The Best Cheeses To Sprinkle On Your Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a popular dish at restaurants, but it's also easy to make at home. The key to a great Caesar salad is in the preparation of the ingredients, which include lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and dressing. The lettuce should be crisp and dry, the croutons should be homemade, and the Parmesan cheese can be shaved or shredded. The dressing is typically made with raw egg yolks, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovies, though some variations exist.

Parmesan cheese is best shaved or shredded

The classic, crowd-pleasing Caesar salad is a staple for good reason. The combination of crisp romaine leaves, crunchy croutons, and a savoury, salty Parmesan cheese is irresistible.

When it comes to the cheese, the choice is usually between shaving or shredding. Both methods have their advantages and will ultimately come down to personal preference. Here are some things to consider:

Shaved Parmesan Cheese

Shaving the Parmesan cheese gives a more elegant and delicate appearance to the salad. The thin, delicate shavings melt quickly in your mouth, providing an instant burst of flavour. Shaved Parmesan also tends to be less messy and is easier to distribute evenly throughout the salad. It adds a nice textural contrast to the crunchy croutons and crisp romaine. To get those perfect shavings, use a block of Parmesan and a potato or vegetable peeler.

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Shredded Parmesan, on the other hand, tends to have a stronger flavour impact and adds a chewy texture to the salad. The smaller shreds also mean that the cheese is more likely to stick to the lettuce and other ingredients, ensuring you get cheese in every bite. Shredded Parmesan is also easier to sprinkle on top of the salad as a garnish, and it can be a good option if you want to measure out a specific amount for nutritional or taste preferences.

While both methods have their merits, shaving the Parmesan cheese tends to be the preferred option for a classic Caesar salad. It adds a touch of elegance and provides an instant flavour burst. However, shredded Parmesan can be a good alternative if you want a stronger flavour impact and a chewy texture. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can always experiment with both methods to see which you prefer!

Croutons are best homemade

Homemade croutons are infinitely better than store-bought ones. They are easy to make, highly customisable, and can be made in advance. Plus, they only take about 10 minutes to toast up and don't require heating up the oven.

Homemade croutons are made by baking or frying bread pieces in oil or butter on high for a short time. They add an amazing crunch to a Caesar salad.

To make your own croutons, cut a baguette in half lengthwise, then slice diagonally into 1/4" thick pieces. Place the bread onto a baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Drizzle the garlic oil over the croutons and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer over the baking sheet and bake at 350˚F until light golden and crisp (10-12 minutes), or to your desired crispness.

You can also make croutons on the stovetop. Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bread cubes to the pan, toss to coat with the oil, and arrange in a single layer. Toast the bread, tossing every minute or so, until the bread cubes are golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total.

Homemade croutons can be made several days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Romaine lettuce is the best base

Secondly, romaine lettuce is a sturdy variety of lettuce. It has a good bite and won't wilt too quickly when coated in the dressing. This means it will maintain its texture and freshness, even when dressed in advance.

Finally, romaine lettuce is a versatile ingredient. It can be torn or cut into bite-sized pieces, or left whole to be eaten with your fingers. It can also be washed and dried in advance, then chilled in the fridge to ensure it is extra crisp and refreshing when it comes to assembling the salad.

For the best results, be sure to use the inner leaves of the romaine lettuce, as these are the crispest.

Anchovies are optional but recommended

Anchovies are an optional ingredient in a Caesar salad, but they are highly recommended to elevate the dish. While some recipes for a Caesar salad exclude anchovies, the addition of anchovies enhances the savoury depth of the dish and is considered essential to the modern idea and taste of a Caesar salad.

Anchovies add a subtle, salty and briny flavour to the salad. They are typically added to the dressing, with the right amount ensuring the salad doesn't taste too fishy. Anchovy fillets can also be added as a garnish to a Caesar salad.

If you are using anchovies, it is recommended to add just a couple to the dressing to bring the necessary savoury depth to the dish. If you are an anchovy lover, you can add more to suit your taste.

For those who are not a fan of anchovies, there are alternatives to recreate the briny, salty flavour they bring to the dish. Anchovies can be replaced with extra capers, or a tablespoon of anchovy paste can be used instead of whole anchovies.

Caesar dressing is best made from scratch

While it may be tempting to buy a ready-made Caesar dressing, making your own from scratch is the best way to ensure your salad tastes amazing. Not only is it super easy to make, but it also guarantees the freshness of your salad.

The Right Ingredients

A good Caesar dressing is creamy, tangy, and savoury. To achieve this, you'll need a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Some recipes also include anchovies, egg yolks, and black pepper. Anchovies add a subtle savoury note to the dressing, while egg yolks make it creamier.

Maximising Freshness

Making your own dressing means you can prepare it just before serving, maximising freshness. This is especially important as some recipes use raw eggs, which can spoil if not consumed soon enough. You can also adjust the ingredients to your taste and ensure the dressing is well-mixed.

A Generous Drizzle

Once you've made your dressing, be generous with it! Caesar salads are meant to be well-coated, so drizzle away, taste, and add more if needed.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover dressing, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it's best to enjoy your Caesar salad right after tossing it with the dressing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

So, there you have it! The key to a great Caesar salad is a homemade dressing, prepared just before serving, and generously drizzled over crisp romaine lettuce.

Frequently asked questions