Ham and Potato Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cheddar
A hearty casserole combining smoky ham, tender potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and melted cheddar for a protein-packed dinner. This american-inspired keto ready in about 45 minutes pairs diced ham, peeled and diced yellow potatoes, cottage cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 5, 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 diced ham
- 3 cups peeled and diced yellow potatoes
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil 3 cups peeled and diced yellow potatoes in salted water for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the cooked potatoes, 2 cups diced ham, and 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the cottage cheese mixture. Gently fold to combine.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. Drizzle 2 tbsp melted butter on top.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to set the casserole.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ham and Potato Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cheddar take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Potato Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cheddar?
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 diced ham from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ham and Potato Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cheddar?
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 Potato Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cheddar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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.
What goes well with Ham and Potato Cottage Cheese Casserole with Cheddar?
American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
