Indulge in the Ultimate Keto Broccoli Ham and Cheese Casserole – Comfort Food Made Healthy!

Are you looking for a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dish? Look no further than this keto broccoli ham and cheese casserole! This recipe is perfect for using leftover ham from a holiday dinner or any time you crave a cheesy, savory casserole. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Why You'll Love This Keto Casserole

This isn't just another casserole recipe; it's a culinary hug in a dish. Here's why you'll keep coming back for more:

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this casserole comes together quickly.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of salty ham, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce is irresistible.
Low Carb: Perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Versatile: Customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: It's an excellent way to use leftover ham, and the leftovers are just as delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need:

Ham: Cubed or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Leftover ham works perfectly.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are recommended, but frozen can be used with proper preparation.
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower florets add to the creaminess of the sauce.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is essential for a rich and creamy sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold, cheesy flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or mozzarella.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the dish.
Greek Yogurt: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a tangy flavor.
Spices: Garlic salt, onion powder, basil, smoked paprika, rosemary, and thyme enhance the overall flavor profile.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cream sauce.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.
Optional Toppings: Crushed pork rinds for added crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious keto broccoli ham and cheese casserole:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F or 400°F, depending on the recipe variation.
Prepare the vegetables: Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Steam them separately until tender but still slightly crunchy (al dente). Ensure you drain off any excess liquid to prevent a watery casserole. You can use a microwave steamer, boil them, or use frozen vegetables (thawed and drained).
Make the cream sauce: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the cooked cauliflower, cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or heavy cream to thin it out. Alternatively, melt butter, cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, whisking until smooth.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ham, broccoli, cream cheese, yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic salt, onion powder, basil, smoked paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Alternatively, in a baking dish, combine the chopped ham and cooked broccoli.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the cream sauce mixture over the ham and broccoli in the baking dish. Mix well to combine.
Add cheese topping: Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crushed pork rinds (optional).
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Use fresh or frozen broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the casserole. You can blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes to thaw it out and slightly cook it, then strain and pat it dry.
Don't overcook the broccoli: Steaming the broccoli until it's tender-crisp will prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Adjust the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
Add extra flavor: Consider adding other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor of the casserole.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it.
Prevent a watery casserole: Ensure all vegetables are well-drained before adding them to the casserole. Avoid adding frozen broccoli directly to the casserole without thawing and draining it first.

Variations and Additions

One of the best things about casseroles is their versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize this keto broccoli ham and cheese casserole to your liking:

Read also: Cheesy Keto Comfort Food

Add different vegetables: Try adding cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Use different meats: Substitute the ham with shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon, or breakfast sausage.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the ham and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
Add a crunchy topping: Top the casserole with crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

This keto broccoli ham and cheese casserole can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As a main course: Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
As a side dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
For breakfast: Enjoy it as a hearty and satisfying breakfast casserole.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Freezing: While it is possible to freeze this casserole, the texture may change slightly. Make sure to place your casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish and cover it well with an airtight lid. It is also important to place it in the freezer when it is cool or cold. When reheating, defrost your casserole overnight in the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It's always best to calculate the nutritional information yourself using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

tags: #keto #broccoli #ham #and #cheese #casserole