Carnivore Mac and Cheese Recipe

Carnivore Mac and Cheese Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 562 calories per serving. Recipe by CarnivorousChef on YouTube.

Prep: 21 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 59 min

Cost: $19.63 total, $4.91 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Plain Pork Rinds (ground into a fine powder)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
  • 3 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken (lean, fresh)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
  • 3 oz Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
  • 0.5 tsp Dijon Mustard (optional, acts as emulsifier)
  • 3 tbsp Kosher Salt (for boiling water, plus to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Additional Cheddar Cheese (shredded, for topping the sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Scallions (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pork Rind Topping

    Place 1 oz plain pork rinds in the food processor and pulse for about 30 seconds until a fine powder forms. Transfer to a bowl, add 1/4 tsp black pepper and 3 tbsp grated Parmesan, toss to combine, and set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Make Chicken Gnocchi Mixture

    Add 1 lb ground chicken and 2 large eggs to the food processor. Process for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Chill the Gnocchi Dough

    Spoon the chicken‑egg mixture into a gallon‑size Ziplock bag, seal, and press out excess air. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 10‑15 minutes to firm up.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

    Set up a double boiler. Warm 1 cup heavy cream in the heat‑safe bowl until just warm to the touch. Gradually whisk in 3 oz shredded cheddar, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Add 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Cook the Chicken Gnocchi

    Fill a non‑stick skillet with about 4 cups water, add 3 tbsp kosher salt, and bring to a medium‑high boil. Hold the chilled bag over the water, apply even pressure to pipe out thin ribbons of dough, and use a fork or spoon to cut them into bite‑size pieces. Cook for 2‑3 minutes, flipping once, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all dough is used.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Combine Gnocchi with Sauce

    Transfer the cooked gnocchi back to the skillet, pour the cheese sauce over them, and sprinkle an additional 2 tbsp shredded cheddar. Gently fold until the gnocchi are evenly coated and the extra cheese begins to melt.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Broil with Pork Rind Topping

    Transfer the cheesy gnocchi mixture to a small cast‑iron pan or baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared pork‑rind topping over the surface. Place under a high broiler for 4‑8 minutes, watching closely until the topping is golden and crisp.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high broil

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Remove from the oven, let rest 1 minute, then garnish with chopped scallions. Serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
562
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
40 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: High protein, Low carb, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Cheese, Pork

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Carnivore Mac and Cheese Recipe

Recipe by CarnivorousChef

A high‑protein twist on classic mac and cheese using chicken gnocchi, a creamy cheddar‑cream sauce, and a crunchy pork‑rind topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s low‑carb and full of flavor.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.63
Total cost
$4.91
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Grinding pork rinds into a fine powder
  • Processing ground chicken and eggs into a smooth gnocchi mixture
  • Chilling the gnocchi dough before cooking
  • Creating a smooth, non‑grainy cheese sauce
  • Cooking the chicken gnocchi just until set
  • Broiling the pork‑rind topping to a crisp golden finish

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw ground chicken with care; wash hands and sanitize surfaces.
  • Cook the gnocchi until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Heavy cream and hot cheese sauce can cause burns—use oven mitts and stir slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of mac and cheese in American cuisine?

A

Mac and cheese originated in the United States in the early 1800s after Thomas Jefferson introduced pasta and cheese recipes from Europe. It became a staple comfort food during the Great Depression and remains a beloved dish at family gatherings and school cafeterias.

cultural
Q

How did pork rinds become a popular topping for Southern comfort dishes?

A

Pork rinds, or chicharrón, have long been used in Southern cooking as a crunchy, low‑carb alternative to breadcrumbs. Their salty, porky flavor pairs well with rich sauces, making them a favorite topping for casseroles and mac and cheese in low‑carb and keto circles.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?

A

In the South, mac and cheese often includes sharp cheddar and a breadcrumb or pork‑rind crust. In New England, a béchamel‑based sauce with Gruyère is common. The Midwest favors a baked, creamy version with a crunchy topping, while the West Coast experiments with added proteins like chicken or lobster.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Mac and cheese is a go‑to dish for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday side dishes (especially Thanksgiving), and comfort‑food cravings during colder months. It’s also popular at school lunches and backyard barbecues.

cultural
Q

How does chicken gnocchi mac and cheese fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

This recipe blends classic American mac and cheese with a protein‑rich chicken gnocchi, offering a low‑carb, high‑protein twist that still delivers the creamy, cheesy indulgence people love. It reflects the modern American trend of elevating comfort foods with healthier ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?

A

Traditional mac and cheese uses elbow pasta, butter, flour, milk, and cheddar. In this version, the pasta is replaced by chicken gnocchi, butter is omitted, and heavy cream provides richness. Acceptable substitutes include ground turkey for chicken, half‑and‑half for cream, and mozzarella for cheddar.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with this chicken gnocchi mac and cheese?

A

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple coleslaw. A light fruit dessert such as apple crisp balances the richness of the casserole.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken gnocchi mac and cheese?

A

Common errors include over‑processing the chicken mixture, overcooking the gnocchi, adding cheese to the sauce too quickly (causing graininess), and broiling the topping too long, which can burn the pork‑rind crust.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a food processor instead of a traditional gnocchi‑making board and rolling pin?

A

The food processor creates a uniformly smooth chicken‑egg mixture quickly, eliminating the need for kneading and shaping by hand. This method ensures a consistent texture and speeds up preparation for a home kitchen.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken gnocchi mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the pork‑rind topping and cheese sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the raw gnocchi mixture chilled, then cook and assemble just before serving. Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel CarnivorousChef specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel CarnivorousChef, hosted by Reed, focuses on high‑protein, meat‑centric recipes that blend comfort food flavors with creative twists, often featuring unconventional protein preparations and bold seasoning.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel CarnivorousChef's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

CarnivorousChef emphasizes protein‑rich adaptations, such as using ground chicken gnocchi or pork‑rind crusts, while many other channels stick to traditional carbohydrate‑heavy versions. Reed also shares detailed technique tips, like grinding pork rinds in a food processor, that cater to low‑carb and keto audiences.

channel

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