This tasty appetizer or snack is perfect for those following a keto or carnivore lifestyle. It’s a satisfying weekend treat that feels indulgent but comes with zero guilt! With ingredients that won’t spike your blood sugar, it’s a win-win. Packed with protein, extremely low in carbs, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters, these cheese sticks are a hit. Serve them with homemade marinara, a low-carb dipping sauce, ranch dressing, mustard, or whatever your heart desires!
Ingredients
- 6 Mozzarella sticks (cut in half crosswise for 12 smaller pieces)
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (avoid pre-grated varieties with additives)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pork rinds (adjust for texture)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, if strict carnivore omit)
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp water (optional, or omit for thicker egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating:
- Crush pork rinds using a rolling pin or blender until they resemble fine crumbs.
- Combine Parmesan cheese, crushed pork rinds, and optional garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Make the Egg Wash:
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and water (if using).
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Dip each Mozzarella stick in the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll it in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Repeat the process for a double coating (egg wash, then pork rind mix again).
- Freeze:
- Place coated sticks on a dish or tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place frozen Mozzarella sticks on the pan and optionally spray with a light coating of olive oil.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and the cheese is just softened.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, optionally with warm marinara sauce or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for the Carnivore Mozzarella Cheese Sticks:
For the entire recipe (6 sticks):
- Calories: 1,040 kcal
- Protein: 86 g
- Fat: 70 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
Per stick:
- Calories: 87 kcal
- Protein: 7.2 g
- Fat: 5.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.7 g