Caesar Salad Crispy Croutons (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Croutons Ingredients

01 - Half of a French baguette, thinly sliced into 1/4” pieces
02 - 3 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin works great)
03 - About 1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic (from two small cloves)
04 - 2 tablespoons parmesan, grated

→ Dressing Ingredients

05 - 2 minced small garlic cloves (you’ll need about a teaspoon)
06 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
07 - A teaspoon of Worcestershire
08 - Two teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - One and a half teaspoons of red wine vinegar
10 - 1/3 cup good-quality olive oil
11 - Half a teaspoon salt (taste and adjust if needed)
12 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (add more on top if you like)

→ Salad Ingredients

13 - 1 head of large romaine lettuce (or 2 smaller ones)
14 - 1/3 cup parmesan – shredded, shaved, or however you like

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Set your oven to 350°F and let it preheat. Slice the baguette through the middle, then cut diagonal pieces that are 1/4” thick. Arrange them on a baking pan. Mix garlic and olive oil in a little bowl, then drizzle the mixture onto the bread slices. Sprinkle grated parmesan over the top and gently toss them together to coat evenly. Spread them out on the baking pan, then bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy.
02 - Take a small mixing bowl and combine your minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk it all together. Gradually pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk—really mix it thoroughly. Add the sea salt and black pepper next, and tweak the flavor as you like.
03 - Wash and dry your romaine lettuce, then break or slice it into bite-sized chunks. Toss it into a big serving bowl. Toss in a generous helping of freshly shredded parmesan along with the croutons you’ve made. Pour over the dressing, then gently mix everything so the lettuce is nicely coated.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - The amount of croutons made here works well for two salads or about 8 servings. The nutrition info listed is per serving.