Carnivore Cheese Balls Recipe

Carnivore Cheese Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional but delicious)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional, for garnish)

• Beef or pork salami slices (optional, for coating)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, heavy cream (if using), and melted butter.

   • Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a spoon for a more rustic texture.

   • Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well incorporated.

2. Add Bacon (Optional):

   • If you’re using bacon, add the crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture and mix until evenly distributed. This adds extra richness and flavor.

3. Form the Cheese Balls:

   • Once the mixture is well-combined, use your hands to form small, bite-sized cheese balls. You can make them as large or small as you like, but a standard size is about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Coat the Cheese Balls (Optional):

   • If you’d like to coat your cheese balls for extra flavor, you can roll them in finely chopped salami slices, more crumbled bacon, or even additional grated Parmesan.

   • Another option is to roll them in some fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for a touch of color and flavor.

5. Chill the Cheese Balls:

   • Place the cheese balls on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to firm up. This helps them hold their shape and enhances the flavor.

6. Serve:

   • Once chilled, serve the cheese balls on a platter. They can be served alone as a snack, or alongside sliced meats, pickles, or even more cheese for an ultimate carnivore snack experience.

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Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to switch up the cheese blend by adding gouda, mozzarella, or any other hard cheese you enjoy.

• Spices: You can experiment with different spices, such as cayenne pepper, dill, or Italian seasoning, to suit your tastes.

• Storage: These cheese balls will last about 4–5 days in the refrigerator, so you can make them ahead of time.