Caesar Salad/Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbspfinely grated parmesan cheese
- 1garlic clove
finely grated or minced
- ¼ tspkosher salt
- ⅛ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 2 ccubed crusty bread)
(about 3/4-inch cubes from 2 to 3 slices
- 3oil-packed anchovy filets
finely chopped
- 1garlic clove
finely grated
- ¼ tspkosher salt
- 1egg yolk
- 2 tbsplemon juice
- ⅓ cextra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cfinely grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 2hearts romaine lettuce
chopped
- shaved or grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- 2
Season the Croutons: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed bread to the bowl and toss to coat.
- 3
Bake the Croutons: Spread the bread cubes onto a sheet pan without overlapping. Bake for 10 minutes, toss, and bake until golden and crisp, 5 to 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven when they’re golden and crisp and set aside to cool.
- 4
Make the Caesar Salad Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the anchovies, grated garlic, and salt to form a paste. Switch to a whisk and whisk in the lemon juice, then add the egg yolk and whisk to combine.
- 5
Emulsify the oil (slowly!). Whisking constantly, add the olive oil one drop at a time, waiting for each addition to emulsify before adding the next. After the first couple of tablespoons, switch to pouring the olive oil in a thin, steady stream, while still whisking constantly. The dressing should look cohesive and thickened slightly, like a loose aioli.
- 6
Finish the Caesar Dressing: Stir in the grated parmesan and ground pepper.
- 7
Make the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, layering it with the dressing. Use salad servers to toss the lettuce in the dressing until coated evenly. Top with the croutons and extra grated parmesan or parmesan shavings. Serve immediately.
Caesar Salad/Croutons
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About this Recipe
Looking for that perfect, classic Caesar salad experience right in your own kitchen? This recipe delivers with irresistible homemade cheesy, garlicky croutons and a rich, creamy dressing that will elevate any meal.
What sets this Caesar salad apart is the attention to detail, from the homemade croutons to the impeccably balanced dressing. The dressing's secret lies in incorporating the extra virgin olive oil very slowly, whisking constantly, which ensures a beautifully emulsified, velvety texture that coats every crisp romaine leaf perfectly. This technique prevents separation and creates a truly restaurant-quality dressing.
Prepare your palate for a symphony of flavors and textures. You'll savor the bright, crisp bite of fresh romaine lettuce, generously coated in a savory dressing infused with the perfect balance of lemon, anchovy, and garlic. Each forkful is complemented by the delightful crunch of golden, cheesy croutons, boasting a robust garlic flavor and a hint of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a timeless classic done right, offering a refreshing yet deeply satisfying salad experience that feels both familiar and wonderfully elevated.
While the classic approach is unmatched, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. For an eggless version of the dressing, simply refer to the specific note provided in the recipe details. You can also experiment with different types of crusty bread for your croutons, though a good quality rustic loaf will always yield the best results. Feel free to adjust the amount of shaved Parmesan to your liking for an extra layer of salty, umami goodness.
This timeless Caesar salad makes an excellent starter for nearly any meal, or a light yet satisfying main course. Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete and delicious meal, finished with a generous sprinkle of extra shaved or grated Parmesan cheese.