Name: Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed crusty bread; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling); Sea salt (for sprinkling); 1 cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove (grated); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Pinch sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 pound romaine lettuce (about 2 medium heads, chopped or torn into bite-size pieces); ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese; Freshly ground black pepper (for garnish)

There’s something truly satisfying about the crunch of fresh romaine paired with golden, crispy croutons and that creamy, tangy dressing. This Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe nails that perfect balance every time—making it a standout for both a quick lunch and a fancy side.

A large white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer is bright green romaine lettuce leaves, torn into pieces; the middle layer has many small golden brown croutons scattered evenly; the top layer features thin, pale yellow cheese shavings spread lightly over the salad. Two wooden salad spoons with green handles rest inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, next to it are stacked white plates with three metal forks on top, and a glass filled with light yellow liquid being poured from a green bottle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless Caesar salads over the years, but this version always impresses because it combines homemade elements that you don’t get in store-bought dressings or pre-packaged croutons. It feels like a little luxury you can whip up on any weeknight.

Perfectly Crispy Croutons: Baking your own croutons with olive oil and sea salt makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
Rich Homemade Dressing: The creamy dressing is easy to make but tastes way better than bottled versions—it has a balanced tang from lemon and Worcestershire sauce.
Fresh Flavors: Crisp romaine and freshly grated Parmesan give each bite that classic Caesar salad feel you’re after.
Customizable and Easy: Simple ingredients mean you can tweak it to your liking or make a big batch for company without stress.

A large white bowl filled with a fresh Caesar salad containing bright green romaine lettuce leaves, golden brown croutons scattered throughout, and thin, pale yellow parmesan cheese shavings on top. Creamy, light yellow Caesar dressing is drizzled unevenly over the salad, adding a smooth texture. Two wooden salad spoons are being held by a woman's hands above the bowl, one spoon has a green dipped handle. Around the bowl, there is a round plate holding a large block of parmesan cheese with some thin shavings and a cheese slicer, a small glass jar filled with golden olive oil, a wooden pepper grinder, and a clear glass bowl with more Caesar dressing. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface with some scattered pepper pieces, and a blue cloth with small white heart patterns is placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crunch of the croutons to the creamy bite of the dressing and the salty Parmesan, they all come together seamlessly. When shopping, aim for good quality bread and fresh Romano lettuce to elevate this salad.

Flat lay of a large crisp head of romaine lettuce torn into bite-size pieces, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of Dijon mustard, a whole garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shaved Parmesan cheese, and a pile of golden cubed crusty bread croutons drizzled with olive oil sprinkled with sea salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Crusty bread: I prefer using day-old artisan bread like sourdough for croutons because it crisps beautifully without getting soggy.
Extra-virgin olive oil: This is your go-to for both drizzling on croutons and in the dressing—choose a flavorful one for the best taste.
Sea salt: A light sprinkle enhances the croutons and balances the dressing.
Mayonnaise: Using mayo as a base makes the dressing creamy and smooth without the need for raw eggs.
Fresh lemon juice: This adds bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Mustard adds subtle tang and binds the dressing ingredients.
Garlic clove: Grated fresh garlic packs a little punch without overwhelming.
Worcestershire sauce: It’s a secret weapon that brings depth and umami to the dressing. Don’t skip it if you can.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and aroma.
Parmesan cheese: Use both grated in the dressing and shaved on top for maximum cheesy goodness.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy enough to hold the dressing and croutons, keeping the salad from getting soggy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is a fantastic base, but one of my favorite things is making it my own depending on the season or who's at the table. You can easily turn it into a heartier meal or keep it light and fresh.

Variation: Sometimes I add grilled chicken or crispy bacon to turn this homemade Caesar salad with crispy croutons recipe into a filling meal that’s perfect for dinner.
Vegetarian tweak: Just skip the Worcestershire sauce or swap with a vegetarian-friendly alternative and you’re set.
Seasonal twist: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or radishes in summer for a pop of color and freshness.
Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Toasted Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube your crusty bread into bite-sized pieces, then spread them on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the cubes, sprinkle a little sea salt, and toss well so every piece gets a lovely coating. Spread them out evenly to ensure they crisp up nicely instead of steaming. Bake for about 10 to 18 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid over-browning. You want them golden and crunchy, not burnt. These croutons are the heart of the crunch in your salad—so treat them with care!

Step 2: Whisking Up the Dressing

Now, grab a medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup to whisk your dressing ingredients together. I find it easiest to start with the mayonnaise, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to get a smooth, creamy texture. Add the fresh lemon juice for brightness, Dijon mustard to help emulsify, grated garlic for that iconic kick, Worcestershire sauce for a subtle umami depth, and season with a pinch of sea salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese last to make the dressing irresistibly creamy. If your dressing feels too thick—which can happen depending on the mayo brand—thin it out with a teaspoon of water at a time. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning until it sings.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

In a large bowl, pile in your chopped or torn romaine lettuce. Add about half the dressing and toss gently so every leaf gets coated—don’t overdress or your salad will feel soggy. Next, fold in half the croutons and half the Parmesan. Toss again to combine. Now taste it. Add more dressing if you like things saucier, and season with salt and pepper if needed. Finish by topping the salad with the remaining croutons, some beautiful Parmesan shavings, and a few extra grinds of black pepper. The contrast between creamy, crunchy, and fresh in this Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe is what makes it so addictive.

Top Tip

Having made this homemade Caesar salad with crispy croutons recipe countless times, I’ve learned some tricks that really help get it just right every time.

Crouton Crispness: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when toasting croutons to ensure they crisp evenly without steaming.
Dressing Balance: Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce slowly, tasting as you go—this helps avoid overpowering or bland dressing.
Fresh Grating: Grate your Parmesan fresh rather than using pre-grated cheese for a more vibrant flavor.
Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy.

How to Serve Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my Caesar with extra freshly shaved Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top—simple but effective. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon over the top adds a little zing right before serving. If I’m feeling fancy, a few anchovy fillets on the side win me over every time.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a pasta dish. For a casual meal, I like serving it alongside garlic bread or a creamy risotto to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve this salad in individual bowls or mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom and topped with leaves and croutons so guests can toss it themselves. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy the homemade Caesar salad with crispy croutons recipe that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by chance you have leftovers, keep the dressing separate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store the romaine and croutons separately to preserve texture. When ready, toss everything together fresh for best results.

Freezing

This homemade Caesar salad with crispy croutons recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or using leftovers as a base for other dishes like wraps or bowls.

Reheating

Since this salad is best eaten fresh, reheating isn’t really recommended. However, if you’ve added protein like chicken, you can warm those separately and toss with fresh salad and dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the croutons ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the croutons a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just ensure they're completely cooled before storing to keep them crunchy.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

The key is to dress the salad just before serving and keep the croutons and lettuce separate until then. Toss gently and serve immediately for the best crunch.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead?

While store-bought dressings are convenient, the homemade dressing here tastes fresher and allows you to control the flavors and texture. Plus, it’s easy to make with common pantry staples.

What’s the best type of bread for croutons?

I recommend crusty, day-old bread like sourdough or baguette. It holds up well when toasted and provides that satisfying crunch that’s key to homemade croutons.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons Recipe feels like a recipe I keep coming back to because it’s reliable, fresh, and flexible. Every bite reminds me why simple ingredients, treated right, make all the difference. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the crispy croutons and creamy dressing as much as I do, and it might just become your new go-to salad too.