseases.
A Versatile Low-Carb Casserole
What makes this cheesy ham casserole special is how flexible it is. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Prefer more broccoli than cauliflower? No problem! Want to add more veggies? Try some spinach or bell peppers. This keto ham casserole is a good way to use up fridge items while sticking to your low-carb diet.
Broccoli: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, making it excellent for immune support and bone health. It’s also rich in folate, which is crucial for cell growth and development. The fiber in broccoli aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Cauliflower: The Keto-Friendly Veggie
Cauliflower is a versatile low-carb vegetable that’s perfect for the keto diet. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, providing over 50% of the daily recommended value in just one cup. Cauliflower also contains significant amounts of vitamin K, folate, and vitamin B6, supporting overall health.
Keto Ham Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh cauliflower florets
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven on medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture. Stir well.
- Fold in the cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, diced ham, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Customizing Your Keto Ham Casserole
This recipe uses both cauliflower and broccoli for added nutrition and variety. If you prefer one over the other, feel free to use more of your favorite. Using 4 cups of either vegetable works well. The broccoli adds extra nutrients, but the choice is yours!
Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker Options
For the slow cooker: Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
For the pressure cooker: Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. I love making this in my Instant Pot Duo, it just makes things so much faster especially when everyone is starving.
Nutritional Information
This keto ham casserole contains about 6g net carbs per serving. It’s high in protein and fats, making it a good choice for those following a keto diet. The exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Keto Ham Casserole
- Use a food processor to rice the cauliflower and broccoli for a finer texture.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds on top before baking.
- Try different cheeses like gruyere or Monterey jack for varied flavors.
- Add some diced red peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout. This keto ham casserole is also great for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners.
This keto ham casserole is a great way to use up leftover ham while following your low-carb diet. It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that’s likely to become one of your favorite casserole recipes. The combination of ham, cauliflower, and broccoli creates a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish for holiday meals.
Whether you’re strictly following a keto diet or just looking for a delicious low-carb option, this casserole is sure to please. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
