Caesar Salad

PREPARATION 25 minutes COOKING 12 minutes SERVINGS 4

Ingredients

Croutons

• 100 g (2 slices) day-old white bread, crust removed
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Mayonnaise

• 1 egg yolk
• 5 ml (1 tsp) Dijon mustard
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice
• 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
• 60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Salad

• 2 romaine lettuce hearts
• 360 g (8 slices) bacon, diced
• 25 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 30 g (¼ cup) Parmesan cheese, cut into thin shavings
• 2.5 g (½ tsp) finely chopped fresh chives (optional)

For the two ways of preparing Parmesan

• 8 small cubes of Parmesan cheese
• 8 thin slices of bacon (optional)

Instructions

Croutons

1. Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F).
2. Cut the bread into small cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix the bread cubes with the olive oil, butter, and chopped garlic until well coated.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for about 6 minutes or until the croutons are golden and crispy. Set aside.

Mayonnaise

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Gradually add the vegetable oil and olive oil in a thin stream while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Salad

1. Cut the romaine lettuce hearts into quarters. Wash and spin dry thoroughly.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce quarters with the croutons, crispy bacon, grated Parmesan, and enough mayonnaise to coat everything lightly.
4. Divide the salad among 4 plates. Garnish with Parmesan shavings and chives (if using).

Parmesan Two Ways (optional touch)

• For the cubes: Place small cubes of Parmesan in the center of the salad for an intense flavor burst.
• For the crisp: Place thin slices of bacon on a baking sheet and top each with a small cube of Parmesan. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and golden. These add a delicious crunchy and savory element.

Duo of Oils The success of a classic Caesar salad lies in the balance of flavors. We recommend using a mix of neutral vegetable oil and flavorful olive oil for the mayonnaise — it gives a lighter taste while keeping the richness.

Fried Capers (optional) Capers fried in oil add an extra crispy and salty touch that pairs wonderfully with the salad.