Caesar Dressing: How to Make Your Own!

Creating your own Caesar dressing at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to control the ingredients for the perfect taste. Here’s a classic recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg yolk (or 2 small yolks)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  2. Add Flavorings:
    • Add the finely chopped anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste), minced garlic, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar to the bowl. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Emulsify:
    • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking. This process will emulsify the dressing, giving it a thick, creamy texture. Pour the oil in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly to ensure it incorporates well and doesn’t separate.
  4. Finish and Season:
    • Once all the oil is added and the dressing is creamy, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
  5. Refrigerate:
    • Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve:
    • Toss the Caesar dressing with your favorite greens, croutons, and extra Parmesan cheese for a classic Caesar salad. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor or blender to mix the dressing instead of whisking by hand.
  • If you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, you can lightly sauté the minced garlic before adding it to the dressing.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences.
  • If you’re concerned about using raw egg yolks, you can use pasteurized eggs or opt for a commercial mayonnaise as the base.

This homemade Caesar dressing is rich, creamy, and full of robust flavors, perfect for elevating any salad. Enjoy!

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