Cheesy Cauliflower With Ham Casserole (Low-Carb)

This nutritious cheesy cauliflower with ham casserole comes together in a snap and is a great way to use up ham leftovers. 

Sometimes when you make a ham, there are enough leftovers to make a whole new meal the next day. Yesterday, I made a delicious ham for dinner, and I had two pounds of ham leftover! 

What can you do with leftover ham?

In the past, I’ve made Gluten Free Ham Tetrazzini when I’ve had leftovers. But this time I decided to make a nutritious low-carb cheesy cauliflower with ham casserole.

Doesn’t that sound amazing?

And just wait until you taste it. Delicious roasted cauliflower topped with sweet chunks of ham that are tossed with cream cheese and parmesan and all smothered in Muenster cheese.

You’re going to love this three-cheese casserole. The inspiration for this sauce came from my beloved Mini Spinach Pies With Cauliflower Crust and Gluten Free Spinach Pie (With or Without Crust).

I just couldn’t resist blending those flavors into this cozy casserole!

Now, it’s become a part of my line up of pork recipes — perfect for when I want something hearty, flavorful and low carb!

Want more low carb? Take a look at our low-carb recipes and guides that uphold your low-carb goals without sacrificing flavor, keeping you content and on the right path.

But, first, there are two important things you should know when cooking cauliflower so we get this recipe just right.

How to make sure your cauliflower casserole doesn’t end up watery

When cauliflower is boiled or steamed and then cooked slowly in a casserole, it releases a lot of water. This can make the whole dish a watery mess.

To avoid watery casserole, we’ll flash roast our cauliflower so the excess water is cooked off. Bite-size florets will cook through and get nice and browned which intensifies their flavor.

Which oil is best for roasting vegetables?

Refined avocado oil is highly nutritious and loaded with antioxidants. Read all about its health benefits here. It’s very heat stable with one of the highest smoke points (that’s the point where oil starts to smoke and burn).

It’s one of the best possible oils for roasting at high temperatures. And that’s why I recommend avocado oil for this recipe.

O.K. Ready to make it? Let’s go.

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Vegetable

• Cauliflower: cut into bite-size florets  
• Avocado oil: to roast the cauliflower

Meat

• Fully cooked ham: adds savory protein and a delicious smoky flavor

Three cheeses

• Cream cheese: brings creaminess and a tangy flavor, binding the ingredients together
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty, nutty flavor
• Muenster cheese: melts beautifully, bringing a gooey texture and mild flavor to the casserole

Flavor enhancers

• Garlic powder
• Salt and Pepper
• Paprika and parsley for garnish

Step by step instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post. 

First, wash and dry your cauliflower. Then cut cauliflower florets into bitesize pieces.

Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. And season with salt and pepper.

Spread florets on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. Then turn florets over (I use tongs) and roast for 5-10 more minutes.

Now don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or your cauliflower could get mushy and won’t cook evenly.

Meanwhile, soften cream cheese in your skillet over a low flame. Flavor with garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese.

Then toss with your bite-size chunks of ham for about 5 more minutes.

Now, cover the bottom of the casserole dish with Muenster cheese slices. Fill with your roasted cauliflower. Then top with your ham and cheese mixture. Finally, cover with another layer of Muenster cheese slices.

Now that your casserole is assembled, finish it off under the broiler until the cheese is melted.

Serving suggestions

I didn’t get a picture, but sprinkling some vivid red paprika on top along with parsley for a pop of color, brightens up this casserole and definitely adds more flavor to this dish. 

Pair with a light mixed greens salad dressed with an Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast or Coleslaw With Sugar-Free Dressing and pickles for a tangy kick that cuts through the richness.

Pro tips and recipe notes

What type of ham should I use? Fully cooked ham is ideal. If you don’t have leftover holiday ham, you can make this recipe with a 2-3 pound fully cooked boneless ham depending on how many people you have to serve. Just cut it up into bite-size pieces.

Can I substitute the ham in this casserole with chicken or turkey? Absolutely! This recipe will be delicious if you swap out the ham for cooked chicken or turkey, making it a versatile option for different preferences or leftovers.

Can I add other cheeses? Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorites, like cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.

How spicy is this dish? It’s not spicy at all. If you like some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to three days and reheats nicely.

Am I making you hungry? Here’s one more look at this scrumptious dish.

Cheesy cauliflower with ham casserole: a nutritious and fun way to enjoy ham leftovers.

I can’t wait for you to try this. And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email, and I’ll respond ASAP!

More delicious recipes for you

Turkey Cordon Bleu – Another great way  to use up leftover ham! My light version of gluten free turkey cordon bleu is baked rather than fried. Then slice each roulade to reveal spirals of moist breaded turkey, melted cheese and ribbons of sweet thin-sliced ham.

Frittata With Ham – This nutritious naturally gluten free frittata with ham comes together fast and is a great way to use up ham leftovers. 

Gluten Free Cauliflower Flatbreads Serve warm from the skillet and piled with your favorite toppings.

Creamy Cauliflower Mash – You can make cauliflower mash taste just like mashed potatoes. Promise. I think you’re going to love this low-carb recipe.

Tastiest Low-Carb Keto Stuffed Cabbage – In this recipe, we swap minced cauliflower in place of breadcrumbs.  So whether you’re cutting out grains because of allergies, reducing carbs because you want to lower your insulin response, trying to lose those extra pounds, or you’re just looking for a super delicious comfort food, this stuffed cabbage is just what you need! 

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Cheesy Cauliflower With Ham Casserole (Low-Carb)

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Cheesy cauliflower with ham casserole is a nutritious and fun way to enjoy ham leftovers.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 484kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a head of cauliflower
• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese
• 2 pounds of fully cooked ham cut into bite-size pieces
• 10 slices of muenster cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• dash of pepper
• paprika
• parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450℉

  Wash and dry your cauliflower. Then cut cauliflower florets into bitesize pieces.
  1/2 of a head of cauliflower
• To avoid watery casserole, we’ll flash roast our cauliflower so the excess water is cooked off. Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes.

  Then turn florets over (I use tongs) and roast for 5-10 more minutes. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or your cauliflower could get mushy and won’t cook evenly.
  2 tablespoons of avocado oil
• Meanwhile, soften cream cheese in your skillet over a low flame. Flavor with a 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, a 1/4 teaspoon of salt a dash of pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese.

  Then toss with your bite-size chunks of ham for about 5 more minutes.
  8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, dash of pepper, 2 pounds of fully cooked ham
• Cover the bottom of the casserole dish with 4 muenster cheese slices. Fill with your roasted cauliflower. Top with you ham and cheese mixture.

  Finally, cover with another layer of 6 slices of muenster cheese.

  Now set your oven to broiling mode.

  Finish off under the broiler for 3-4 minutes. Since oven temperatures vary, be sure that your cheese doesn't burn.

  Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with parsley, serve and enjoy.
  10 slices of muenster cheese

Notes

What type of ham should I use? Fully cooked ham is ideal. If you don't have leftover holiday ham, you can make this recipe with a 2-3 pound fully cooked boneless ham depending on how many people you have to serve. Just cut it up into bite-size pieces.

Can I substitute the ham in this casserole with chicken or turkey? Absolutely! This recipe will be delicious if you swap out the ham for cooked chicken or turkey, making it a versatile option for different preferences or leftovers.

Can I add other cheeses? Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorites, like cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.

How spicy is this dish? It’s not spicy at all. If you like some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to three days and reheats nicely.

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.3g

did you make this recipe? We want to see! Take a pic, and tag @glutenfreehomestead on Instagram.