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Crispy Parmesan Frico Cups with Fresh Caesar Salad

crispy Parmesan frico cups - featured image
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A quick and impressive appetizer featuring crispy Parmesan cheese cups filled with fresh homemade Caesar salad, perfect for entertaining or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • Non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil for greasing the pan
  • 1 large head of Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • ½ cup homemade Caesar dressing
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to sprinkle on top)
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon of capers or anchovy paste
  • For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the non-stick skillet or baking sheet with cooking spray or a tiny bit of olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons (20g) of grated Parmesan cheese into small circles on the pan—space them about 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart. Flatten gently with the back of a spoon if needed. Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the edges turn golden and the cheese melts into a lacy disc.
  3. Using a spatula, carefully lift each cheese disc and immediately drape it over an inverted small bowl or muffin cup to create a cup shape. Hold for about 30 seconds until they harden. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely; they’ll become crisp.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, anchovy fillets or paste, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Stir in mayonnaise, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it.
  5. Chop Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Toss with about half of the dressing until lightly coated—reserve the rest for serving. Add freshly cracked black pepper and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Spoon the dressed Caesar salad into each Parmesan frico cup just before serving to keep cups crispy. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best crispness. Control heat carefully to avoid burning. Shape cheese discs quickly after cooking to form cups. Assemble salad in cups just before serving to keep cups crispy. Parmesan cups can be baked at 400°F for 5–7 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan frico cups, Caesar salad, crispy cheese cups, homemade Caesar dressing, appetizer, easy recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/crispy-parmesan-frico-cups-recipe-easy-homemade-caesar-salad-idea/