Caesar Salad Parmesan Cups Recipe

Introduction

These Caesar Salad Parmesan Cups are a delightful twist on a classic salad, combining crispy cheese cups with fresh greens and a creamy dressing. Perfect as a party appetizer or a light snack, they offer a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 5 oz green leaf lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup Caesar salad dressing
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup croutons
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Scoop 1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan onto the baking sheet and shape it into a 2-3 inch circle. Place about 6 circles per baking sheet, as space is limited. You will need to bake in two batches.
3. Step 3: Bake the Parmesan circles for 4 minutes until melted and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Using a spatula or your hands, carefully transfer each melted cheese circle to an upside-down mini muffin tin. Gently mold the cheese into a cup shape.
5. Step 5: Return the muffin tin to the oven for 1 additional minute to help the cups set their shape.
6. Step 6: While the cups cool, combine chopped lettuce, Caesar dressing, and chives in a medium bowl. Crush the croutons into smaller pieces for topping.
7. Step 7: Remove the Parmesan cups from the muffin tin. Fill each cup with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the salad mixture, then sprinkle with croutons and a pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix in a little garlic powder or lemon zest into the Parmesan before baking.
• If you prefer, substitute green leaf lettuce with Romaine for a more traditional Caesar texture.
• Use homemade croutons toasted with garlic and herbs for added crunch and taste.
• Try adding grilled chicken or bacon bits on top for a heartier snack or appetizer.

Storage

These Parmesan cups are best served fresh as they can lose their crispiness over time. If needed, store the cups separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Keep the salad mixture refrigerated and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Parmesan cups ahead of time?

You can prepare the cups a few hours ahead and keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. However, assemble the salad filling just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan works best for these cups due to its ability to crisp and hold shape. You might try Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor, but softer cheeses are not suitable for this recipe.

Caesar Salad Parmesan Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

Delight in these crispy Caesar Salad Parmesan Cups, a creative twist combining savory baked Parmesan cheese cups filled with a fresh Caesar salad mix. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or light snack, these cups boast a crunchy texture with flavorful greens, Caesar dressing, fresh chives, and croutons, all seasoned with a touch of black pepper.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Parmesan Cups

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Salad Filling

• 5 oz green leaf lettuce, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup Caesar salad dressing
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup croutons, crushed
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the Parmesan disks.
2. Form Parmesan disks: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese onto the baking sheet and shape it into a 2-3 inch circle. Note that only about 6 disks will fit on the sheet at once, so plan for two baking batches.
3. Bake Parmesan disks: Bake the Parmesan circles for 4 minutes until they melt and crisp up. Then remove from the oven and let them cool for about 1 minute.
4. Shape cups: Carefully transfer the slightly cooled Parmesan disks onto an upside-down mini muffin tin. Gently mold each disk into the shape of a cup using a spatula or your hands.
5. Set the cup shape: Place the muffin tin with the molded Parmesan cups back into the oven for an additional minute to allow the cheese to fully melt into the cup shape and harden.
6. Prepare salad filling: While the Parmesan cups cool, combine the finely chopped green leaf lettuce, Caesar salad dressing, and chopped fresh chives in a medium bowl. Crush the croutons into smaller pieces to use as a topping.
7. Assemble and serve: Once the Parmesan cups have cooled and set, carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the Caesar salad mixture into each cup, sprinkle with crushed croutons, and finish with a pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Shredded Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for best melting consistency.
• If Parmesan cups crack when molding, bake them a little longer initially or handle gently when shaping.
• Use bite-sized green leaf lettuce for easy filling.
• These cups are best served fresh to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess.
• For a vegetarian option, ensure the Caesar dressing does not contain anchovies or substitute with a vegetarian dressing.
• Leftover Parmesan cups can be stored in an airtight container but may lose crispness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caesar salad, Parmesan cups, appetizer, baked cheese cups, finger food, party snack, easy recipe