Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the beloved Caesar salad to new heights by pairing it with homemade Parmesan cups that add a crispy, savory crunch. The Parmesan cups are golden and perfectly crisp, complementing the creamy Caesar dressing, fresh romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons. Plus, the addition of cherry tomatoes (optional) brings a burst of color and freshness to the salad. It’s a beautiful and delicious way to serve a salad, and the crispy Parmesan cups make every bite a delight.

Ingredients

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup Caesar dressing
½ cup croutons
¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Make the Parmesan cups:
- Place a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese in small mounds on the baking sheet, about 3 inches apart.
- Use the back of a spoon to flatten each mound slightly.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Shape the cups:
- Once you remove the cheese from the oven, let it cool for about a minute.
- While still warm and pliable, gently lift each cheese round and drape it over the back of a muffin tin or a small bowl to form a cup shape.
Prepare the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and croutons. Toss until the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.
Add optional ingredients: If desired, add halved cherry tomatoes to the salad for a burst of freshness and color.
Fill the cups: Once the Parmesan cups have cooled and hardened, carefully remove them from the muffin tin or bowls. Fill each cup with the Caesar salad mixture.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the filled cups and add chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Serve immediately: Serve your Parmesan cups with Caesar salad while the cheese cups are still crunchy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Top your salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for a heartier meal.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the croutons and substitute them with roasted chickpeas or nuts for added crunch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Caesar dressing for a subtle spicy flavor.
Cheese Variety: For a twist on the flavor, mix in a little shredded Asiago or Romano cheese into the Parmesan for the cups.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: The Parmesan cups are best served immediately as they will soften over time. You can store any leftover salad in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but keep the cups separate to maintain their crispness.
Reheating: If you have leftover Parmesan cups, you can crisp them up again by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the Parmesan cups in advance?

Yes, you can make the Parmesan cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just be sure to fill them with the salad right before serving to keep them crisp.

Can I use pre-made Caesar dressing?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought Caesar dressing will work just fine, though homemade dressing will elevate the flavors.

Can I bake the Parmesan cups instead of using a muffin tin?

Yes, you can bake them on a flat surface, but using a muffin tin or small bowls will help create the perfect cup shape.

Can I use a different cheese for the cups?

You can experiment with other cheeses like Asiago or Romano, but keep in mind that Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture for these cups.

Can I serve this salad for a large crowd?

Yes, you can easily multiply the ingredients to serve more people. Just make sure to use a large baking sheet for the Parmesan cups and have enough muffin tins or bowls for shaping them.

Can I make these Parmesan cups ahead of time and freeze them?

While it’s best to make the cups fresh, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispness.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Cups + Caesar Salad are the perfect combination of elegance, flavor, and crunch. The crispy Parmesan cups are a delightful twist on traditional croutons, and the creamy Caesar salad is packed with all the classic flavors you love. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines comfort and gourmet appeal in every bite!

Parmesan Cups + Caesar Salad: An Incredible Secret Recipe to Try

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Parmesan Cups + Caesar Salad takes the classic Caesar salad to a new level by serving it in crispy, cheesy Parmesan cups. This visually stunning and delicious dish is perfect for any occasion, offering the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup Caesar dressing

½ cup croutons

¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese in small mounds on the baking sheet, about 3 inches apart. Use the back of a spoon to flatten each mound slightly.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Once the cheese rounds are baked, let them cool for about a minute. While still warm, gently lift each cheese round and drape it over the back of a muffin tin or small bowl to form a cup shape.
In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and croutons. Toss until the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.
If desired, add halved cherry tomatoes for freshness and color.
Once the Parmesan cups have cooled and hardened, carefully remove them from the muffin tin or bowls. Fill each cup with the Caesar salad mixture.
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately while the Parmesan cups are still crispy.

Notes

The Parmesan cups should be filled right before serving to maintain their crispness.

You can store leftover salad in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but keep the cups separate to preserve their texture.

If making the Parmesan cups ahead of time, store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make this a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 40mg