Best Carnivore Diet Sides To Complete Your Meal Plan [2025]

Think the carnivore diet means eating only steak?

Think again!

While a sizzling ribeye is hard to beat, eating the same thing day after day can get…a little boring.

Many people on a carnivore diet struggle with variety and find themselves craving something extra on the plate.

But the good news? Carnivore-friendly sides exist!

Just like a perfectly paired wine enhances a meal, the right carnivore-approved sides can elevate your eating experience without compromising your diet.

Whether you’re fully committed to a carnivore or leaning toward a carnivore-adjacent approach, plenty of delicious, nutrient-dense options keep your meals exciting.

If you’re tired of plain meat and looking for easy, satisfying sides that fit your lifestyle, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the best carnivore diet sides to round out your meals without breaking the rules!

Key Takeaways

Carnivore diet sides add variety without breaking diet rules.
Eggs, dairy, and organ meats are the top nutrient-dense side options.
Butter-based sauces enhance flavor and provide healthy fats.
Bone broth supports hydration and adds minerals to meals.
Pork rinds, jerky, and cheese crisps make great crunchy snacks.
Slow-cooked meats with rendered fat offer rich, satisfying meals.
Bone marrow is a luxurious, nutrient-packed carnivore side.
Prepping sides in advance makes meals more manageable and more convenient.
Experiment with different sides to keep Carnivore eating enjoyable.
Stick to animal-based ingredients for the best carnivore experience.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. While I share personal experiences and evidence-based insights, this content should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or health regimen. Everyone has unique needs, and what works for me or others may not work for you. Listen to your body and seek professional guidance when necessary to ensure the best outcomes for your health and well-being.

Do You Really Need Sides on a Carnivore Diet?

When I first started the carnivore diet, I stuck to eating only meat.

At first, it was simple and satisfying, but after a while, I realized something—my brain craved variety(1).

It wasn’t about needing carbs or plants but about having different textures and flavors to keep meals exciting.

Even though the Mediterranean and carnivore diets are vastly different, both emphasize enjoying food.

So, why not apply that same principle to a meat-based approach?

Adding the best sides to a carnivore diet can make it more enjoyable and sustainable without straying from its core principles.

Here’s when friendly carnivore diet sides can be beneficial:

For extra nutrients – Organ meats, bone broth, and dairy provide essential vitamins and minerals beyond muscle meat.
For variety and satiety – Incorporating healthy snacks like butter-based sauces or cheese crisps can make meals more satisfying.
For better digestion – Bone broth benefits gut health with collagen and minerals, helping digestion on a low-carb diet.
For practicality, if you’re following a carnivore diet on a budget, mixing in eggs, dairy, and organ meats can stretch your grocery bill without compromising nutrients.

How to Stay Within Carnivore Guidelines While Enjoying Sides

The key to Keto and carnivore meal planning is to choose sides that are 100% animal-based.

Stick to nutrient-dense animal foods, like eggs, organ meats, and animal fats for cooking.

Some people wonder about honey on a carnivore diet or whether alcohol is allowed—while these are debated, strict carnivore eaters avoid them.

You can enhance meals by choosing carnivore-friendly sauces, butter-based sides, and simple, whole-animal products while staying on track.

Trying to lose weight or improve cholesterol on a carnivore diet doesn’t require deprivation—it just takes the right approach to meal planning!

Quick & Easy Carnivore Side Dishes

You can definitely add some variety to a carnivore diet meal plan by including quick, easy sides that adhere to low-carb, animal-based foods.

You don’t need vegetables or complex recipes—just nutrient-dense foods that enhance your meals and keep things interesting.

Eggs: The Ultimate Carnivore Side

I eat 5-10 eggs every day—not just because they’re affordable, but because they can be prepared in so many ways.

Eggs are a staple in both Keto and carnivore diets since they’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.

Here are a few ways I like to prepare them:

Scrambled – Cooked in butter or animal fat for cooking for a rich, creamy texture.
Fried – Sunny-side up in beef tallow or duck fat for crispy edges.
Boiled & poached – A simple, high-protein side that pairs well with any meat.
Deviled eggs – Mixed with butter-based sauces or homemade animal-fat mayo for a creamy, indulgent treat.

Dairy-Based Sides for Carnivore Meals

If your gut and digestive system are good with dairy products, cheese-based sides can add flavor and crunch to your meals:

Cheese crisps – Baked or pan-fried cheese for a crunchy, salty snack.
Melted cheese bowls – Pour melted cheese over meats for a high-fat, satisfying side.
Heavy cream sauces – Simple carnivore-friendly sauces made from butter and cream enhance any dish.

These carnivore snacks and sides make meals more enjoyable while keeping you full, energized, and on track with your carnivore diet.

Fat-Rich Sides for Energy & Flavor

One of the best parts of the carnivore diet is focusing on healthy, animal-based fats.

Compared to vegetarian and carnivore diets, where fat sources differ, carnivore eating relies on nutrient-dense animal foods like butter, tallow, and lard to provide long-lasting energy and deep flavor.

Including fat-rich sides not only enhances the taste of your foods but also ensures satiation and nutrient absorption.

Butter Dips: A Must-Have for Meat Lovers

I enjoy butter on every bite of meat—and for good reason.

Sauces created using butter or plain old melted butter can transform a steak, burger, or grilled chicken into an over-the-top, indulgent meal.

Try dipping ribeye slices, pork belly, or even hard-boiled eggs into warm butter for an extra flavor boost.

Rendered Animal Fats: The Ultimate Carnivore Dip

If you’re looking for the best sides for a carnivore diet, animal fat for cooking also makes a fantastic dip:

Beef tallow – Perfect for dipping cooked meat or crisping up bacon-wrapped snacks.
Lard – A high-fat option that pairs well with pork and eggs.
Duck fat – Incredible for roasting meats or creating a buttery, rich sauce.

Interesting Fact: Animal raw fat is the most digestible fat(2)! Unlike processed oils, natural animal fats like tallow and lard are easily absorbed and provide steady energy without blood sugar spikes.

Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Bites

For a carnivore snack, bacon-wrapped cheese bites are unbeatable.

Wrap thick-cut bacon around cubes of cheese and bake until crispy.

These make a perfect keto and carnivore diet side for those who tolerate dairy on the carnivore diet.

Fat-rich sides add flavor, texture, and essential nutrients to carnivore meals, keeping them satisfying and energy-packed!

Nutrient-Dense Organ Meat Sides

Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense animal foods available, making them an excellent addition to a carnivore diet(3).

While some people hesitate to eat them, organ meats for beginners can be delicious and easy to prepare.

These high-nutrient foods help you get essential vitamins and minerals while keeping meals interesting.

Liver Pâté: A Smooth, Nutrient-Packed Spread

The liver is one of the most nutrient-rich meats you can eat, loaded with vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins.

A great way to enjoy it is as a pâté spread—blend cooked liver with butter for a smooth, creamy dip that pairs well with pork rinds or cheese crisps.

Crispy Fried Liver Bites

I personally eat a little bite of raw liver as a supplement, but if that’s not your thing, lightly frying liver in beef tallow or butter is a great alternative.

The liver is rich in vitamin A, B vitamins (B12, B2, B6, folate), vitamin D, and vitamin K, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods.

Just don’t overcook it, as the liver becomes harsh and bitter.

Instead, cook it quickly at high heat for crispy, flavorful bites that are easy to snack on.

Heart Skewers: A Flavorful, High-Nutrient Option

Heart is another underrated superfood packed with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), B vitamins, and iron.

Grilling heart on skewers enhances its naturally rich, meaty flavor, making it a delicious, protein-packed carnivore side.

Crispy Chicken Skin: A Perfect Crunchy Side

If you’re looking for a carnivore snack, crispy chicken skin is unbeatable.

Roast or air-fry chicken skin until golden brown for a delicious, chip-like side that fits perfectly into a low-carb, animal-based diet.

Adding these organ meat sides to your meals ensures you’re getting the most nutrition possible while keeping your carnivore diet on a budget and avoiding unnecessary supplements!

Crunchy & Snackable Carnivore Sides

Sometimes, you need a quick, satisfying bite between meals, especially when you’re on the go.

While many people think a carnivore diet is all about steak and eggs, plenty of crunchy, high-fat carnivore snacks make for perfect sides.

Whether you need something portable or want some texture variety, these snackable carnivore sides will keep you full and satisfied.

Jerky & Cured Meats: Perfect for On-the-Go

I always keep beef jerky and cured meats in my car for quick, easy snacks.

They are high in protein and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice when you don’t have time for a complete meal.

Just be sure to choose options without added sugar or preservatives to keep it truly carnivore-friendly.

Pork Rinds & Cracklings for Crunch

If you’re missing crunchy textures, pork rinds and cracklings are the ultimate low-carb, animal-based snack.

Pork rinds are light and airy, while cracklings (fried pork fat with the skin attached) are denser and even crispier.

They make a great alternative to chips and pair well with carnivore-friendly sauces like butter-based dips or melted cheese.

Beef Fat Trimmings & Suet: A Satiating Side

For a carnivore snack, beef fat trimmings and suet provide pure energy and satiety.

Eating animal fat for cooking or snacking on rendered fat pieces helps maintain steady energy levels, especially if you’re losing weight on a carnivore diet or following a strict high-fat approach.

These crunchy, nutrient-dense snacks make sticking to Carnivore easy—whether at home, traveling, or just looking for some extra texture in your meals!

Broth, Sauces & Carnivore-Approved Condiments

You can enhance flavor on a carnivore diet by using rich, animal-based sauces and broths.

While traditional condiments are often filled with sugar and preservatives, these carnivore-friendly sauces add healthy fats, minerals, and depth of flavor—without breaking the diet’s guidelines.

Butter-Based Sauces & Meat-Based Gravies

If one thing makes a carnivore diet even better, it’s butter-based sauces(4).

Melted butter over steak, seafood, or eggs adds richness and essential fats.

Meat-based gravies, made by reducing beef or pork drippings with butter, create a flavor-packed sauce that pairs with any protein.

Cream-Based Dips & Sauces for Added Fat

Heavy cream-based dips can make meals even more satisfying for those who tolerate dairy on the carnivore diet.

Mix heavy cream with butter, cheese, or egg yolks to create thick, fatty sauces that add both flavor and satiety.

Egg-Based Sauces: Hollandaise & Carnivore Mayo

Egg yolks are a versatile base for carnivore-approved condiments.

Hollandaise sauce – A rich, buttery sauce perfect for steak or eggs(5).
Carnivore mayo – Made with egg yolks and animal fat for cooking, like tallow or duck fat(6).

Beef, Chicken & Fish Broth: Hydration & Minerals

Bone broth is an essential side for many carnivore eaters, providing hydration, electrolytes, and collagen.

Actionable Tip: Boost Your Electrolytes Naturally
Sipping on beef, chicken, or fish broth helps replenish sodium, potassium, and minerals, especially when transitioning into Carnivore or losing weight on a carnivore diet.

By incorporating these food sources, you can add variety and richness to every carnivore meal while keeping your body fueled and balanced!

Carnivore Diet Sides for Special Occasions

Just because you’re following a carnivore diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a special meal.

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a night when you want something extra indulgent, there are plenty of luxurious, nutrient-rich carnivore sides to elevate your dining experience.

These options add depth, flavor, and texture to your meals while staying entirely carnivore-approved.

Bone Marrow: A Rich & Nutrient-Packed Treat

If you’ve never tried bone marrow, you’re missing out on one of the most decadent, nutrient-dense animal foods.

Roasting marrow bones creates a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth side that pairs perfectly with steak.

Roast the bones at 450°F for 15–20 minutes and scoop out the creamy goodness.

Interesting Fact: Bone marrow is packed with essential fats and stem cells, supporting immune health and collagen production.

Slow-cooked meats with Rendered Fat

For a special occasion, nothing beats slow-cooked meats basted in animal fat for cooking.

Whether it’s braised short ribs, pork belly, or lamb shanks, cooking these meats low and slow allows the fat to render beautifully, creating an ultra-rich, flavorful dish.

Egg Custards & Carnivore-Friendly Cheesecake

Suppose you tolerate dairy. You can make carnivore-friendly cheesecake or a simple egg custard using eggs, heavy cream, and butter(7).

Carnivore-friendly cheesecake as carnivore diet sides

These decadent, buttery sweets are perfect for special occasions without the addition of carbs or unnecessary ingredients.

With these rich carnivore sides, you can enjoy celebratory feasts without straying from your low-carb, meat diet!

Final Tips for Enjoying Carnivore Side Dishes

It’s not always so hard to have carnivore-friendly sides with your meals.

With a bit of planning, you can keep your meals exciting, nutrient-dense, and convenient without straying from your carnivore diet.

Here are some final tips to help you enjoy the best sides of a meat-based diet while keeping things simple.

Prep Your Sides in Advance for Convenience

Life gets busy, and the last thing you want is to feel stuck without quick, easy options.

Prepping in advance makes sticking to a low-carb, animal-based diet much easier.

Hard-boil eggs for ready-to-eat snacks.
Render animal fat for cooking so it’s always on hand.
Make bone broth in batches and store it for quick hydration.

Keep Meals Interesting While Staying Carnivore

Eating only meat doesn’t mean meals have to be repetitive.

Rotate between different animal-based sides like:

Butter-based sauces for flavor variety.
Crispy pork rinds for a satisfying crunch.
Carnivore-friendly cheesecake for an occasional treat.

Even simple changes, like switching up cooking methods (grilling, slow-cooking, frying in tallow), can make a big difference!

What is the best way to enjoy carnivore sides?

Try new things and see what you love!

Whether you prefer high-fat carnivore snacks, nutrient-dense organ meats, or dairy on the carnivore diet, there’s no single “right” way to do it.

Enjoy the process, listen to your body, and make it work!

FAQ

Can I eat vegetables as a side of the carnivore diet?

Traditional carnivore eating excludes plants, but some people follow a “carnivore-adjacent” approach, incorporating occasional low-toxin vegetables like cucumbers or avocado. Small amounts may be acceptable if you tolerate them well and they don’t interfere with your goals.

What is the best fat source for a carnivore side?

Animal fats are the best choice for carnivore-friendly sides. Beef tallow, butter, duck fat, and pork lard enhance flavor while providing essential nutrients that energize you.

Are dairy products carnivore-friendly?

It depends! Some carnivore eaters include dairy, while others avoid it due to lactose intolerance or autoimmune concerns. If you tolerate dairy, opt for full-fat, low-lactose options like aged cheeses, butter, and heavy cream.

What snacks can I have on a carnivore diet?

There are plenty of snackable, carnivore-friendly sides, including:

Pork rinds – Crunchy and satisfying.
Cheese crisps – A great way to add texture and fat.
Hard-boiled eggs – Simple, nutritious, and portable.
Beef jerky – Look for options with minimal additives.
Liver chips are nutritious and packed with vitamins.

Is bone broth a good addition to a carnivore diet?

Absolutely! Bone broth is an excellent side or snack, rich in collagen, minerals, and hydration. It supports joint health, digestion, and electrolyteorful. Pressure cookers and cast iron skillets also work wonders. Cooking with butter, tallow, or bacon fat adds extra flavor without extra cost, and simple seasonings like salt enhance taste without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Carnivore diet sides don’t have to be boring—there are numerous tasty, healthy options to spice up your meal.

From eggs, cheese crisps, and bone broth to rich animal-based sauces, these sides are flavorful and nutritious without compromising on carnivore principles.

If you prefer variety, experiment with different textures and flavors, like crunchy pork rinds, dense butter-based sauces, or nutrient-rich organ meats.

The key is to utilize whole, animal-based ingredients to stay within carnivore parameters while keeping meals satiating.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and find what works best for you!

With the addition of appropriate sides, you can take each carnivore meal and make it more enjoyable, flavorful, and nutritionally sound—never once feeling restricted.

Keep it simple, stay creative, and most importantly, enjoy your meals!