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Delicious homemade Caesar salad with croutons and Parmesan on a wooden table.
Alyssa

The Best Homemade Caesar Salad

This really is the best homemade Caesar salad! With homemade croutons and a creamy homemade dressing.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Sides
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 208
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups torn bread cubes (about half of a small loaf)
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Heavy pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 head romaine lettuce (washed and torn or chopped into bite-sized pieces)
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, shaved, or shredded)
  • Croutons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Drizzle bread cubes with enough olive oil so they are all very lightly coated. Toss and add salt.
  3. Spread out onto a sheet pan and bake until edges turn brown, 7-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn, stir and toss them as needed.
  4. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad. Can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
  5. Whisk together all ingredients for the dressing.
  6. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Can be made at least 1 week in advance.
  7. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with enough dressing to lightly coat the leaves (or to your preference). You may not need all of the dressing.
  8. Add half of the croutons and Parmesan cheese and toss again.
  9. Top with remaining croutons and cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

Homemade croutons can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.