This classic Bulgarian sausage is typically made by combining ground pork meat with a mix of traditional Bulgarian spices, and then stuffing the mixture into a sheep casing. Typical spices include winter savory (chubritsa), paprika, black pepper, dried red peppers, salt, and cumin.

Various versions of the sausage exist in different parts of the country, with some calling for the addition of bacon, combining ground pork with ground beef for the sausage, or even enriching the sausage with garlic or leeks. Karnacheta is typically shaped into a coil, and it is usually consumed grilled, paired with hot peppers, garlic, and a cold beer on the side.