Best Guys Caesar Salad Recipes

THE BEST CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the croutons: Put the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When the butter is completely melted add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Carefully swirl the pan to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse the oil mixture.
• Put the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Evenly pour the garlic mixture over the bread and toss to coat. Spread the bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bread halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with black pepper and Parmesan. Set aside to cool.
• For the salad: Soak the anchovies in a small bowl of water for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry. Finely chop the anchovies and garlic, then use the side of your knife to mash them to a paste.
• Add the anchovy paste, egg yolk, Dijon mustard and lemon juice to a large bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until emulsified. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan. If needed, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time to thin the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the lettuce and croutons to a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing until coated. Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE DRESSING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• For the Caesar dressing: Beat the egg yolks in a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy and garlic and whisk to combine. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready for use.
• For the croutons: Cut the baguette on an angle to create thin, oval slices about 1/4-inch thick. On a large baking sheet, arrange the slices evenly. Brush the bread with olive oil and top with the Parmesan and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until the Parmesan is melted and the croutons are golden brown around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container if not using immediately.
• For the salad: Core the romaine and trim the top 1/2 inch off the leaves. Fan the leaves out on a serving plate (or chop into 1/2-inch pieces if you prefer). Sprinkle the Parmesan over the lettuce and drizzle the dressing on top. Top with 2 to 3 croutons per plate and serve.

CAESAR SALAD BUFFET

Steps:

• Pulse the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire and 2 teaspoons salt in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment or in a blender until thoroughly combined. With the machine running, add the vegetable oil very slowly to make an emulsified dressing.
• Drain the oysters from their oil, reserving 1 tablespoon of the oil for the croutons. Add the drained oysters to the dressing and pulse until smooth.
• Combine crackers, olive oil, black pepper and remaining teaspoon salt with the reserved oyster oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, tossing often, until the crackers are toasty. Set aside to cool.
• Put a spoonful of the dressing on each plate. Place a romaine heart half face-up on the dressing, then drizzle with additional dressing. Top with croutons, cracked black pepper and Pecorino-Romano.

CHARRED LITTLE GEMS CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Add the yogurt, capers, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to a blender. Turn on the blender and slowly stream in the olive oil until combined, about 1 minute. Pour into a small dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• In a small food processor, dump the croutons and 1/2 cup Parmesan and pulse until in rough bits, then set aside for later.
• Heat a 14-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon blended oil. Once heated add the Little Gem wedges cut-side down and sear until the undersides are medium to dark brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. (Do this in batches if necessary to not crowd the skillet.)
• Add the remaining tablespoon blended oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add the red onions and cook until brown, about 5 minutes. Add the red wine vinegar and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet and place in a small bowl.
• Use a paper towel to wipe out the skillet, then return to medium-high heat. Add the crouton-cheese mixture and heat until warmed through and evenly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Put a spoonful of dressing on each of 4 to 6 plates and spread in a circle with the back of the spoon. Arrange 4 to 6 pieces Little Gem on each plate. Drizzle with more dressing, then sprinkle on capers, charred onion and thinly shaved Parm all over those babies. Sprinkle your warm cheesy crumbs over the top to finish.