Name: Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons: A Restaurant-Worthy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: ½ loaf crusty Italian or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup melted butter; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp ground black pepper; Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).; Toss bread cubes with oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.; Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.; Bake for 15–18 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp.

Caesar Salad is a beloved classic, known for its rich, creamy dressing, crispy lettuce, and crunchy croutons. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, whether served as a side or as a main dish with added protein. In this article, we’ll walk you through a restaurant-worthy recipe for Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons, offering you the opportunity to create this delicious dish from scratch in your own kitchen. The crispy croutons, savory dressing, and fresh ingredients combine to form the ultimate salad that’s guaranteed to impress your guests.

What is Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons?

A Classic Caesar Salad is more than just a salad. It’s an iconic dish that was created in the early 20th century and has remained a favorite in restaurants and homes around the world. With its creamy, garlicky dressing, crispy romaine lettuce, and homemade croutons, the dish offers a balance of flavors and textures that make each bite delightful. When made from scratch with fresh ingredients, it transcends the usual pre-made versions, offering a superior taste and authenticity.

In this version of the Caesar Salad, we’ve taken the extra step of making homemade croutons, which is essential for enhancing the texture and flavor of the salad. By baking bread cubes with butter, olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, we bring an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy dressing and fresh romaine lettuce.

Origin of Caesar Salad

The origins of the Caesar Salad are widely debated, but it is generally agreed that the salad was created by Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who owned a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s. According to popular accounts, Cardini created the dish on a busy Fourth of July weekend when his kitchen was running low on ingredients. Using what he had left, including romaine lettuce, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, he tossed them together to create the first Caesar Salad.

Since then, Caesar Salad has become a staple on restaurant menus around the world, and variations of it can be found in nearly every cuisine. Some add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon, while others experiment with different dressings, but the core of the recipe remains the same: a tangy, creamy dressing and crunchy croutons.

Ingredients for Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

For Homemade Croutons:

½ loaf of crusty Italian or sourdough bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup melted butter
2 cloves garlic (pressed)
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

For Caesar Salad & Dressing:

2 cloves garlic (pressed)
3 anchovy fillets (chopped, optional but authentic)
1 tsp kosher salt
1 large egg yolk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
3 heads of romaine lettuce (chopped and chilled)

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Toss the bread cubes in a large bowl with olive oil, melted butter, pressed garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden and crisp. Once done, set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

While the croutons are baking, you can prepare the dressing:

In a large bowl, mash garlic, anchovies, and salt into a paste using a pestle or the back of a spoon.
Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl and whisk everything together.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, continuing to whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper for added flavor.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Now that your croutons and dressing are ready, it’s time to put the salad together:

Chop the chilled romaine lettuce and place it into a large salad bowl.
Add half the croutons and toss them with the lettuce to coat.
Pour the freshly made dressing over the lettuce and croutons, and toss everything gently.
Top the salad with the remaining croutons and extra Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve your Classic Caesar Salad immediately and enjoy the crisp, creamy, and garlicky goodness.

Variations of Classic Caesar Salad

Although the Classic Caesar Salad is delicious on its own, you can add your twist by including a variety of proteins and vegetables to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad:

Top your Caesar Salad with grilled chicken breasts for a protein-packed version. The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy Caesar dressing.

2. Shrimp Caesar Salad:

For a seafood twist, add grilled or sautéed shrimp. The delicate flavor of shrimp complements the garlicky, tangy dressing, making this a luxurious variation.

3. Salmon Caesar Salad:

Adding grilled or baked salmon to your Caesar Salad adds richness and heartiness, making it a complete meal. The omega-3 fatty acids in the salmon provide a healthy boost.

4. Vegetarian Caesar Salad:

Skip the anchovies for a vegetarian-friendly version. You can also add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Gluten-Free Caesar Salad:

If you need to avoid gluten, substitute the homemade croutons with gluten-free bread or skip the croutons altogether. The dressing and lettuce will still provide plenty of flavor and texture.

6. Vegan Caesar Salad:

For a vegan version, replace the egg yolk with vegan mayo, the Parmesan cheese with vegan Parmesan, and omit the anchovies from the dressing.

FAQs About Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

1. Can I make the croutons ahead of time?
Yes, the croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This makes them a convenient addition to future salads.

2. Can I make the Caesar dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

3. Can I use store-bought croutons?
While homemade croutons are best for freshness and flavor, store-bought croutons can be a quick substitute. However, they won’t have the same crunchy texture or rich garlic flavor.

4. How do I make the salad less rich?
To make the Caesar Salad less rich, use less olive oil and butter for the croutons, and opt for a lighter dressing with fewer egg yolks. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.

5. Can I use other types of lettuce?
While romaine lettuce is traditional for a Caesar Salad, you can experiment with other leafy greens like iceberg lettuce, arugula, or kale for a different texture.

Conclusion

A Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is an incredible dish that combines fresh, flavorful ingredients with a creamy, garlicky dressing. By following the step-by-step recipe and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy salad that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether served as a side or as a main dish with protein, this salad is versatile and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. The homemade croutons elevate the texture of the salad, providing the perfect crunch with every bite. With its rich history and unbeatable flavor, this Caesar Salad recipe is a must-try for any salad lover!

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons: A Restaurant-Worthy Recipe

Author: David Andersson
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Ingredients

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Ingredients:

½ loaf crusty Italian or sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup melted butter
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss bread cubes with oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp.

Instructions