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Caesar Salad Croutons

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A classic Caesar salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy anchovy-Parmesan dressing. This timeless recipe is fresh, savory, and perfect as a side dish or light main course.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossed
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the croutons:

1/3 medium loaf sourdough boule or ciabatta bread (about 5 oz)

2 cloves garlic

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

For the dressing & assembly:

1 medium lemon (about 2 tbsp juice)

4 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained

2 large egg yolks, preferably pasteurized

1 clove garlic

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

3/4 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

1 oz Parmesan cheese (about 2/3 cup finely grated), divided

2 medium romaine lettuce hearts (about 8 oz total)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Tear the bread into 1/2-inch pieces and place on a baking sheet.
  2. Mix garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan. Drizzle over bread, toss, season with salt and pepper, and spread in a single layer.
  3. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Let cool.
  4. Juice the lemon. Blend with anchovies, egg yolks, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until creamy and emulsified. Stir in 2 tbsp Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
  6. Chop or separate romaine leaves. Place in a large bowl and toss with 2/3 of the dressing.
  7. Add half the croutons and half the remaining Parmesan. Toss gently.
  8. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with remaining croutons, Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use pasteurized egg yolks for safety, or substitute 2 tbsp mayonnaise if avoiding raw eggs.
  • Make the dressing up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate.
  • Croutons stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt in the dressing.
  • For a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/caesar-salad-croutons/