Low-Carb Savory Ham and Cheese Cake

The Story Behind the Recipe

The Savory Low-Carb Ham and Cheese Cake is a culinary creation that brings together the rich flavors of ham and cheese in a delightfully unexpected form. This dish was born out of a desire to enjoy a savory cake that fits within a low-carb diet, perfect for those who are watching their carbohydrate intake but still crave something indulgent. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even as a light dinner. The inspiration came from the classic quiche but with a twist, making it more cake-like and portable, ideal for picnics or potlucks.

Key Considerations

When preparing this Savory Low-Carb Ham and Cheese Cake, several key points should be kept in mind to ensure the best results:

1. Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor. Aged cheeses tend to have a more intense flavor, which can elevate the dish.
2. Texture Balance: The right balance of wet and dry ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect cake-like texture without it being too dense or too crumbly.
3. Low-Carb Focus: Ensure all ingredients are low-carb to keep the dish within dietary constraints. This includes checking labels for hidden sugars and carbs.
4. Baking Time and Temperature: Proper baking time and temperature are essential to ensure the cake is cooked through without drying out.

Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like eggs and cheese to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure even incorporation and a smoother batter.
• Grating Cheese: Freshly grate your cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• Uniform Ham Pieces: Cut the ham into uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistency in every bite.
• Seasoning: Taste your batter before baking to adjust seasoning, remembering that cheese and ham can be quite salty on their own.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups almond flour
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced ham
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)