Dinner

Classic Caesar Salad with Crispy Bacon and Homemade Dressing Recipe

Name: Classic Caesar Salad with Crispy Bacon and Homemade Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 head Romaine Lettuce; 4 slices Bacon; 2 slices Bread; Shaved Parmesan Cheese, to taste; 1 Egg; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1 Lemon (juice only); 1 clove Garlic; 2 Anchovy Fillets; Nonstick Cooking Spray, as needed

ByHailey Reed December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

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Introduction

Caesar Salad is a classic favorite known for its crisp romaine, savory bacon, and creamy anchovy dressing. This homemade version includes freshly baked croutons and a rich dressing that brings all the flavors together perfectly. It’s a simple yet impressive salad to enjoy any time.

A bowl filled with a fresh Caesar salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer has light brown crunchy croutons, the middle layer features medium green romaine lettuce leaves with some dark spots of dressing, and the top layer has thin, slightly curled pale yellow cheese shavings and small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon. The salad is lightly sprinkled with black pepper and the bowl is made of light wood placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices Bacon
2 slices Bread
Nonstick Cooking Spray, as needed
1 head Romaine Lettuce
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1 Lemon
1 clove Garlic
2 Anchovy Fillets
1 Egg
Shaved Parmesan Cheese, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Step 2: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside on paper towels to drain.
Step 3: Place the bread slices on a baking dish lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and bake in the oven for 5 minutes until crisp to form croutons.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, juice from the lemon, and finely chopped anchovy fillets to make the dressing. Stir well.
Step 5: In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce, the homemade croutons, crumbled bacon, the egg (hard boiled or poached, if preferred), and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, try toasting the croutons with a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning before baking.
Swap the bacon for grilled chicken to turn this salad into a heartier main dish.
If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
To avoid raw egg, use a pasteurized egg or omit it altogether; the salad will still be delicious.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled and stir before serving. The assembled salad is best eaten fresh, as romaine and croutons can become soggy. Reheat bacon gently in a microwave if needed; do not reheat croutons.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a fresh salad inside a light wooden bowl, showing several layers starting with crisp green romaine lettuce leaves as the base. Among the leaves, there are golden-brown croutons adding a crunchy texture, and pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon are scattered evenly. On top, light cream-colored slices of Parmesan cheese are spread, some thin and curled, with a sprinkling of black pepper visible. The fresh ingredients give a mix of bright greens, warm browns, and creamy whites, all set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

How do I cook the egg for the salad?

You can use a hard-boiled egg for ease and texture. Simply boil the egg for about 9-10 minutes, cool it in ice water, peel, and slice or chop for the salad.