Ham and Cottage Cheese High-Protein Casserole
A cozy baked dish combining smoky ham, creamy cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar for a protein-rich, comforting meal. This american-inspired keto (keto, high protein) ready in about 55 minutes pairs cooked diced ham, cottage cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, cooked diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, finely diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups cooked diced ham, sautéed onions, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the egg mixture and fold gently.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until set and golden on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ham and Cottage Cheese High-Protein Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ham and Cottage Cheese High-Protein Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked diced ham from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ham and Cottage Cheese High-Protein Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ham and Cottage Cheese High-Protein Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Ham and Cottage Cheese High-Protein Casserole keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
