Carnivore Stuffing: Nonna’s Flavorful Holiday Favorite
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“Bambini miei, il ripieno è il cuore di ogni tavola festiva. Anche senza pane, possiamo fare un piatto che riempie il cuore e lo stomaco.”
(“My children, stuffing is the heart of every holiday table. Even without bread, we can create a dish that fills both the heart and the stomach.”) – Nonna
Introduction
Ciao, amici! Nonna is here to bring you a holiday classic with a carnivore twist: stuffing that’s so flavorful, you won’t even miss the bread! Using a "cornbread" made from pork rinds, paired with sausage, bacon, and all the savory goodness of traditional stuffing, this dish is perfect for your holiday feasts or any special occasion.
Part 1: Making the Carnivore "Cornbread"
Ingredients
- 2 cups pork rinds, finely crushed (about 4 oz)
- 6 large eggs
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional, for a slight rise)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the crushed pork rinds, baking powder (if using), salt, and optional seasonings. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until firm and golden.
- Let the "cornbread" cool slightly, then crumble it into pieces for the stuffing.
Part 2: Assembling the Carnivore Stuffing
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped and sautéed (optional for ketovore)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked chicken or turkey
- Fresh herbs like parsley or sage for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled "cornbread," cooked bacon, sausage, and sautéed onion.
- Add the chicken broth, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until evenly moistened.
- Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and slightly crisp on top.
Macros and Serving Suggestions
Yield
- Serves: 8
- Total weight after preparation: ~3 lbs
Macros (per 6 oz serving with no add-ins)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 31g
- Fat-to-Protein Ratio: ~1:1
Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a complete holiday meal.
- Top with gravy made from turkey drippings for extra richness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sage for a festive touch.
Closing
“Cari miei, ogni boccone di questo ripieno è pieno d’amore e tradizione. Fatemi sapere come lo avete fatto vostro!”
(“My dears, every bite of this stuffing is filled with love and tradition. Let me know how you made it your own!”)
Nonna wants to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What special touches did you add? Share your story in the comments below.