Carnivore pizza

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Medium (requires multi-tasking)

Servings: 2-3

A Culinary Revolution on a Plate

Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza. Welcome to the frontier of low-carb, high-fat, and protein-packed eating with the Carnivore Pizza. This isn’t just a “cauliflower crust” alternative; this is a fundamental reimagining of a classic, built entirely from the animal kingdom.

Born from the needs of those on the Carnivore, Keto, or any grain-free diet, this pizza satisfies that deep-seated craving for a cheesy, savory, handheld meal without any of the inflammatory ingredients found in traditional dough. The magic lies in the crust—a golden, sturdy, and surprisingly pliable base made from ground meat and egg. Topped with a simple yet luxurious cheese sauce and a generous layer of crispy pepperoni, every bite is a testament to the fact that you don’t need plants to create something truly delicious and deeply satisfying.

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Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving, serves 2)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium Mixing Bowl

• Parchment Paper (essential for preventing sticking)

• Rimmed Baking Sheet or Pizza Pan

• Small Saucepan

• Whisk

• Spatula

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Ingredients

For the Meat Crust:

• 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend is ideal for fat and flavor)

• 1 large Egg

• 1/2 cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (optional, for those not on strict carnivore)

• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder (optional)

• 1/2 tsp Salt

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (optional)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

• 4 oz (115g) Cream Cheese, softened

• 1 cup (100g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• 1/4 cup (25g) Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Pinch of Salt

For the Toppings:

• 30-40 slices Pepperoni

• 1 cup (100g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (for extra cheesiness)

• Optional Garnish: Freshly chopped chives or parsley (if you allow herbs).

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Instructions

Part 1: Crafting the Perfect Meat Crust

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial first step to ensure the oven is hot enough to cook the meat crust evenly. Take a rimmed baking sheet and line it completely with a sheet of parchment paper. Do not use wax paper or grease the pan directly, as the crust will stick.

2. Combine the Crust Ingredients: In your medium mixing bowl, add the ground beef, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and all seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder if using). Using your hands is the most effective tool here. Mix everything thoroughly until it is completely combined and has a uniform, almost paste-like consistency. The egg and cheese act as the binders that will hold your crust together.

3. Form the Pizza Base: Transfer the meat mixture onto the center of your parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your hands or a spatula, press the meat out into a thin, even circle or rectangle, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure it cooks evenly. For a classic pizza experience, you can press up the edges slightly to form a thicker “crust” border.

4. Par-Bake the Crust: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The crust should be fully cooked, firm to the touch, and releasing its juices. The edges will be slightly browned. Once done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Tip: If a large amount of fat has rendered out, you can carefully tilt the pan and soak it up with a paper towel for a crispier final crust.

Part 2: Preparing the Luxurious Cheese Sauce

While the crust is baking, start your sauce. This is where the multi-tasking “medium” intensity comes in, but it’s simple to master.

1. Melt the Base: In your small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese. Heat gently, whisking continuously, until the cream cheese has completely melted into the cream and the mixture is smooth and bubbling slightly.

2. Incorporate the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Continue to whisk constantly until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and uniform. This should only take 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. It will thicken further as it cools.

Part 3: Assembling and Final Bake

1. Sauce the Crust: Using a spoon or spatula, spread the warm cheese sauce evenly over the fully cooked meat crust, leaving a small border around the edge for your “crust.”

2. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, artfully arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer (or double layer for extra crispiness!) across the entire pizza.

3. The Final Bake: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to develop those beautiful golden spots. The pepperoni will also become crispy and curl at the edges.

4. Rest and Serve: This is a vital step! Once out of the oven, let the pizza rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. This allows the fats to settle and the structure to firm up, making it much easier to slice and hold. After resting, slice it into wedges or squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

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Chef’s Notes & Final Thoughts

• Customize Your Toppings: The carnivore world is your oyster! Before the final bake, try adding cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, grilled chicken pieces, or even some crumbled sausage. For a “Supreme” version, add them all!

• Crispy Crust Tip: For an extra-crispy crust, after the initial par-bake, you can flip the crust over (carefully, using a second sheet of parchment) and bake for another 3-5 minutes before adding toppings.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results, as the microwave can make the crust slightly soft.

The Carnivore Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It proves that dietary restrictions can lead to culinary creativity. So, preheat your oven, embrace the sizzle, and get ready to experience a pizza that is unapologetically, deliciously, carnivore.