Easy Caesar Sourdough Croutons (Print Version)

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and golden sourdough croutons make this salad perfect for any occasion.

# Ingredients:

→ For the caesar dressing & salad

01 - 2 teaspoons garlic paste
02 - 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
03 - 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, smooth
04 - 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
05 - Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
06 - ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
07 - ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for shaving
08 - Kosher salt, to taste
09 - Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
10 - 24 ounces romaine hearts (about 1 lb 8 ounces)

→ For the sourdough croutons

11 - 4 cups sourdough bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
13 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
14 - Kosher salt, to taste
15 - Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, mason jar, or deli container, combine the garlic paste, anchovy paste, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and salt/pepper to taste. Whisk or stir until well combined. Cover the container with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
02 - In a large bowl, toss together the sourdough pieces, melted butter, garlic powder, and salt/pepper to taste until the bread is evenly coated. For air fryer croutons, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, spread the croutons evenly in the basket, and air fry for 4 minutes or until crisp and golden. For oven-baked croutons, preheat the oven to 375°F, spread the coated sourdough on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden. Set croutons aside.
03 - Thoroughly rinse and dry the romaine leaves before trimming off the root end and any wilted portions. Cut the romaine into 2-inch strips. Place the romaine in a large bowl and toss with a few spoonfuls of the caesar dressing. Shave additional Parmigiano-Reggiano over the salad and mix well to evenly coat the lettuce. Top with prepared sourdough croutons. Serve immediately in the bowl or on a large platter.

# Notes:

01 - Store leftover Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.