Easy Low Carb Ham and Cheese Bake Recipe

ByBrooke Burks Published: Modified:
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Our easy low carb ham and cheese bake recipe is a delicious and low carb casserole you will love. Packed with protein and hidden vegetables, we add delicious ham to two different cheeses. We add in heavy whipping cream and cream cheese for the smoothest and most delicious way to get that comfort food in a healthy way.

A baked dish with melted cheese and chunks of meat sits in a glass baking dish on a wooden table. A portion has been served on a decorative plate with a fork. The plate contains layers of rice, cheese, and meat.

I love casserole recipes that pull double duty. By that I mean one that fits any meal time. Breakfast, lunch or dinner. This one will work at any of those times. Top that off with it being a perfect way to enjoy your favorite casserole recipes and well, it’s just the best of both worlds!

If you are looking for a delicious keto ham casserole, this is it! If you are following the keto diet or just looking for a really good low-carb casserole option, this is one of our favorites.

We love using cauliflower as a hidden veggie to help us meet our daily dietary needs. Cauliflower casseroles are great but when you use it in other ways it takes on a new life. Just like our PEPPERONI PIZZA CASSEROLE, and our BEEF BAKE RECIPE, we add it in without you even knowing its there.

Ingredients

I love making casseroles that are healthy. An added bonus is being able to use normal ingredients. You won’t find anything crazy or much of anything special you will need to run out and buy.

A plate with two slices of a cheesy baked dish, possibly scalloped potatoes or lasagna, served on a decorative green and white plate. The dish appears creamy with a golden-brown top. A fork is placed on the plate next to the slices.
  • Frozen Riced Cauliflower – we like the cheaper steam bags. We just cook them in the microwave according to package directions, drain and then have a powerhouse ingredient.
  • Cooked ham – you can get an inexpensive package of deli ham here or even use a ham steak. This is also a great way to use up any leftover ham you may have after holidays.
  • Heavy whipping cream – essential to the creamy base it is a good ingredient to just keep on hand when following a keto diet or low-carb diet.
  • Sour cream – for added creaminess and protein.
  • Shredded Sharp Cheddar – a tangy and creamy addition. Cheese = casserole!
  • Cubed Mozzarella – we add a bit of a different texture by adding in the cubes for pops of cheese throughout.
  • Pepper – one of the simplest ways to get in more flavor. Just using pepper is underrated but one of the best ways to add a ton of flavor to any dish.
  • Fresh, minced Garlic – my favorite spice to add. You can add dried here but for every tablespoon of fresh, use one teaspoon in its place.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

No special equipment required! All you need is a good casserole dish and oven and the patience to wait for this indulgent, delicious ham casserole to finish cooking.

A wooden cutting board on a stove holds a knife, cubed ham, and cheese. Surrounding it are a glass jar with a brown substance, two open jars with white contents, a can of avocado oil spray, a stainless steel pot, and a clear glass baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray. Chop ham, cook riced cauliflower according to package directions and cool and drain.

A person is preparing food on a wooden board placed on a stovetop. On the board are a large bowl of mashed potatoes, diced cheese and ham, a knife, a bowl of sour cream, a cup of milk, and a clear baking dish. The person is holding the bowl of mashed potatoes.

Mash riced cauliflower to soften a bit in a large bowl.

A cutting board with cubed ham and cheese, a large knife, a bowl of cream, a glass measuring cup, and a jar of minced garlic. A hand is spreading a mixture in a glass baking dish on the right side of the image.

Spread cauliflower in an even layer in greased casserole pan.

A person is seen preparing a dish on a wooden cutting board. There are cubes of cheese, a bowl of creamy mixture, a glass jar with a brown substance, and chopped ham in a casserole dish. The person's hands are arranging ham pieces in the dish.

Arrange chopped ham over the top of the cauliflower layer.

A person's hand pouring milk from a glass jug into a stainless steel pot on a stovetop. On the wooden cutting board next to the stovetop, there are cubes of cheese, a bowl with a spoon and white mixture, and a jar containing a brown substance with a spoon.

Pour heavy cream in a medium boiler.

A person's hands preparing food in a kitchen. One hand holds a bowl with a spoon in it, containing a white creamy mixture, while the other hand scoops from the bowl. The scene includes a cutting board with cubed cheese and a jar of brown spice.

Also add the sour cream in the boiler.

A stove with a pot of white sauce being stirred beside a cutting board. The cutting board has a bowl of white mixture, cubed cheese, and a person's hand holding a jar and a spoon. The person's other hand is holding a small spoon with some seasoning from the jar.

Add in garlic and pepper.

A wooden cutting board with cubed cheese and a bowl of sour cream sits next to a stovetop. A saucepan filled with shredded cheese is on the burner, and a spoon rests between the cutting board and the saucepan. A hand is seen at the bottom of the image.

Lastly, add the shredded cheddar in and cook over medium heat just until the cheese melts.

A person is pouring a creamy mixture over a dish filled with diced ham and other ingredients. The scene is from above, showcasing a wooden chopping board with cubed cheese, a bowl, and a salt shaker nearby.

Pour over layered ham and cauliflower in prepared casserole dish.

Two hands hold cubes of cheese over a wooden cutting board with a bowl of cream and a baking dish filled with a mixture of cream and bacon bits. The workspace is set on a stovetop.

Sprinkle mozzarella cubes evenly over the top. Bake at 375 for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown.

A wooden countertop with a cutting board is seen. On the cutting board, there is a bowl with cheese cubes and a small pile of cheese. To the right, there is a glass baking dish filled with a creamy mixture and cheese cubes. A hand is placing a cheese cube.
A person wearing a white chef's hat and gray shirt is smiling and holding two wooden spoons. They are leaning forward over a white table next to a silver laptop displaying the Apple logo. The background is plain white.

Why Brooke loves this recipe!

Recipes are like antiques. They are meant to be handed down from one generation to another. Each one holding a special memory or nostalgic memory. Here is why we love this one!

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This hits lots of things I love. I love repurposing leftovers. This is the perfect leftover ham casserole. It is also a great example of how delicious a low-carb casserole can be.

Substitutions and variations

We have some delicious swaps you can make to turn this cheese casserole into something different every time you make it.

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  • Get more veggies – Adding in more vegetables is easy. Steam bags or fresh broccoli florets, cauliflower or adding fresh spinach are great ways to get even more nutrient dense vegetables and add more body and texture to this delicious low carb ham casserole.
  • Garlic – if you don’t have fresh garlic, don’t fret! You can still make this with garlic powder instead. Just use one teaspoon instead of one tablespoon of the fresh.
  • Heavy cream – feel free to do half milk and half and half or even just milk alone with about 2 to 3 tablespoons of melted butter.

Equipment

🔧 I love to share recipes that are no special equipment required but here are a few things that would definitely make this recipe easier!

Storage

Once the casserole is cooled, store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

This casserole can be prepped and covered tightly and placed in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw and cook according to directions.

A green and white floral plate holds a serving of creamy, cheesy potato casserole with a browned top. A fork rests on the plate. A glass baking dish containing more casserole is partially visible in the background. The setting is on a wooden surface.

Easy Low Carb Ham and Cheese Bake Recipe

Our easy low carb ham and cheese bake recipe is a delicious and low carb casserole you will love. Packed with protein and hidden vegetables, we add delicious ham to two different cheeses with heavy whipping cream and cream cheese for the smoothest and most delicious way to get that comfort food in a healthy way.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 10

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces riced cauliflower
  • 2 cups cooked ham chopped
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic fresh minced

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We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Cook cauliflower according to package directions, cool and drain. Spread in a single layer in the bottom of the casserole dish.
    24 ounces riced cauliflower
  • Layer chopped ham on top of cauliflower. In a small boiler, add heavy cream, sour cream, garlic, pepper and shredded sharp cheddar. Heat until cheese has melted. Pour over ham and cauliflower in an even layer.
    2 cups cooked ham, 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic
  • Top with cubes of mozzarella evenly all over.
    1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until browned and bubbly.

See How To Make It!

🍴 PRO TIP!

This is a great meal prep recipe too! Make this ahead of time and package it for daily use to have a wonderful healthy meal all week!

🗹 RECIPE FAQ’S

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Feel free to use plain milk. I always add about 2 tablespoons of melted butter to one cup of milk to get about the same fat content as heavy cream. So for this recipe you’d need about 3 tablespoons of butter to the cup and a half of heavy cream.

Can this be reheated?

Like most casseroles, this low carb ham casserole is really better the next day. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a low oven around 250 degrees until heated through.

Can I make a smaller or larger amount?

This recipe makes a 9×13 pan size. It is easy to make this in more than one smaller pan either for individual or half size servings. It is also great to double to feed a large crowd.

Can this be made ahead?

Yes. Mix it up, cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking so it can come to room temperature before baking.

🍽️ SERVING SUGGESTIONS. What goes great with this recipe? Let me tell you!

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

⭐ LOVE THIS RECIPE? It would mean so very much to me if you would take a moment to rate this recipe and leave me a sweet comment in the recipe card below! ❤️❤️We hope you love all of the Southern and healthy recipes we share here at The Buttered Home and would love to see you back here often!

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Reader Review

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“I loved the freezer tips and made a double batch so we could enjoy some next week. This easy delicious recipe is a keeper.”

– Karen

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