The Best Cheeses To Top Off Your Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a classic dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. The type of cheese used in a Caesar salad is an important consideration, as it contributes to the overall taste and texture of the dish. Parmesan cheese is commonly used in Caesar salads due to its salty and nutty flavour, adding a savoury touch to the salad. The cheese is usually shaved or shredded into thin strips, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Parmesan cheese shavings

To get the perfect Parmesan shavings, start with a block of Parmesan cheese and a potato peeler or a vegetable peeler. Hold the block of cheese firmly in one hand and the peeler in the other. Place the peeler at the edge of the cheese block and apply a slight amount of pressure as you glide the peeler downwards, creating thin, delicate shavings. Repeat this motion until you have enough shavings to generously sprinkle on top of your Caesar salad.

When assembling the salad, it is best to add the Parmesan shavings in two parts. First, add half of the shavings to a large bowl along with the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and half of your desired amount of dressing. Toss these ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Then, add the remaining Parmesan shavings on top of the salad as a garnish, along with any remaining croutons.

The salty flavour of Parmesan cheese can have a significant impact on the overall taste of the salad, so it is important to taste and adjust the seasoning after adding the cheese. The cheese can also be used in the dressing, adding a tangy, savoury flavour to the creamy base.

Whether you are making a classic Caesar salad or experimenting with creative add-ins, Parmesan cheese shavings are a key ingredient that brings the whole dish together.

Homemade vs store-bought croutons

The Case for Homemade Croutons

Homemade croutons are the crowning glory of a classic Caesar salad. They are super easy to make and elevate your salad to a whole new level. They are also a great way to use up leftover or day-old bread.

Homemade croutons are crisp, chewy, and perfectly seasoned. You can use a French baguette, ciabatta bread, or even a mix of white and rye bread for a rustic feel. You can also experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or three-cheese semolina.

The key to achieving that perfect crispness is to use olive oil, which adds flavour and helps the bread toast to a golden brown. You can also add Parmesan cheese, which sticks to the nooks and crannies of the bread and adds lots of flavour.

Homemade croutons allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and of high quality. You can also customise the seasonings to your taste, such as dried parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

The Case for Store-Bought Croutons

While homemade croutons are ideal, there are times when you need a quicker option, and that's where store-bought croutons come in. They can be a convenient and time-saving alternative, especially if you're short on time or don't want to heat up your oven.

Store-bought croutons offer a variety of options to suit different preferences. You can find basic croutons with a subtle garlic flavour, or go for ones with a stronger cheese or herb profile. Some brands to consider include Cardini's, Chatham Village, Whole Foods 365, Reese, and Fresh Gourmet.

Store-bought croutons can be a good option if you're looking for consistency in size and shape. They are often uniformly cut into squares or cubes, ensuring a standard crunch factor in your salad.

While nothing beats the taste and customisation of homemade croutons, store-bought croutons have their advantages in terms of convenience and variety. Ultimately, the choice between homemade and store-bought croutons depends on your time constraints and personal preferences.

For a true Caesar salad experience, homemade croutons are worth the minimal effort, adding a special touch that will impress your guests or elevate your everyday meal. However, if time is of the essence, store-bought croutons can still provide a satisfying crunch without compromising the overall enjoyment of your salad.

Now, let's talk about the cheese that goes on top of a Caesar salad...

Anchovies: yes or no?

Anchovies are a key ingredient in the original Caesar salad dressing, but they are not added to the salad itself. The addition of anchovies to the salad is a modern twist, and some people choose to omit them.

The traditional dressing includes raw egg yolks, olive oil, lemon, Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce, which contains anchovies. This classic combination creates a creamy emulsion without the need for cream. The anchovies contribute a briny, savoury flavour to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

However, not everyone enjoys the taste of anchovies, and they can be difficult to find in some places. As a substitute, some people use additional Worcestershire sauce or anchovy paste to achieve a similar flavour profile. Others prefer to omit anchovies altogether, creating a milder dressing that still complements the other ingredients in the salad.

Ultimately, the decision to include or exclude anchovies is a matter of personal preference. Those who enjoy a bolder, more savoury flavour may prefer to include them, while those who prefer a milder taste may opt for alternatives or leave them out entirely.

Raw egg yolks

When making a Caesar salad dressing with raw egg yolks, it is important to use pasteurized egg yolks, especially if you are serving the salad to the very young or elderly, or if you feel uncomfortable using raw eggs. Pasteurized eggs have been briefly heated to kill off any harmful bacteria.

Some people may be hesitant to consume raw egg yolks due to food safety concerns. It is recommended that pregnant women, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals do not consume raw eggs. If you are concerned about using raw eggs, you can substitute the egg yolks with mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing.

When preparing a Caesar salad with raw egg yolks, it is important to follow proper food safety practices. This includes washing your hands thoroughly, using clean utensils and surfaces, and ensuring that the eggs are fresh and properly refrigerated.

In addition to raw egg yolks, a classic Caesar salad typically includes romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a tangy, creamy dressing. The combination of crisp vegetables, salty cheese, and a rich dressing makes it a popular and flavorful dish.

Dressing consistency

The dressing is the star of a Caesar salad. It is what brings all the ingredients together to create a cohesive dish. The consistency of the dressing is important to ensure the salad is well-coated and flavourful.

A classic Caesar dressing is an emulsion, which means it has both oil and water mixed together. In this case, the oil is usually olive oil, and the water comes from lemon juice and sometimes egg yolk or whole egg. To get the right consistency, the oil needs to be added slowly and steadily while whisking to create a thick, creamy texture. This can be done by hand or with a blender. If you are making the dressing by hand, it is important to whisk constantly while slowly drizzling in the oil. This process is called emulsifying, and it will give your dressing a smooth, creamy texture that is not too oily.

The key to a good Caesar dressing is to add the oil slowly. The slower you drizzle, the thicker the dressing will be. If you are using a blender, you can add the oil a little faster, but still be sure to go slowly to ensure the best consistency. You can also adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of water if the dressing is too thick.

The dressing should be well-seasoned with plenty of black pepper, and some recipes also call for Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and capers. These ingredients add flavour and can also affect the consistency of the dressing. If you are using mustard, be sure to whisk it in at the beginning of the process to help with emulsification.

Finally, the type of oil you use can also impact the consistency. A light-flavoured oil like canola or light olive oil is best. Extra virgin olive oil can be too strong and bitter for this dressing.

Frequently asked questions