Carnivore Cheese Buns

Yield: 6 buns
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Recipe Intensity: Easy

This recipe is perfect for beginners. It requires no special skills, just a bit of arm strength for stirring and a watchful eye during baking. The process is straightforward: melt, mix, shape, and bake.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (224g) shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works best)

• 2 oz (56g) cream cheese, cubed

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup (28g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for structure and flavor)

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Variation:

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Everything Bagel Seasoning for topping

• A pinch of salt (cheeses are often salty enough, but taste the dough)

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized microwave-safe bowl (or a saucepan for the stovetop)

• Mixing spoon or spatula

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat

• Measuring cups

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step, as a hot oven is needed for the buns to puff up and develop a nice crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Do not grease the sheet, as the cheese provides enough fat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Cheese Base

In your microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cubed cream cheese. Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, pausing to stir every 30 seconds. The goal is to have the cheeses completely melted and combined into a smooth, stringy mass. Be careful not to overheat, as the cheese can become tough.

Stovetop Method: If you don’t have a microwave, combine the cheeses in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, then immediately remove from the heat.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Parmesan

Let the hot cheese mixture cool for a minute or two. This is important! If the cheese is too hot, it will cook the egg on contact, leading to a lumpy dough. Add the egg and the finely grated Parmesan cheese (and any optional seasonings) to the bowl.

Now, this is the “arm workout” part. Use a spatula or spoon to vigorously mix everything together. At first, it will seem messy and impossible, but keep stirring. The mixture will slowly come together into a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. You can also use your hands (lightly oiled if necessary) to knead it for a minute to ensure everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. A kitchen scale is helpful here for uniformity, but you can also eyeball it. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly into a bun shape, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. If you’re using Everything Bagel Seasoning or extra Parmesan, now is the time to sprinkle it on top and press it in gently.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Watch for the buns to become a beautiful golden brown on top and around the edges. They should feel firm to the touch. The browning is key for both flavor and structure.

Step 6: Cool Completely

This is the hardest but most important step! Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10-15 minutes. As they cool, they will firm up significantly. If you try to cut into them while they are hot, they may seem gummy or fall apart. Patience is rewarded with the perfect bun texture.

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Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Once completely cooled, store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: These buns freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheating: To restore the fresh-baked texture and crisp exterior, reheat the buns in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them rubbery.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate, per bun)

• Calories: ~180 kcal

• Total Fat: ~13g

  • Saturated Fat: ~8g

• Protein: ~14g

• Total Carbohydrates: ~2g

  • Dietary Fiber: ~0g

  • Sugars: ~1g

  • Net Carbs: ~2g

• Cholesterol: ~65mg

• Sodium: ~350mg

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of cheese you use.

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Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions

Carnivore Cheese Buns are more than just a diet food; they are a genuinely delicious and satisfying bread alternative. Their neutral, cheesy flavor makes them incredibly versatile.

• The Ultimate Carnivore Burger: Use two buns for a classic burger experience with a beef patty, a slice of cheddar, and maybe even a fried egg.

• Breakfast Sandwich: Slice a bun in half, toast it, and layer it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a sausage patty.

• Side “Bread” for Soups and Stews: Their sturdy texture is perfect for dipping into a hearty bone broth or chili.

• Mini Pizza Crust: Flatten the dough balls into smaller, thinner rounds and pre-bake for 8 minutes. Then, add sugar-free pizza sauce, more cheese, and pepperoni for a personal carnivore pizza.

This recipe proves that a restrictive diet doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. So, preheat that oven and get ready to bake your way to carnivore bliss