The Best Cheeses To Sprinkle On Your Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is made up of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. The key to a great Caesar salad is to ensure that all the ingredients are fresh and well-chilled. The dressing is the star of the show and is typically made with olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sometimes raw egg. The croutons should be made from good-quality bread, olive oil, and salt. Finally, the salad should be tossed with the desired amount of dressing and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Parmesan cheese shavings

The amount of parmesan cheese shavings added to a Caesar salad is a matter of personal preference, but it is generally added generously. Some recipes suggest adding 1/3 cup of parmesan shavings to the salad, while others recommend up to 1/2 cup. The cheese can be added to the salad in a couple of different ways. It can be tossed with the other ingredients and coated in the dressing, or it can be sprinkled on top of the salad as a garnish.

When preparing the parmesan cheese shavings, it is important to use a block of good-quality parmesan cheese. The cheese should be firm so that it can be shaved into thin, even slices. A potato peeler or a vegetable peeler can be used to create the shavings, and a block of parmesan will ensure you get a combination of shredded and grated textures.

The salty, savoury flavour of parmesan cheese shavings pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in a Caesar salad. The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing are all complemented by the cheese. The cheese also adds a creamy texture to the salad, making it a delicious and indulgent dish.

Homemade croutons

Ingredients:

• Bread: Use a crusty loaf of bread with a good flavour, such as French bread, sourdough, or a baguette. You can also get creative and use other types of bread like rye or cornbread if their unique flavours will complement your salad.
• Olive Oil: This is used to toss the bread cubes and add flavour and crispness. You can also use melted butter instead.
• Seasonings: This is where you can get creative! The most common seasonings for Caesar salad croutons are Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. But you can experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, blackening seasoning, or whatever you're craving!

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (depending on your preference and bread type). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut or tear your bread into uniform cubes, ideally about 3/4-inch in size. This ensures the croutons cook evenly and have a nice bite-sized texture.
• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can also add the Parmesan cheese here if you want it baked onto the croutons.
• Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture.
• Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they're not crowded to ensure even cooking.
• Bake for 10-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Flip the croutons once halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on them, as baking time will depend on the type of bread and freshness.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
• Store the croutons in an airtight container or bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week to two weeks.

Tips:

• If using fresh bread, tearing it by hand is easier than cutting with a knife. For stale bread, use a serrated knife to gently slice through it.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the croutons before baking.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and seasonings to find your perfect combination!

Caesar dressing

A classic, homemade Caesar dressing is the key to a great Caesar salad. It's easy to make, and the freshness of the ingredients really shines through. Here's a guide to making your own Caesar dressing, with tips and tricks to ensure the best results.

Ingredients

The ingredients for a classic Caesar dressing are simple and few, but the quality and freshness of the ingredients are paramount. Here's what you'll need:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
• Garlic (freshly minced)
• Anchovy paste or fillets (optional, but adds depth of flavour)
• Egg yolks or whole eggs (raw)
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

• In a small bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste or fillets (if using). Whisk together until smooth.
• Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. This step is crucial for emulsifying the dressing and creating a smooth, creamy consistency. Take your time with this step, as the slower you drizzle, the thicker the dressing will be.
• Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a small amount of water and whisk to combine.

Tips and Tricks

• For the best flavour, use fresh lemon juice and freshly minced garlic.
• If you're concerned about using raw eggs, you can buy pasteurized eggs or use mayonnaise as a substitute, though this will alter the flavour and texture slightly.
• If you like a more robust garlic flavour, feel free to add more garlic cloves to the dressing.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the anchovy and use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce.
• You can make the dressing up to 48 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavours to meld and saves time when assembling the salad.
• Be generous with the dressing when tossing the salad. You can always add more, and a well-dressed Caesar salad is key to its appeal.

Romaine lettuce

It is important to ensure that the romaine is super cold and crisp. This means washing and drying the lettuce well in advance and then chilling it in the fridge. Spin-drying the lettuce in a salad spinner and then air-drying or towel-drying it until no water droplets are visible ensures that the salad won't be ruined by wet greens.

When preparing the lettuce, you can either chop it with a chef's knife or tear it by hand into bite-sized pieces.

To store leftover lettuce, it is recommended to wash and dry the lettuce, then store it in an airtight container or bag with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep the lettuce fresh.

Anchovies

The addition of anchovies to a Caesar salad is a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the salty, savoury flavour that anchovies impart to the dish, while others may find their strong taste and texture unappealing. If you decide to include anchovies in your Caesar salad, there are a few ways to incorporate them.

Firstly, anchovies can be added whole as a topping. This is a simple way to add anchovies to your salad, and you can adjust the quantity to suit your taste. Secondly, anchovies can be chopped or mashed into a paste and mixed into the dressing. This method will infuse the entire salad with the flavour of anchovies without the visible presence of the fish. Finally, anchovies can be blended with other ingredients such as cheese, garlic, vinegar, mustard, and egg yolk to create a smooth and creamy dressing. This technique allows the anchovies to enhance the overall flavour of the salad without being overpowering.

When choosing anchovies for your Caesar salad, look for good-quality anchovy fillets packed in olive oil or water. Drain the anchovies before using them, and be mindful that a small amount goes a long way. You can also adjust the quantity of anchovies to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions