Leftover ham can be transformed into a variety of satisfying and flavorful keto-friendly meals. This article explores several keto ham dinner recipes, ranging from comforting casseroles to quick skillet dishes, providing options for every palate and time constraint. These recipes are designed to be low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Keto Ham and Cheese Bake
For a comforting and filling meal, try the Keto Ham and Cheese Bake. This recipe combines pre-cooked ham with a creamy cheese sauce and cauliflower, creating a dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Empty frozen cauliflower into a medium pot and cover with water.
- Cook the cauliflower until it reaches mashable tenderness, then drain and return it to the pot.
- Mash the cauliflower using a potato masher or food processor.
- In a medium saucepan, mix shredded cheese, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and seasonings over medium heat until the cheese is melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ham and cauliflower mixture.
- Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings and is incredibly filling.
Creamy Keto Ham and Cabbage Casserole
If you're looking for a quick and easy low-carb skillet dinner, the Creamy Keto Ham and Cabbage Casserole is an excellent choice. This dish requires only a few simple ingredients and can be made in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- Leftover chopped ham
- Head of green cabbage
- Fresh baby spinach
- Cream cheese
- Asiago cheese
- Heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage into wide noodles and microwave for 3 minutes to soften.
- In a large skillet, heat cream cheese, heavy cream, and asiago cheese until melted, creating a cream sauce.
- Drain the cabbage and add it to the sauce.
- Add the chopped ham and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the spinach until wilted.
This casserole is rich and decadent, reminiscent of pasta Alfredo with ham. It is low in carbs (4.9 grams net carbs) and high in protein (17.7 grams).
Read also: Delicious Keto Meals
Tips and Variations
- Cut the cabbage into wide egg noodle shapes to enhance the dish's texture.
- Substitute parmesan, romano, or sharp cheddar cheese for asiago.
- Add garlic or Italian seasonings for an Alfredo flavor.
- If you don't have leftover ham, use a ham steak or thick-sliced deli ham.
- Add more cabbage and spinach to increase the serving size, but remember to adjust the nutritional information accordingly.
Quick and Easy Keto Ham and Cheese Casserole
This casserole can be made in a cast-iron skillet in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan and sauté chopped ham until it starts to brown.
- Toss in shredded cabbage and cook for a few minutes until it softens.
- Season with salt, pepper, or any desired seasonings.
- Turn off the heat and fold in shredded cheese.
This recipe is highly customizable. Bacon or leftover pork can be substituted for ham, and any available cheese can be used.
Keto Leftover Ham Recipes
Leftover ham can be used in various creative and delightful dishes, ensuring that no ham goes to waste.
Keto-Friendly Options
- Soups: Creamy Ham and Cabbage Soup, Low Calorie Cauliflower Soup, Keto Pea and Ham Soup, Broccoli Ham and Cheese Soup, Creamy Keto Ham and Vegetable Soup, Keto Ham Poblano Chowder, Low Carb Ham and Cheese Cauliflower Soup, Ham Bone Soup.
- Salads: Jalapeno Ham Salad, Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad, Shiratake Noodles Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad, Keto Egg Salad with Ham and Mayo, Low Carb Layered Ham Salad, Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap.
- Rice Dishes: Low Carb Ham Fried Cauliflower Rice.
- Casseroles: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, Ham Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Broccoli, Keto Creamy Ham and Vegetable Casserole.
- Snacks: Keto Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
- Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Breakfast Burrito Bites, Low Carb Make-Ahead Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, Keto Breakfast Muffins, Keto Ham and Cheese Breakfast Biscuits, Satisfying Keto Breakfast Casserole with ham, peppers, mushrooms and cheese.
Keto Ham and Cauliflower Casserole
This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover ham, combining it with cauliflower in a creamy and rich casserole.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets
- Diced ham
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Glucomannan powder (optional)
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- Pulse half of the cauliflower florets in a food processor until coarsely chopped, then transfer to a large bowl and repeat with the remaining cauliflower.
- Add the ham, half of the cheese, and garlic to the bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and glucomannan powder (if using).
- Fold in the sour cream until well coated.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Considerations
- Chopping the cauliflower into small pieces provides a better texture than using cauliflower rice.
- Glucomannan powder helps to thicken the casserole, preventing it from becoming too watery. Xanthan gum can be used as an alternative.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, as it will be very hot and the filling will thicken as it cools.
Low Carb Cheesy Ham Casserole
This casserole combines ham, broccoli, and a cheesy sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.
Read also: Keto Thanksgiving Recipes
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 cups ham cubes
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 fl. oz cream of mushroom soup
- 2 eggs
- Crunchy Topping (ingredients listed below)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 1/2 quart casserole bowl or pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix vegetables, meat, and 1 cup shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and eggs until smooth in a small mixing bowl.
- Pour sauce over the vegetable/meat mixture and stir to coat.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan or bowl.
- Prepare Crunchy Topping (see below).
- Stir butter into the dry ingredients with a fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
- Bake until golden brown and bubbly.
Crunchy Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Pinch of coarse ground sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Chopped parsley
Variations
- Replace Colby Jack with mozzarella or swiss cheese.
- Substitute chicken for ham.
- Add poultry seasoning to the topping for a stuffing-like taste.
Keto Ham Glaze Recipe
For those looking to prepare a whole ham, a keto-friendly glaze can add an irresistible flavor without the added carbs.
Ingredients
- Lakanto Monkfruit Golden
- Lakanto Sugar-Free Maple Flavored Syrup
- Other spices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Score the ham by making diagonal cuts in the fat.
- Place ham face down in a roasting pan with 3/4 cup of water.
- Cover and tent with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes (adjust time based on the ham's weight).
- In the last 15 minutes of baking, combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a slow boil. Simmer until the glaze thickens.
- Turn the oven to 375 and remove the ham.
- Remove the aluminum foil and baste with half of the glaze. Return to oven for 10 minutes uncovered.
- Remove from the oven and baste with the rest of the glaze. Cook an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 3-5 minutes before carving.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Ham
- Let the ham reach room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
- Tent the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Use a pastry brush to glaze the scored parts of the ham.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven before carving.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Considerations for Ham on Keto
Ham is a cut of pork from the thigh that is usually cured. The suitability of ham for a keto diet depends on how it is processed. Many commercial hams are cured with a brine of salt and sugar, which can add carbs. It's important to read labels and choose hams with the least amount of carbs. Some hams are cured with a salt brine or simply smoked, resulting in 0g of carbs.
Read also: Delicious Vegan Keto Meals