For those following a low-carb lifestyle, this keto egg casserole is a delightful way to start your day. Packed with protein and rich flavors, it's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of eggs, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese creates a creamy texture, while the diced ham adds a savory touch. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that heavy cream is not a staple in every household. It's a key ingredient that adds richness and creaminess to the casserole, so be sure to pick some up at the supermarket if you don't have it on hand. Additionally, while diced ham is commonly available, you can substitute it with other proteins like cooked bacon or sausage if preferred. The cheddar cheese can also be swapped with any shredded cheese of your choice, allowing for some flexibility based on what's available.
Ingredients For Keto Egg Casserole Recipe
Eggs: The base of the casserole, providing structure and protein.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully.
Diced ham: Provides a savory, meaty element to the casserole.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Dish
To enhance the flavor of your keto egg casserole, consider sautéing the diced ham in a bit of butter before adding it to the mixture. This step will add a rich, savory depth to the dish. Additionally, if you prefer a bit of texture, try incorporating some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. These can be lightly sautéed as well to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness. Remember to adjust the seasoning if you add extra ingredients to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. This provides a similar binding effect and is suitable for a keto diet.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is low in carbs and provides a rich, creamy texture, making it a great keto alternative.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is a mild cheese that melts well and is low in carbs, suitable for a keto diet.
diced ham - Substitute with cooked bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor and is low in carbs, making it a perfect keto substitute.
salt - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can enhance the flavor profile without adding carbs, suitable for a keto diet.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick and is low in carbs, making it a good keto alternative.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the keto egg casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the casserole soggy.
For short-term storage, slice the casserole into individual portions. Place each slice in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you plan to enjoy the casserole later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each portion tightly with aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to savor your keto egg casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the delightful texture.
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, use the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
If you're feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce before reheating to elevate the flavors.
Remember, the key to a perfect reheated casserole is to maintain its creamy texture and savory taste, so avoid reheating too many times.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover keto egg casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a slice of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it's hot.
If you prefer a crispy edge, try reheating it in a skillet. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of the casserole in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it's warmed through and the edges are slightly crispy.
For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the casserole slice in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a delightful texture with a bit of crispiness on the outside.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to whisk together the eggs and heavy cream and to mix in the cheese, ham, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the eggs and heavy cream to create a smooth mixture.
Baking dish: A greased dish where the egg mixture is poured and baked to form the casserole.
Measuring cup: Used to accurately measure the heavy cream and shredded cheese.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and black pepper precisely.
Knife: Used for dicing the ham into small, even pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for dicing the ham.
Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and removing it once baked.
Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the ham and shred the cheese in advance to streamline assembly.
Use a blender: Blend the eggs and heavy cream together for a smoother mixture and faster prep.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Non-stick spray: Use it on the baking dish to save time on cleanup.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating as you gather ingredients to save waiting time.
Keto Egg Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, diced ham, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Pancake Casserole Recipe45 Minutes
- Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Wake Up Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Sausage and Egg Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Egg White Breakfast Casserole Recipe45 Minutes
- Ham and Egg Breakfast Bake Recipe45 Minutes
Leave a Reply