The Best Cheeses To Sprinkle On Your Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a classic dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy garlic-lemon parmesan dressing. The key to a great Caesar salad lies in the quality of its ingredients and the technique of assembly. While store-bought dressings and croutons may be convenient, nothing beats the flavour and texture of homemade components. The star of the show, however, is the cheese – but what kind of cheese is it?

Parmesan is the traditional cheese used in a Caesar salad

The original family recipe for a Caesar salad calls for grated Parmesan. However, some variations have been created, such as the two-parm method, which uses shredded Parmesan and grated Parmesan. This adds a textural bonus to the salad, with the larger shreds of the shredded cheese contrasting with the granular texture of the grated cheese.

Parmesan is a salty, savoury cheese, and so it adds a delicious, tangy flavour to the salad. It is also used in the dressing, creating a creamy texture. Parmesan shavings are often used as a garnish, adding a salty, sharp kick to the dish.

You can use a combination of shredded and grated Parmesan for a varied texture

Using a combination of shredded and grated Parmesan in your Caesar salad is a great way to elevate the dish and create a varied texture. This technique, known as the "two-parm method", was developed by Joanie Simon's mother-in-law and has been perfected over four generations.

The original family recipe for Caesar salad calls for grated Parmesan. However, by using both shredded and grated cheese, you add a unique textural element to the salad. The larger shreds provide a satisfying bite, while the granular texture of the grated cheese melts into the dressing, creating a creamy consistency. This combination enhances the overall sensory experience of the dish, making it more enjoyable to eat.

To achieve this varied texture, you can purchase Parmesan that is already shredded and grated, or you can buy a wedge of Parmesan and use the two different sides of a box grater to create the desired textures. This way, you have control over the size and consistency of the shreds and gratings.

When adding the cheese to your salad, start with the grated Parmesan. Toss it with the lettuce, croutons, and dressing to ensure it coats the other ingredients evenly. Then, add the shredded Parmesan on top. This step can be done before serving to provide a visually appealing contrast between the leafy greens and the generous amount of cheese.

Using a combination of shredded and grated Parmesan not only improves the texture of your Caesar salad but also intensifies the savoury, salty flavour that Parmesan is known for. This simple yet effective technique will impress your guests and elevate your salad-making skills to the next level.

Anchovies are optional but add a subtle, savoury taste

Anchovies are an optional ingredient in a classic Caesar salad, but they add a subtle, savoury taste to the dish. They are the key to the modern identity of the salad, providing a salty, umami flavour that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.

Anchovies are often packed in olive oil and jarred, and can be purchased at a reasonable price. They are best stored in the fridge. White anchovies are considered the best variety, but they can be expensive. Anchovy paste can be used as a substitute, but it is not as delicious.

If you are using whole anchovies, they should be chopped or minced and mashed with garlic to form a paste. This paste is then whisked with other ingredients, such as egg yolks, lemon juice, and olive oil, to create a savoury dressing. The anchovies will practically disappear into the dressing once all the ingredients are added, so there is no need to worry about the salad tasting too fishy.

If you are not a fan of anchovies, you can replace them with extra capers or a tablespoon of anchovy paste. However, if you can, it is highly recommended to include them for the best flavour.

Romaine is the traditional lettuce to use in a Caesar salad

When preparing the lettuce, it is recommended that you cut the romaine into bite-sized pieces, rather than tearing it with your hands. This keeps the lettuce colder and guarantees uniform pieces that are easy to eat.

The romaine should be tossed with the dressing, and then the croutons should be added and tossed again. The salad should be served immediately, as crisp lettuce is one of the hallmarks of a good Caesar salad.

Homemade croutons are best

Homemade croutons are the best way to go when making a Caesar salad. They are easy to make, highly customisable, and far superior to store-bought croutons. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your salad to restaurant-quality.

Homemade croutons are incredibly versatile. You can use any type of bread, from sandwich bread to a baguette, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. The key is to cut the bread into uniformly sized cubes so that they cook evenly. You can also get creative with the seasonings, adding garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, or even Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or za'atar seasoning for a unique flavour profile.

The process of making homemade croutons is straightforward. Simply drizzle your bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, toss them with your desired seasonings, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake them until they reach your desired level of crispiness, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. That's it! You now have delicious, crispy homemade croutons that will take your Caesar salad to the next level.

Not only do homemade croutons taste better, but they are also a great way to reduce food waste. Have some leftover bread that's a day or two old? Don't throw it away—turn it into croutons! They can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them in multiple salads.

So, why settle for store-bought croutons when you can easily make your own? Homemade croutons add a special touch to your Caesar salad, impressing your family and friends. They are the secret ingredient that will take your salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

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