# Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, a bold anchovy-lemon dressing, and shards of Parmesan — the Caesar that earns its reputation every time.

_Salad · Italian-American_

Prep: 20 min · Cook: 10 min · Total: 30 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 1 large romaine lettuce head (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 slice sourdough bread (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (2 minced, 1 halved)
- 4 anchovy fillets (packed in oil, finely minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated, plus shards for serving)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 pinch kosher salt (plus more to taste)

## Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the sourdough bread cubes with the halved garlic clove, then toss with 3 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake the croutons for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 anchovy fillets, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce into a rough paste.
5. Add the 1 egg yolk and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. While whisking constantly, drizzle in the 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
7. Stir in 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed.
8. Place the torn romaine lettuce in a large, chilled bowl. Drizzle with enough dressing to coat — start with about half and add more to taste.
9. Toss well so every leaf is lightly coated, then scatter the croutons over the top.
10. Finish with shards of Parmesan and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.

## Tip

> Drizzle the oil into the egg yolk mixture drop by drop for the first 30 seconds — rushing this stage breaks the emulsion before it has a chance to form.

Tags: salad, weeknight, comfort-food, vegetarian

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