Classic Caesar Salad

• servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained

1 small garlic clove

Kosher salt

2 large egg yolks

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, plus more

¾ tsp. Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup vegetable oil

3 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread, with crusts

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

3 romaine hearts, leaves separated

Parmesan, for serving

Directions

Chop together 6 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained, 1 small garlic clove, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use the side of a knife blade to mash into an anchovy paste, then scrape into a medium bowl. Whisk in 2 large egg yolks, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and ¾ tsp. Dijon mustard. Adding drop by drop to start, gradually whisk in 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, then ½ cup vegetable oil; whisk until dressing is thick and glossy. Whisk in 3 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan. Season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Do ahead: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Store in an airtight container and chill.

Preheat oven to 375°. Toss 3 cups torn 1" pieces country bread, with crusts, with 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil on a baking sheet; season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 10–15 minutes. Do ahead: Croutons can be made 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Place 3 romaine hearts, leaves separated (for the ideal mix of crispness, surface area, and structure), in a large bowl. Use a vegetable peeler to thinly shave a modest amount of Parmesan (a mound of grated Parmesan may look impressive, but all that clumpy cheese mutes the dressing) on a plate. Use your hands to gently toss together the lettuce, croutons, and dressing. Top with the shaved parm. Editor’s note: This Caesar salad recipe was first printed in April 2013. Head this way for our best Caesar-salad-inspired recipes →