CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS

Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons image

This homemade Caesar salad is loaded with flavor! Cold, crunchy romaine lettuce and golden brown, toasted croutons are tossed in a briny, rich dressing, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Serve as a side salad alongside lasagna or grilled steak and potatoes, or add a protein such as grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp and make it a main dish.

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

½ (1 pound) loaf sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, pressed
3 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or more to taste
3 hearts romaine - washed, chopped, and chilled

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet.
Whisk together oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a liquid measure. Pour mixture over the bread and toss with your hands until evenly coated. Spread bread mixture into a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and toasted, yet slightly soft in the center, 15 to 18 minutes, tossing croutons a few times during baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely while you prepare the salad.
Place garlic, anchovies, and salt in a large salad serving bowl; press the mixture with a fork until a paste forms. Stir in egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Slowly whisk in olive oil until all is incorporated and mixture is well blended and smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove about 1/4 cup of dressing and set aside for another use.
When ready to serve, add lettuce and 1/2 of the croutons to the bowl with the remaining dressing; toss until well coated. Reserve remaining croutons for another use.
Sprinkle salad with additional Parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 406.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 55.9 mg, Fat 31.3 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 998.1 mg