Carnivore Cream Cheese Bread (Zero Carbs)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, unsweetened), softened
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (full-fat)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (grass-fed preferred for extra richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffiness)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional, to taste)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme, finely chopped)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by ensuring that all of your ingredients are at room temperature. This is especially important for the cream cheese and eggs, as it helps everything mix together more smoothly and evenly. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour or microwaving it for about 15-20 seconds.
Shred your mozzarella cheese if it isn’t pre-shredded, as freshly shredded cheese often melts better and creates a smoother dough.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. A loaf pan works great for a bread loaf, but you could also use a smaller pan for thicker, biscuit-like slices.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and eggs. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to do this, but an electric mixer will create a smoother texture and make the process faster. Beat them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy with no lumps from the cream cheese. This step is crucial because it ensures your bread will have a smooth, soft texture.
Add the melted butter to the egg and cream cheese mixture. This gives the bread a rich, buttery flavor and helps with the texture. If you’re using garlic powder, add it at this stage as well. The garlic powder will give your bread a subtle, savory flavor that complements the cheese. Add the salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you want to give your bread a slightly herby touch, feel free to add some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, which pair wonderfully with the cheesy flavors.
3. Incorporate the Shredded Cheese:
Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture. It’s best to fold it in gently, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mozzarella cheese adds a lot of structure and stretch to the bread, and it contributes to the soft, cheesy interior once it bakes.
If you’re using baking powder, add it in now. This will help the bread rise a little, giving it a lighter texture. However, if you’re strictly carnivore and prefer to skip the baking powder, don’t worry—this bread will still turn out delicious and rich. The eggs and cheese will provide enough structure for a dense yet soft bread.
4. Bake the Cream Cheese Bread:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Since the dough will be a bit thick, use your spatula to smooth the top and ensure the bread is evenly distributed.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be firm to the touch and have a slightly golden, crisp top. If you prefer a darker, crispier crust, you can leave it in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
5. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is important because the bread will firm up as it cools, and it’ll be easier to slice when it’s not too hot.
Once fully cooled, slice the bread into pieces. Depending on the size of your pan, you should be able to get around 8-10 slices. The bread will be soft and slightly chewy on the inside, with a deliciously crispy outer crust.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Carnivore Cream Cheese Bread as a side to your main carnivore meals, or use it for sandwiches, toast, or even as a base for a cheesy, savory snack. You can spread butter on top or top it with additional cheese for extra richness.
Since this bread has zero carbs, it’s perfect for those on a keto or carnivore diet, and it pairs wonderfully with fatty meats, eggs, or just a generous slathering of butter.
Optional Variations:
- Cheese Variations: If you don’t like mozzarella, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar for a sharper flavor or parmesan for a nuttier taste. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well.
- Spicy Version: If you love spice, add some chili flakes, jalapeño slices, or even hot sauce into the dough for a spicy kick. These additions will pair nicely with the cream cheese and mozzarella.
- Herbed Bread: Try adding more herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the dough for an Italian-inspired flavor profile. Fresh herbs are especially aromatic when baked into the bread.
- Savory Add-Ins: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, sausage crumbles, or diced ham into the bread for a meaty, savory version. Just make sure any meat you add is cooked beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Keep the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The bread will stay moist and delicious when stored properly.
- Freezer: If you want to make this bread in advance, you can freeze slices individually. Place them in a ziplock bag with parchment paper between the slices to avoid sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition (Approximate per slice, based on 10 slices total):
- Calories: 170-200 calories per slice
- Fat: 15-17g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbs: 0g (zero carbs!)
This Carnivore Cream Cheese Bread is a wonderful bread alternative that’s satisfying, high in healthy fats, and completely free of carbs, making it perfect for those following a strict carnivore or keto diet. Whether you enjoy it with a hearty meal, as a snack, or with a bit of butter, this bread will satisfy your cravings for something filling and indulgent. Enjoy!
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