Classic Caesar with Croutons

The first time I made this Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons, I was amazed at how a simple combination of crisp romaine and tangy dressing transformed into something unforgettable. It quickly became my go-to when craving something fresh yet satisfying.

I still remember the day when unexpected guests dropped by and I tossed this salad together—everyone asked for seconds and the recipe instantly became a staple.

Ingredients

• Day-old baguette or country bread: Perfect for croutons since it holds its shape and gets delightfully crispy without getting soggy
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to both the croutons and dressing, go for a good quality one to bring out more flavor
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy flavor in croutons and dressing
• Egg yolk: Creates creamy texture in the dressing, use pasteurized if concerned
• Anchoives: The secret umami ingredient that makes Caesar dressing so distinctive
• Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce: Add depth and tang, Worcestershire sauce can be swapped to vegetarian versions to keep this salad Veg-friendly
• Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with fresh acidity
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: Finely grated in dressing and shaved on top for savory sharpness
• Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy to hold up under the creamy dressing without wilting

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and gather all ingredients so nothing gets overlooked as you start making your croutons.

Make Those Croutons:

Toss day-old bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer so they crisp evenly. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, turning once until golden and fragrant like fresh garlic bread.

Whisk Up the Dressing:

In a bowl, combine egg yolk, finely minced anchovies, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously to get that silky, emulsified texture. Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the Salad:

Place chopped romaine in a large bowl, add cooled croutons, and start drizzling the dressing—tip: add some at a time so you can coat them gently without overdressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Finish and Serve:

Top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and serve immediately to enjoy the full crispness and flavor.

Save

There was a day this salad became more than just food when a close friend visited after a tough week. Sharing this simple meal sparked stories and laughter, turning a dish into a warm memory.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Serving this salad alongside grilled chicken or fresh shrimp elevates it to a full meal. Alternatively, tossing in crispy chickpeas can add protein and crunch without overshadowing the classic flavors.

Where This Dish Comes From

Caesar Salad has fascinating roots tracing back to an Italian-American restaurateur who created it with flair and improvisation. Knowing this makes me appreciate each bite even more.

Making It Ahead for the Freezer

You can prepare the croutons a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to keep their crunch. The dressing tastes best fresh but can be whisked again if it separates in the fridge.

• Always keep the lettuce separate until serving to avoid wilting
• Oh wait one more thing: slice garlic finely for croutons to infuse flavor without overpowering
• Remember to taste and adjust dressing seasoning before tossing—it makes all the difference

Save

Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen! Hope this salad brightens your day and brings friends together as it did mine.

Common Questions

→ How do I make crispy homemade croutons?

Toss cubed day-old bread with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, turning once until golden and crisp.

→ Can I make the dressing without raw egg yolk?

Yes, substitute with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or use a pasteurized egg yolk to maintain a creamy texture safely.

→ What alternatives exist for anchovies in the dressing?

For a vegetarian option, omit anchovies and add one teaspoon of capers for a similar briny flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers to keep freshness?

Store the salad components separately: refrigerate dressing and lettuce separately, and keep croutons in an airtight container to maintain crunch.

→ What dishes complement this Caesar well?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a balanced meal.