| Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes |
| Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 slices |
| Recipe Intensity: Low | Diet: Carnivore, Keto, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free |
The Last of the Recipe
This Zero Carb Carnivore Bread is the ultimate solution for anyone following a strict carnivore or very low-carb ketogenic diet. It’s the last bread recipe you’ll ever need because it perfectly replicates the soft, slightly springy texture of sandwich bread using only animal-based ingredients. Say goodbye to cravings and hello to a satisfying, nutrient-dense “bread” that aligns perfectly with your health goals. It toasts beautifully, holds up to butter and toppings, and provides a fantastic vehicle for your favorite carnivore-friendly fillings like pulled pork, sliced roast beef, or a simple pat of high-quality butter.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (approx. 110g) finely grated parmesan cheese
- 4 oz (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (approx. 55g) unflavored whey protein isolate (or egg white powder)
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
Equipment Needed
- 8×4 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Wire cooling rack
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preparation (Time: 5 minutes | Intensity: Low)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial first step, as the batter comes together quickly and needs to go into a properly heated oven to rise correctly.
While the oven is heating, prepare your loaf pan. Grease the entire interior of an 8×4 inch loaf pan with a small amount of butter. Then, line it with a strip of parchment paper that covers the bottom and long sides, leaving an overhang. This “sling” will make removing the baked bread incredibly easy and prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Combining the Wet Ingredients (Time: 3 minutes | Intensity: Low)
In the large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter. Using an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat these together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free. This should take about 1 minute.
Next, add the four room-temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Room-temperature eggs blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother consistency. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point, which is perfectly normal.
Step 3: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients (Time: 2 minutes | Intensity: Low)
In the medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: finely grated parmesan cheese, whey protein isolate, baking powder, and optional salt. Whisking them together first ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for a uniform rise.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, pour in the 1/4 cup of warm water. The warm water helps thin the batter slightly and activates the baking powder. Mix on low for another 15-20 seconds until the batter is smooth and homogenous. It will be thicker than a traditional cake batter but should be easily pourable.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection (Time: 25 minutes | Intensity: Low – Passive)
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners and smooth the top.
Step 5: Cooling and Slicing (Time: 30+ minutes | Intensity: Low – Passive)
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the structure to set.
After 10 minutes, carefully use the parchment paper sling to lift the bread completely out of the pan. Place it directly on the wire rack to cool completely. This step is non-negotiable for the perfect texture. If you slice the bread while it’s still warm, it can be gummy in the center. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it cool for a full hour.
Once completely cool, use a sharp serrated knife to slice it into 8 even pieces. Saw gently back and forth for clean slices without crumbling.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Serving Size: 1 slice (from a loaf of 8)
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 320mg (will be lower if salt is omitted)
- Total Carbohydrates: 1.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Net Carbs: 1.5g *
- Protein: 14g
**Note on “Zero Carb”: While the individual ingredients (eggs, cheese) contain trace, negligible amounts of carbohydrates, the whey protein isolate may contribute approximately 1-1.5g of carbs per serving depending on the brand. For a truly zero-carb option, you can substitute the whey protein isolate with an equal amount of egg white powder, which will bring the net carb count closer to zero. Always check the labels of your specific ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information.*
RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
- Ingredient Quality is Key: For the best flavor and results, use high-quality ingredients. A well-aged parmesan cheese will have a sharper, more complex flavor than a pre-grated “parmesan style” product.
- Why Whey Protein Isolate? Whey protein isolate is the magic ingredient that provides the bread-like structure. It is virtually fat-free and carb-free, and its protein structure creates the necessary chew and crumb. Egg white powder is a good substitute if you have a dairy sensitivity beyond lactose.
- Flavor Variations: While this is a carnivore recipe, those on a liberal keto diet can add flavors like everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, or dried herbs to the dry ingredients for a savory twist.
- Storing and Reheating: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice it and freeze the slices in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. The bread tastes best when toasted. Simply pop a slice straight from the fridge or freezer into the toaster until golden and warm.
- Troubleshooting:
- Bread is too dense: You may have overmixed the batter, or your baking powder could be old and lost its potency.
- Bread collapsed: The oven door was likely opened too early, or the bread was underbaked.
- Eggy taste: Using the highest quality, freshest eggs you can find will minimize any strong “eggy” flavor.
Enjoy your delicious, satisfying, and healthful Zero Carb Carnivore Bread
