High-Protein Ham and Cottage Cheese Bake
A comforting casserole packed with smoky ham, creamy cottage cheese, and melted cheddar for a high-protein keto-friendly dinner. This keto (high protein, keto) ready in about 35 minutes pairs 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups diced ham, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does High-Protein Ham and Cottage Cheese Bake take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 High-Protein Ham and Cottage Cheese Bake?
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 High-Protein Ham and Cottage Cheese Bake?
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 High-Protein Ham and Cottage Cheese Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 High-Protein Ham and Cottage Cheese Bake high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
