š„©Ā Carnivore Calzone
A rich, cheesy, meaty pocket of flavorāthisĀ carnivore calzoneĀ is like pizza without the carbs. Instead of dough, we use a cheese-and-egg crust to wrap around a savory meat and cheese filling. Itās comforting, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
šĀ Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the āCrustā:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling (customizable):
- ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 cup cooked ground beef, sausage, or pepperoni
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional, omit if strict carnivore)
š„Ā Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the crust:
- In a bowl, mix eggs and mozzarella until smooth.
- Spread the mixture into a thin oval/rectangle shape on the parchment paper.
- Bake for 8ā10 minutes, until set but still pliable.
- Prepare the filling:
- In another bowl, mix cooked meat, ricotta/cream cheese (if using), and extra shredded cheese.
- Assemble the calzone:
- Place filling on one side of the crust, leaving edges clear.
- Fold the crust over to form a half-moon. Seal edges by pressing gently.
- Bake againĀ for 10ā12 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
š“Ā Notes
- Mozzarella is best for the crust because it melts smoothly and holds together.
- Filling can be adjustedāground beef, pulled chicken, bacon, or a mix all work well.
- Adding ricotta makes it more like a traditional calzone, but itās optional for stricter carnivores.
š”Ā Tips
- For a crispier crust, broil the calzone for the last 2 minutes.
- Make mini calzones by dividing the crust mixture into smaller portions.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- If the crust tears while folding, just patch with extra cheeseāit will melt and seal.
š½ļøĀ Servings
- MakesĀ 2 medium calzonesĀ orĀ 4 mini calzones.
š¢Ā Nutritional Info (per serving, ½ calzone ā using beef & mozzarella)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~32g
- Fat: ~30g
- Carbs: 0ā1g (trace, from cheese)
ā Ā Benefits
- Zero-carb comfort foodĀ ā a pizza-like meal without flour.
- Protein-packedĀ ā keeps you full and energized.
- CustomizableĀ ā fill with your favorite meats and cheeses.
- Meal-prep friendlyĀ ā reheats well, great for busy weeks.
āĀ Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even bacon works.
Q: Can I freeze these calzones?
A: Yesāwrap individually and freeze. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Q: Is ricotta carnivore-friendly?
A: Many carnivores enjoy it; if youāre strict, just skip it and stick to hard cheeses.
Q: Can I add sauce?
A: Traditional tomato sauce isnāt carnivore, but you can dip in melted butter, cream sauce, or even egg yolk.
Q: Does the crust taste like real dough?
A: Not exactlyāitās cheesy and eggy, but once filled and baked, it gives a very satisfying āpizza pocketā feel.
