Description
A clever and elegant twist on classic Caesar salad: crispy, bite-sized Parmesan cheese cups filled with fresh Romaine lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a fun twist on salad!
Ingredients
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
8–10 oz (about 1½ cups) chopped Romaine lettuce
½ cup Caesar dressing
Garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
- Place 1–1½ Tbsp grated Parmesan in 6–8 mounds on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, spaced about 2″ apart. Sprinkle with garlic powder if using.
- Bake for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese has just melted and is bubbly but not browned.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 40–60 seconds. Quickly lift each round with a spatula and drape over every other cavity of a muffin tin. Press gently to shape into cups.
- In a bowl, toss chopped Romaine with Caesar dressing to taste.
- Once cheese cups are cool and set, fill with salad mixture.
- Top with additional Parmesan or croutons if desired.
- Serve immediately while cups remain crisp.
Notes
- Make cheese cups up to a day ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Fill cups right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use homemade Caesar dressing for a gourmet touch.
- Ensure cheese rounds are pliable for easy shaping—reheat briefly if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
