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Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of elevating a simple salad into something truly unforgettable, then this Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine crisp romaine lettuce drenched in a velvety, garlicky dressing, punctuated by perfectly crunchy, golden homemade croutons and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. It’s fresh, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor that balance tangy, savory, and buttery notes all in one bowl. This recipe offers everything you love about a Caesar salad, but with that homemade touch that turns a quick meal into a memorable one.

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting that authentic Caesar salad experience. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the crisp texture, those bold, tangy flavors, or the crunchy goodiness that brings the salad to life.

  • 1/2 French baguette: The base for your homemade croutons, providing a sturdy crunch and light chew perfect for soaking up dressing.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used in both the croutons and dressing, it adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 small cloves): Infuses the croutons with bold flavor, ensuring every bite has a delightful garlicky punch.
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled over the croutons before baking, it melts slightly to add savory depth.
  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced (1 teaspoon): Forms a key part of the dressing’s garlic essence, balancing fresh flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle tang and a creamy texture that binds everything together.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami kick, an often overlooked yet essential Caesar flavor booster.
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: Injects bright acidity, keeping the dressing lively and fresh.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar: Boosts acidity and rounds out the dressing’s profile with a subtle tartness.
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: The main body of the dressing, it needs to be whisked in slowly for perfect emulsification.
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste): Enhances every flavor layer without overpowering the salad.
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of spice and warmth.
  • 1 large or 2 small heads romaine lettuce: The crisp, refreshing foundation for this salad—don’t skimp on freshness here!
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved: The finishing flourish that adds salty creaminess atop the salad.

How to Make Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Make the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Slice the French baguette in half lengthwise, then cut it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange these slices on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and minced garlic, then drizzle this garlicky oil evenly over the bread slices. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top to ensure every crouton gets that irresistible savory finish.

Step 2: Bake the Croutons

Toss the bread slices gently to coat them thoroughly with oil and cheese. Spread them out in a single layer to bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—they should turn a lovely light golden brown and crisp up beautifully. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool; these croutons will be the crunchy highlight of your salad.

Step 3: Whisk the Caesar Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Whisk these together until smooth, then slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a silky, emulsified dressing. Season with sea salt and black pepper carefully, tasting as you go to find that perfect balance.

Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce

Rinse your romaine lettuce thoroughly to remove any grit, then dry it well—no one wants soggy greens. Tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and add them to a large serving bowl. Fresh, crisp greens mean everything in a Caesar salad.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Sprinkle shredded or shaved Parmesan generously over the lettuce, then scatter your cooled homemade croutons on top. Drizzle with the freshly made Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat every leaf. You want the dressing to cling lovingly but not drown out the salad’s bright, fresh components.

How to Serve Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While the recipe is perfect as is, adding a few extra touches can really make it special. Consider fresh cracked black pepper on top for a subtle kick or a few anchovy fillets if you’re a traditionalist craving that extra salty depth. A lemon wedge served alongside invites diners to add a fresh squeeze right before eating.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal, or alongside a light pasta dish for an elegant dinner. It also stands strong as a star attraction for casual lunch gatherings or picnic spreads, bringing freshness and texture to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual glass jars for picnic or party servings. You could also layer the ingredients in a large clear trifle bowl for a stunning visual. Using whole lettuce hearts instead of chopped leaves creates a dramatic, rustic presentation perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad and dressing separate to avoid soggy lettuce. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lettuce should be kept cold in a sealed container but is always best enjoyed fresh due to its crisp texture.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing the salad or the dressing is not recommended since the greens will wilt and the dressing may separate. However, you can freeze extra homemade croutons in an airtight container for up to 1 month and toast them fresh later.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. If you’ve stored leftover croutons, a quick toast in the oven will bring back their crispiness beautifully before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make the croutons in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare your homemade croutons up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they stay crisp and ready to add that perfect crunch.

Is anchovy paste necessary for the dressing?

While traditional Caesar dressing includes anchovy paste for depth and umami, this recipe achieves plenty of robust flavor without it. You can add anchovy paste if you like, but it’s entirely optional.

What’s the best type of lettuce for Caesar salad?

Romaine lettuce is the classic choice because of its crunchy texture and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the creamy dressing and crisp croutons. Avoid iceberg as it’s too watery and lacks flavor.

How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Dry your lettuce thoroughly and toss it with the dressing just before serving. Also, add croutons last to keep them crisp and avoid letting them sit in dressing for too long.

Can I use store-bought croutons?

You can, but homemade croutons are a game-changer in this Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe. They’re fresher, perfectly seasoned, and add so much more personality to your salad.

Final Thoughts

Making this Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe is like bringing a little piece of restaurant-quality magic straight into your kitchen. Its combination of fresh greens, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons creates a satisfying experience you’ll want to share again and again. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to salad for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

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Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 39 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A classic Caesar Salad featuring homemade garlic Parmesan croutons and a creamy, tangy dressing made from Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. This recipe provides a fresh, crisp, and flavorful salad perfect as a light meal or side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Croutons

  • 1/2 French baguette, cut in half lengthwise and sliced into 1/4″ thick pieces
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 small cloves)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Caesar Salad Dressing

  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced (1 teaspoon)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Salad

  • 1 large or 2 small heads romaine lettuce
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
  • Prepared croutons (from above)

Instructions

  1. Make the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice and Prep: Cut the baguette in half lengthwise and then slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
  3. Garlic Oil: Combine olive oil and minced garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle this garlic-infused oil over the bread slices, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  4. Bake: Toss the bread slices gently to coat them evenly with the garlic oil and Parmesan. Spread them out in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn light golden and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool.
  5. Make the Caesar Salad Dressing – Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Whisk vigorously until blended.
  6. Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth.
  7. Season: Stir in sea salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate all flavors.
  8. Assemble the Caesar Salad – Prep the Lettuce: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop or tear into bite-sized pieces and place into a large serving bowl.
  9. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese over the lettuce and add the cooled homemade croutons.
  10. Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure the lettuce and toppings are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best freshness and taste.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add anchovy paste to the dressing, though it is not included in this recipe.
  • Make sure the lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing to help the dressing adhere better.
  • Croutons can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container for crispness.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice and vinegar according to your preferred tanginess level.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor impact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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