Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

4.3
(7)
7 Reviews
2 Photos

This homemade Caesar salad is loaded with flavor! Cold, crunchy romaine lettuce and golden brown, toasted croutons are tossed in a briny, rich dressing, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Serve as a side salad alongside lasagna or grilled steak and potatoes, or add a protein such as grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp and make it a main dish. 

By
Nicole McLaughlin
Nicole McLaughlin
Nicole McLaughlin

Nicole McLaughlin produces the educational and entertaining food series from Allrecipes; You Can Cook That. She is known for her relatability with the home-cook audience. With over 20 years in the culinary world, she is able to effectively deliver a bounty of knowledge, with a side of sarcastic wit.

Allrecipes' editorial guidelines
Updated on May 29, 2024
2
Caesar salad with homemade croutons and Parmesan cheese
2
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

Homemade Croutons:

  • ½ (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • ¼ cup butter, melted

  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Caesar Salad:

  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed

  • 3 anchovy fillets, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or more to taste

  • 3 romaine - washed, chopped, and chilled

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet.

  2. Whisk together oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a liquid measure. Pour mixture over the bread and toss with your hands until evenly coated. Spread bread mixture into a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, yet slightly soft in the center, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing croutons a few times during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely while you prepare the salad.

  3. Place garlic, anchovies, and salt in a large salad serving bowl; press the mixture with a fork until a paste forms. Stir in egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Slowly whisk in olive oil until all is incorporated and mixture is well blended and smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove about 1/4 cup of dressing and set aside for another use.

  4. When ready to serve, add lettuce and 1/2 of the croutons to the bowl with the remaining dressing; toss until well coated. Reserve remaining croutons for another use.

  5. Sprinkle salad with additional Parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

    Caesar salad with homemade croutons and Parmesan cheese

    Yoly

Cook’s Note

You can add herbs to the butter and oil mixture for the croutons.

To prepare the romaine, chop the hearts and wash them by submerging them in cold water. Spin well in a salad spinner and blot with paper towels. Leave the paper towels in the spinner and place in the refrigerator until ready to make the salad. This will keep the romaine dry and crisp.

You can make this dressing on its own and store it in the refrigerator to use later. If you're short on time or don't want to add an egg yolk, substitute mayonnaise for the egg yolk and oil in the dressing.

Anchovies are inexpensive and readily available. Save any leftovers, packed in oil, in the fridge and use them to add depth and salty richness to sauces and marinades. If you don't care for anchovies or you are vegan, you can use capers instead.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of croutons and dressing, but the actual amount consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

406 Calories
31g Fat
26g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 406
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31g 40%
Saturated Fat 9g 43%
Cholesterol 56mg 19%
Sodium 998mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Protein 7g 14%
Potassium 323mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.