TOMATO CAESAR SALAD WITH BACON-PARMESAN CRISPS

Tomato Caesar Salad With Bacon-Parmesan Crisps image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 slices thick-cut bacon
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
1 small clove garlic, finely grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
5 medium or large heirloom tomatoes, sliced crosswise about 1/2 inch thick
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Watercress or baby arugula, for topping

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning, until very crisp. Drain on paper towels until cool, then finely chop.
Stir the bacon, 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano and the flour in a small bowl. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Divide the bacon-cheese mixture into 4 mounds on the baking sheet and flatten each one into about a 3 1/2-inch round. Bake until golden brown and the cheese melts, about 7 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a rack using a thin spatula and let cool completely.
Make the dressing: Whisk the anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce and the remaining 3 tablespoons cheese in a small bowl.
Arrange the tomatoes on a platter, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper and some of the dressing. Scatter the watercress on top and drizzle with olive oil. Break the bacon-parmesan crisps into bite-size pieces and add to the salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 195 calorie, Fat 14 grams, SaturatedFat 4.5 grams, Cholesterol 10 milligrams, Sodium 668 milligrams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fiber 1.5 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 4 grams