Introduction

When you think of cake, sweet desserts usually come to mind—but in the world of low-carb and keto eating, a savory cake can be the star of your table. This Keto Low-Carb Savory Ham and Cheese Cake is a rich, protein-packed, gluten-free dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunchboxes, or even light dinners. Think of it as a cheesy quiche-meets-frittata in loaf form, but without the carbs from crusts or flours.

Loaded with diced ham, shredded cheese, and aromatic herbs, this cake is fluffy, moist, and incredibly flavorful. Best of all, it’s made with simple keto staples like eggs, almond flour, and heavy cream—no complicated steps or rare ingredients. Whether you’re prepping ahead for the week or entertaining guests, this savory cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low in carbs, high in protein and healthy fats
  • Perfect for keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets
  • Versatile—serve warm or cold, anytime of day
  • Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
  • Family-approved and kid-friendly

Ingredients (Makes 8 slices)

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 1/4 cups (140 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Swiss, gouda, etc.)
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced cooked ham (sugar-free, low-carb)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon coconut flour (optional for texture)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for moisture and richness)

Optional Toppings: Extra cheese on top, or sprinkle with flaxseed or sesame seeds before baking for texture.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Silicone or nonstick loaf pan (9×5-inch)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Oven (preheated to 350°F / 175°C)
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A silicone pan also works well and avoids sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk until fully beaten. Add the heavy cream and melted butter, and whisk again until well combined. This forms the moist base of your savory cake.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, mix the almond flour, (optional) coconut flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute all dry components.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet egg mixture until a smooth batter forms. It should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Ham

Fold in the shredded cheese, diced ham, and chopped chives or green onions. Stir until evenly distributed in the batter. This is where the flavor magic begins.

Step 6: Pour Into Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra cheese or seeds on top if using.

Step 7: Bake

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes, then carefully lift or invert it onto a cooling rack. Slice into 8 even servings and enjoy warm, or store for later.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 260
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.2 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Net Carbs: 2.2 g
  • Sugar: <1 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg

Macros are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements used.

Keto and Low-Carb Benefits

This savory ham and cheese cake is ideal for low-carb lifestyles due to its:

  • Low net carb count (just 2–3g per slice)
  • High fat content to support ketosis
  • Protein from eggs and ham to promote satiety
  • Zero refined sugars and no gluten

Using almond flour and coconut flour helps reduce blood sugar spikes and supports better digestion for those sensitive to grains.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap slices individually in parchment and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave slices for 30–60 seconds or warm in a skillet or oven.

This dish is ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts, packed lunches, or quick snacks throughout the week.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

  1. Cheese Swaps: Use Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, gouda, or feta for a twist in flavor.
  2. Meat Options: Substitute ham with cooked bacon, sausage, turkey, or leftover roast chicken.
  3. Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños, paprika, or chili flakes for heat.
  5. Add Texture: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of flaxseed or chia seeds to increase fiber.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
  • Pair with a side salad or sautéed greens for a complete meal.
  • Slice into cubes for party platters or keto-friendly appetizers.
  • Add a poached egg on top for a gourmet keto brunch.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t Overbake: Check for doneness starting at 35 minutes to avoid dryness.
  • Use Room Temp Eggs: They mix more evenly with cream and butter.
  • Let it Rest: Allow cooling time to avoid crumbling and help flavors settle.
  • Grease well: Almond flour cakes can stick—use parchment or nonstick pans.
  • Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley or dill for extra flavor and freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It’s dense and satisfying without being heavy, and it aligns with keto principles by prioritizing fats, protein, and minimal carbs. You don’t need fancy techniques or ingredients—just a few staples and a little time.

It’s also extremely flexible. Whether you enjoy it warm for breakfast or cold as a mid-day snack, it always delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Final Thoughts

The Keto Low-Carb Savory Ham and Cheese Cake is a wonderful way to enjoy the richness and satisfaction of baked comfort food without breaking your carb limit. It’s ideal for keto dieters, gluten-free lifestyles, or anyone looking to cut down on refined carbs without giving up great taste.

This dish can be as humble or as elevated as you like. Dress it up with gourmet cheese and fresh herbs, or keep it simple for quick weekday fuel. No matter how you serve it, it’s bound to be a favorite in your low-carb kitchen.