Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to savor good food and great company, but traditional cookout fare can be a challenge if you’re following a carnivore or keto lifestyle. The good news? You don’t have to miss out on the fun or the flavors. With a few smart adjustments, you can enjoy a festive meal that aligns perfectly with your dietary goals, ensuring that your holiday is as healthy as it is delicious.
1. Swap Regular Hot Dogs for All-Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped in Bacon
Traditional hot dogs can be full of fillers and carbs, especially when served on a bun. Instead, choose high-quality all-beef hot dogs and wrap them in bacon for a satisfying, protein-packed treat.
How to Make It:
- Select grass-fed, nitrate-free beef hot dogs (We recommend Applegate Organic Beef Hot Dog. Keep in mind, they have a few ingredients that may not be carnivore-friendly depending on personal preference.).
- Wrap each hot dog with a slice of uncured bacon.
- Grill until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through.
Why It’s Better:
This swap eliminates unnecessary carbs and fillers, providing a pure protein option that’s both flavorful and keto-friendly.
2. Trade Traditional Coleslaw for Keto Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a popular side dish at barbecues, but the sugar-laden dressing can kick you out of ketosis. By making your own keto-friendly version, you can enjoy the crunch without the carbs.
How to Make It:
- Shred green and purple cabbage and mix with shredded carrots.
- Make a dressing with homemade keto- friendly mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a touch of mustard, and a keto-friendly sweetener (optional).
- Toss the cabbage mix in the dressing until well-coated.
Why It’s Better:
This keto coleslaw keeps the carbs low while delivering the creamy, tangy taste you love.
3. Replace Chips and Dip with Pork Rinds and Cream Cheese
Instead of reaching for carb-heavy chips and dip, try pork rinds as a crunchy alternative. Pair them with seasoned cream cheese for a satisfying, low-carb snack.
How to Make It:
- Choose high-quality pork rinds with no added sugars or carbs.
- Mix cream cheese with your favorite keto-friendly seasonings, such as garlic powder, chives, or smoked paprika.
- Use the pork rinds to scoop up the cream cheese dip.
Why It’s Better:
Pork rinds are carb-free and high in protein, making them a perfect chip substitute for a carnivore or keto diet.
4. Opt for Grilled Ribeye Steaks Instead of Barbecue Ribs
While barbecue ribs can be tempting, the sugary sauces often used can be a keto disaster. Instead, go for a beautifully marbled ribeye steak, which is both keto-friendly and incredibly satisfying.
How to Make It:
- Season ribeye steaks with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder.
- Grill to your preferred level of doneness.
- Serve with a side of butter or a garlic-herb butter for extra flavor.
Why It’s Better:
Ribeye steaks are high in healthy fats and protein, making them an ideal choice for both carnivore and keto diets. Plus, you won’t miss the sugar-laden sauces.
For the best seasoning, try using Redmond Real Salt. It’s a pure, unrefined salt that enhances the natural flavor of your ribeye without any additives.
5. Swap Out Traditional Sides with Carnivore-Friendly Cheese Crisps
Many traditional side dishes, like potato salad and baked beans, are off-limits on a keto or carnivore diet. Instead, serve up homemade cheese crisps for a crunchy, satisfying side.
How to Make It:
- Use shredded Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese.
- Drop small piles of cheese onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 400°F until the cheese melts and turns crispy.
Why It’s Better:
Cheese crisps are low in carbs and high in fat, making them an excellent side dish or snack for those following a keto or carnivore diet.
If you don’t want to make your own, consider grabbing Whisps Cheese Crisps from Amazon.
6. Replace Traditional Ice Cream with Carnivore Ice Cream
Ice cream is a classic Labor Day dessert, but it’s typically loaded with sugar and carbs. Instead, satisfy your sweet tooth with a carnivore-friendly ice cream that’s creamy, rich, and completely guilt-free.
How to Make It:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (optional, depending on your dietary preferences)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Blend the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Blend the egg yolks until pale.
- Add honey (if using) and vanilla to the egg yolks, then gently fold in the whipped cream.
- Transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for at least 6 hours.
Why It’s Better: Carnivore ice cream is free from sugars and carbs (unless honey is added), focusing on healthy fats and protein instead. It’s the perfect treat to keep you satisfied and in line with your carnivore diet.
For this recipe, we recommend our favorite hand mixer.
7. Swap Traditional Deviled Eggs for Keto/Carnivore Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic party snack, but some recipes sneak in unnecessary carbs through added sugars or high-carb ingredients. By sticking to a keto/carnivore-friendly version with homemade mayonnaise, you can enjoy this delicious appetizer guilt-free.
How to Make It:
- Hard boil a dozen eggs, then peel and slice them in half.
- Remove the yolks and mix them with carnivore or keto-friendly mayonnaise (Here’s a keto-friendly mayonnaise that we love), a touch of mustard, and a pinch of salt.
- For extra flavor, add bacon bits or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and serve chilled.
Why It’s Better:
These keto/carnivore deviled eggs, made with homemade mayonnaise, are packed with healthy fats and protein, making them a satisfying and low-carb option that fits perfectly with your dietary goals.
8. Carnivore Pork Belly Bites
If you’re looking for a different type of meat to serve at your Labor Day BBQ, pork belly bites are a fantastic alternative to traditional options like hot dogs. By sticking to a simple, carnivore-friendly preparation, you can enjoy this crispy, flavorful snack without any hidden carbs or additives.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season pork belly pieces with salt.
- Place pork belly pieces on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy.
- Serve hot.
Why It’s Better: Pork belly bites are rich in healthy fats and protein, making them an ideal carnivore-friendly snack. They are easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and satisfy your craving for something crunchy without any carbs.
9. Swap Traditional Cheesecake for Keto/Carnivore Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 8 oz browned butter (we use salted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 brick), room temperature
- 8 whole eggs
- 1.5 tbsp honey (optional)
- Optional: vanilla extract and cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender or use a hand mixer to blend until well combined. Make sure to scrape the edges to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a lined or greased baking dish.
- Tip: Use a loaf pan for “French toast” slices or a cake pan for quicker baking.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- If using a loaf pan, bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool and place it in the fridge to set. It’s best enjoyed cold, so let it chill before slicing and serving.
If you want to bring a dessert that everyone will love, this Carnivore Cheesecake is the perfect choice. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfies even the most indulgent sweet tooth—all while staying true to your carnivore or keto diet. Whether served plain or with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
With these easy swaps, you can enjoy all the flavors of a traditional Labor Day cookout without straying from your carnivore or keto lifestyle. By focusing on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and low-carb ingredients, you can indulge in a delicious, satisfying meal that aligns with your health goals. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and enjoy a guilt-free Labor Day celebration!
Bonus Tip: If you’re hosting, consider sharing your carnivore and keto-friendly recipes with your guests. You might just inspire them to join you on your health journey!
