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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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Ham: Stir the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and diced ham into the egg mixture.
  5. Mix Together: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chives if using.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Storage Methods

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: This cake can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Different Cheeses: Try using other types of cheese like Gouda, Swiss, or  Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.

Benefits of Ingredients

  • Almond Flour: Low in carbs and high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein, almond flour is a nutritious alternative to wheat flour.
  • Cheese: Provides a good source of calcium, protein, and essential fats. Aged cheeses also contain beneficial bacteria for gut health.
  • Ham: A lean source of protein and important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc.
  • Eggs: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, eggs are a versatile and nutritious ingredient.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and moisture to the cake while contributing beneficial probiotics.

This Savory Low-Carb Ham and Cheese Cake is not only delicious but also aligns with dietary goals for those following a low-carb lifestyle. Enjoy this savory treat with the confidence that it supports your nutritional needs without compromising on flavor.

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