Have you ever thought about making popcorn out of cheese? That’s exactly what we’re doing today with this carnivore popcorn recipe.
It might sound a bit odd, but it’s actually a clever way to make a crunchy snack that fits into a carnivore diet.
This recipe is pretty straightforward. You just need some cheddar cheese and salt. The trick is in how you prepare and cook the cheese to turn it into something that looks and feels a bit like popcorn.
It’s not exactly the same as regular popcorn, of course, but it’s a good substitute. The actual cooking part is quick and easy.
This carnivore popcorn could be a nice option for a movie night snack or just something different to try when you’re in the mood for a crunchy treat.
It’s especially useful for people following a carnivore diet who might be looking for more variety in their snacks.
Even if you’re not on a carnivore diet, you might find this interesting to try just for the experience.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Interesting texture: The cheese puffs up when you bake it, giving it a texture that’s different from regular cheese. It becomes light and crispy. I like these SO much!
Good for snacking: These cheese puffs are great for when you want something to munch on.
They’re small and easy to eat, making them perfect for snacking while watching TV or during a movie night.
High in protein: Since this snack is made from cheese, it’s high in protein. This can make it more filling than some other snacks. If you’re looking for ways to add more protein to your diet, this could be a tasty option.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Block (I recommend this cheese – amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2
Slice the cheese into 1/4-inch cubes and place them on the lined sheet. Cover with a dish towel and let the cheese dry out for at least 20-24 hours.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a new tray with parchment paper and place the dried cheese cubes on it.
Step 4
Bake for 6-7 minutes until the cheese puffs up.
Step 5
Remove from the oven and let the cheese popcorn pieces cool for at least 20 minutes. Use paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Sprinkle salt on top. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Drying the Cheese
The drying step is really important in this recipe, and it takes patience. You need to let the cheese cubes dry out for at least 20-24 hours.
This might seem like a long time, but it’s necessary. The drying process removes moisture from the cheese, which is what allows it to puff up when baked.
Don’t try to rush this step. Just let the cheese sit at room temperature, covered with a clean dish towel. If your kitchen is humid, it might take a bit longer for the cheese to dry.
You’ll know the cheese is ready when it feels dry to the touch and has a slightly harder texture than when you started.
2. Storing Your Cheese Popcorn
If you don’t eat all your carnivore popcorn right away, you’ll need to store it properly to keep it crispy. Once the cheese popcorn has cooled completely, put it in an airtight container.
A glass jar with a tight lid works well, or you can use a plastic container with a snap on lid. Store the container in a cool, dry place – not in the fridge (because of the humidity).
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FAQ
1. Why do I need to dry the cheese for so long?
The 20-24 hour drying time is crucial because it removes moisture from the cheese. If the cheese is too moist when it goes into the oven, it won’t puff up properly and might just melt into a puddle.
2. My cheese didn’t puff up. What went wrong?
There are several reasons:
- The cheese wasn’t dried long enough.
- The oven wasn’t hot enough (make sure it’s fully preheated to 400°F).
- The cheese pieces were cut too large or too small (stick to 1/4-inch cubes).
3. How should I store the finished cheese popcorn?
Store the cooled cheese popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Don’t refrigerate them as this can make them soggy. If they get a bit soft, you can re-crisp them in the oven for 1-2 minutes.
Carnivore Popcorn
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Block (I recommend this cheese – amazon link)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice the cheese into 1/4-inch cubes and place them on the lined sheet. Cover with a dish towel and let the cheese dry out for at least 20-24 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a new tray with parchment paper and place the dried cheese cubes on it.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes until the cheese puffs up.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheese popcorn pieces cool for at least 20 minutes. Use paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Sprinkle salt on top. Enjoy!