Meet Carlos Serrano: Kansas City’s Personal Chef Behind The Makeshift Chef

Chef. Food Lover. Storyteller.

Hey there — I’m Carlos Serrano, the heart and hands behind The Makeshift Chef. I’m a Southern California native now proudly based in Kansas City, and I help busy families, professionals, and food lovers eat well without the stress.

I’m a self-taught chef, a lifelong student of flavor, and someone who wholeheartedly believes that food can transform not only your health, but your home, your relationships, and even your outlook on life.

At the core of what I do is this: make food personal again.

Where It All Began

I didn’t grow up with culinary school credentials or a silver spoon — but I did grow up around soulful meals and powerful stories. Every dish had history. Every bite carried meaning.

The first spark for The Makeshift Chef came from a simple idea: that good food doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should always be thoughtful. I started experimenting with whatever I had in my fridge — “makeshift” ingredients, humble beginnings, and a deep love for creating meals that actually nourish.

What started as passion turned into a calling. Friends became clients. Clients became family. And The Makeshift Chef became a business grounded in helping others reclaim time, health, and joy through food.

What The Makeshift Chef Stands For

The name The Makeshift Chef is more than a title — it’s a mindset. It’s about making the most out of what you have. It’s about flexibility, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

I believe:

  • Food is fuel, but also celebration.

  • Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful.

  • Your meals should match your lifestyle — not the other way around.

Whether I’m prepping meals for a busy family, teaching a class, or building a custom menu, it’s all about helping people live fuller, healthier lives through food.

My Style in the Kitchen

If you ask my clients, they’ll tell you I’m part chef, part coach, and part food therapist. I bring warmth and intention into every meal I make.

My style is grounded in:

  • High-protein, veggie-forward meals

  • Occasional nutrient-dense carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower gnocchi

  • Global flavor influences — especially Mexican and Mediterranean

  • Clean, balanced meals that actually taste good

Everything is custom. Your preferences, your pace, your life.

Why I Do This Work

Cooking is how I serve people.

It’s how I support parents who are tired, professionals who are busy, and people who are trying to feel like themselves again. Through The Makeshift Chef, I get to show up with real food and leave behind peace of mind.

Meal after meal, I get to bring joy, comfort, and nourishment into people’s lives — and that’s what keeps me going.

Who I Serve

I work with a range of incredible people, including:

  • Families who want healthier meals that everyone will eat

  • Busy professionals who don’t want to think about what’s for dinner

  • Clients with specific dietary needs (gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-light)

  • Couples trying to eat better and save time

No matter who you are, I bring creative meals, clean ingredients, and heart to every dish.

A Bigger Dream

My wife and I dream of one day living abroad — maybe Spain, the Netherlands, or Greece — where family and food are a way of life. Until then, I’m grounded here in KC, building a life we’re proud of through The Makeshift Chef.

Let’s Make Something Delicious Happen

Whether you’re looking for weekly meal prep, a custom cooking experience, or just someone to take dinner off your plate — I’m here for it.

👉 Get in touch today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how I can help.