The Perfect Cheese For A Classic Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a popular dish that can be served as a side or a main course. The salad is typically made with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a creamy dressing. The cheese is usually shaved or shredded and added to the salad as a garnish. Some recipes also include anchovies, chicken, shrimp, or steak to make the salad a more substantial meal.

Parmesan cheese: shaved or shredded

Caesar salad is a classic dish that features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing. The choice of using shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese is a matter of personal preference, and both options can enhance the flavour and texture of the salad.

Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Shaved Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for Caesar salad as it allows for thin, delicate strips of cheese that can be evenly distributed throughout the salad. Shaving the cheese yourself with a vegetable peeler or potato peeler can result in elegant, paper-thin slices that melt easily into the salad. Pre-shaved Parmesan cheese is also available in stores for added convenience. Shaved Parmesan adds a subtle, nutty flavour to the salad without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Shredded Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, offers a slightly different texture and appearance. Shredding the cheese results in small, curly strands that can add a heartier, more substantial mouthfeel to the salad. Shredded Parmesan can be purchased pre-shredded or can be easily prepared at home using a box grater. This option is ideal for those who prefer a more robust cheese presence in their Caesar salad.

Combining Shaved and Shredded Parmesan

Some recipes, such as the one passed down through generations in one family, even call for a combination of both shredded and grated Parmesan cheese. This "two-parm method" offers a unique texture bonus, providing both larger shreds and a granular texture that can elevate the salad's overall appeal. This technique showcases the versatility of Parmesan cheese and allows for a more dynamic sensory experience.

Enhancing the Flavour

Regardless of whether you choose shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese, this ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall flavour profile of a Caesar salad. Parmesan imparts a salty, nutty taste that complements the other components of the dish. Additionally, the use of shaved or shredded Parmesan allows for better distribution of the cheese throughout the salad, ensuring that each bite delivers a balanced combination of flavours and textures.

In conclusion, the decision to use shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese in a Caesar salad ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired texture and appearance of the final dish. Both options have their unique advantages, and combining the two can also lead to an exceptional sensory experience. The salty, nutty flavour of Parmesan enhances the other ingredients, making it an indispensable component of this classic salad.

Homemade vs store-bought croutons

The Case for Homemade Croutons

Homemade croutons are the best option for your Caesar salad. They are super easy to make and elevate your salad to a whole new level. You can use leftover or day-old bread, such as a French baguette or ciabatta bread, to make them. Simply cut the bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, and seasonings like garlic, dried parsley, and Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden and crisp.

Homemade croutons are also a great way to control the ingredients and ensure they are fresh and of high quality. You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so they are ready to go when you need them.

The Case for Store-Bought Croutons

While homemade croutons are ideal, there are times when you may not have the time or energy to make them from scratch. That's when store-bought croutons can come to the rescue. You can find a variety of bagged croutons at your local grocery store, and some are definitely better than others.

If you're looking for a cheesy option, Fresh Gourmet Classic Caesar Croutons add extra cheesiness to your salad while remaining light and airy. For a more rustic option, try Chatham Village Caesar Salad Croutons, which are a mix of coarsely cut white and rye croutons with a strong garlic flavour and a nice crunch. Cardini's Caesar Croutons are identical but cut slightly larger, making them perfect for snacking straight from the bag.

While store-bought croutons can be a convenient option, homemade croutons are definitely worth the effort. They are easy to make, taste better, and allow you to control the ingredients. However, if you're short on time, there are some decent store-bought options available that can still elevate your Caesar salad.

Anchovies: to add or not to add?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Anchovies are a staple in many traditional Caesar salad recipes, adding a salty, umami flavour to the dish. However, some people may be hesitant to include them due to their strong taste or because they are squeamish about anchovies. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add anchovies to a Caesar salad comes down to personal preference.

For those who enjoy the unique flavour that anchovies impart, they are a must-add ingredient. Anchovies are typically packed in oil, which gives the dressing a briny, savoury flavour. When combined with other ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, the anchovies can enhance the overall taste of the salad. Some people may also believe that a Caesar salad is not authentic without the addition of anchovies.

On the other hand, some people may prefer to omit anchovies from their Caesar salad. This could be due to personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For those who are not fond of the strong, salty flavour of anchovies, leaving them out may result in a more mild and palatable dish. Additionally, those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may choose to exclude anchovies and opt for vegetarian-friendly alternatives, such as vegan Worcestershire sauce.

To accommodate different tastes and dietary needs, it is common to find variations of Caesar salad recipes. Some may include anchovies as a key ingredient, while others may offer anchovy-free options. Ultimately, the decision to add or omit anchovies depends on the individual's preference, and both choices can result in a delicious and enjoyable salad.

Whether you choose to include anchovies or not, it is essential to use high-quality ingredients and follow a well-balanced recipe. The beauty of a Caesar salad lies in the combination of crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a creamy, tangy dressing. By focusing on fresh ingredients and proper preparation, you can create a satisfying salad that suits your taste buds, regardless of your anchovy preference.

Romaine lettuce: cut or torn?

The Original Way

The original Caesar salad recipe, from the Hotel Caesar in Tijuana, Mexico, uses nearly whole leaves, with just the bottom of the head removed. Today, most recipes call for smaller pieces, which are easier to toss and allow the dressing to spread more evenly. If you want to stay true to the original recipe, tearing is the way to go.

Presentation

Cutting lettuce is the best way to achieve a uniform presentation. When tearing lettuce, it is almost impossible to get the pieces to be the same size, and if you are serving equal portions to guests, this could be a problem.

Heat

Tearing lettuce by hand will warm the leaves. Romaine lettuce is best served chilled, and the colder it is, the crispier it will be.

Browning

Some sources claim that cut lettuce is more likely to brown than torn lettuce because cutting ruptures cells, whereas tearing only breaks them along their natural boundaries. However, one experiment found that after two hours, cut and torn lettuce looked identical. Another source states that lettuce will brown at the same rate whether it is torn or cut.

Texture

Tearing the lettuce will result in a more diverse texture. Each bite will be unique, showcasing the greens and everything they are carrying. Cutting lettuce will result in uniform pieces that are easier to coat in dressing.

Time

Cutting lettuce is faster than tearing it, especially if you have good knife skills.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Tearing lettuce is more traditional and results in a more interesting texture, but it is time-consuming and makes it difficult to serve equal portions. Cutting lettuce is faster and results in a neater presentation, but it may warm the leaves and is less authentic. Ultimately, it is up to the chef to decide which method they prefer.

Raw egg: yes or no?

A traditional Caesar salad dressing is made using an emulsion of raw egg yolks and oil. However, the idea of eating raw eggs makes many people squeamish, and preparing the dressing from scratch can be tricky. It requires a lot of whisking to get the oil, acid, and egg to emulsify, and if you don't do it correctly, you'll be left with a broken emulsion that's streaky and inedible.

If you're not concerned with making an authentic Caesar salad, you can swap out the raw egg yolks for a dollop of store-bought mayonnaise. This is a quick and stress-free option that will give your dressing a similar richness and consistency. It's also more stable and will last longer in the fridge.

That being said, some people argue that raw eggs add a mild "yolkiness" to the dressing that is hard to replicate. If you're a die-hard fan of traditional Caesar salad, you may want to stick with raw egg yolks. Just be sure to use fresh, high-quality eggs to minimise the risk of contamination.

In terms of the cheese used in a Caesar salad, Parmesan is the most popular choice. You can use shaved or shredded Parmesan, or a vegetarian option if you don't eat animal rennet.

Frequently asked questions