Name: Caesar Salad Wonton Cups Recipe
Ingredients: 12 wonton wrappers: These form the crispy, edible cups that hold the Caesar salad filling. Look for fresh wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. They are typically found near the tofu and other Asian ingredients. Ensure they are pliable and not dried out. If you can only find frozen wonton wrappers, thaw them completely according to package directions before use. The quality of the wonton wrappers will impact the crispiness of your cups, so opt for a brand you trust.; Olive oil spray: A light spray of olive oil is essential for achieving that perfect golden crispness in the oven without making the wonton wrappers greasy. Olive oil spray is convenient and provides even coverage. You can also use a mister filled with olive oil or brush them lightly with olive oil if you don’t have spray.; 2 ½ cups cos/romaine lettuce, shredded: Romaine lettuce is the quintessential choice for Caesar salad, offering a crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the dressing. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce before shredding or chopping it. Excess moisture will make the salad soggy. Shredding the lettuce into bite-sized pieces makes it easier to eat in the wonton cups and ensures the dressing coats every piece evenly.; 1 cup cooked chicken, diced: Adding cooked chicken transforms this appetizer into a more substantial bite, making it almost a mini-meal. You can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Dicing the chicken into small, uniform pieces ensures it distributes evenly throughout the salad and fits neatly within the wonton cups. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken or substitute it with chickpeas or white beans for added protein and texture.; 1 ½ bacon rashers, diced: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty depth of flavor that complements the Caesar salad perfectly. Use good quality bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Dicing it before cooking makes it easier to achieve even crispness. Make sure to drain the bacon on paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease. For a vegetarian alternative, you can use smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor or omit it entirely.; ¼ cup bread, diced finely (preferably stale): Croutons are a crucial element of any Caesar salad, and in this miniature version, they add a delightful crunch. Using stale bread is ideal as it will crisp up beautifully without becoming too hard. Day-old baguette, sourdough, or even white bread work well. Dicing the bread finely ensures they become crispy mini-croutons that are perfect for topping the wonton cups.; 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must for authentic Caesar salad flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan often lacks the same depth of flavor and can be dry. Invest in a block of good quality Parmesan and grate it yourself just before using. The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan is essential to both the dressing and as a topping for the wonton cups.; 2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional – for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal as a garnish. It also provides a subtle herbaceous note that complements the other flavors. While optional, a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley elevates the presentation of the wonton cups and adds a pop of color.; Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning both the croutons and the overall salad. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.; 1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic is the backbone of a classic Caesar dressing, providing a pungent, savory note. Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely for even distribution of flavor throughout the dressing. Avoid using pre-minced garlic in a jar, as it often lacks the same fresh flavor.; 2 anchovy fillets: Anchovies are a key ingredient in authentic Caesar dressing, adding a unique umami depth and saltiness that is essential to its characteristic flavor. Don’t be intimidated by anchovies! They melt into the dressing and provide a savory richness that you can’t quite replicate with anything else. If you are truly averse to anchovies, you can try a tiny pinch of fish sauce or omit them altogether, but the flavor will be less authentic.; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can sometimes have a slightly bitter or artificial taste.; 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and emulsifying power to the dressing, helping to bind the ingredients together. Dijon mustard provides a sharper, more complex flavor than yellow mustard.; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds another layer of umami complexity to the dressing, contributing to its savory depth. It contains anchovies, so if you’re omitting anchovies from the recipe, Worcestershire sauce becomes even more important for achieving that characteristic Caesar flavor profile.; 1 cup mayonnaise, preferably whole egg: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the Caesar dressing. Using a good quality, whole egg mayonnaise is recommended for the richest flavor and texture. Whole egg mayonnaise tends to be creamier and more flavorful than light or reduced-fat mayonnaise.; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is incorporated into the dressing as well as used as a topping, intensifying the cheesy, savory flavor. Again, freshly grated Parmesan is crucial for the best taste and texture.; Milk, to adjust consistency: Milk is used to thin the dressing to your desired consistency. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until the dressing is creamy and coats the lettuce nicely but isn’t too thick or too thin.; ¼ tsp salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the dressing and bringing all the flavors together. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste, keeping in mind that anchovies and Parmesan cheese are already salty.; Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, aromatic spice that complements the other flavors in the dressing. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor and aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wonton Cups:

12 wonton wrappers: These form the crispy, edible cups that hold the Caesar salad filling. Look for fresh wonton wrappers in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. They are typically found near the tofu and other Asian ingredients. Ensure they are pliable and not dried out. If you can only find frozen wonton wrappers, thaw them completely according to package directions before use. The quality of the wonton wrappers will impact the crispiness of your cups, so opt for a brand you trust.

Olive oil spray: A light spray of olive oil is essential for achieving that perfect golden crispness in the oven without making the wonton wrappers greasy. Olive oil spray is convenient and provides even coverage. You can also use a mister filled with olive oil or brush them lightly with olive oil if you don’t have spray.

For the Caesar Salad Filling:

2 ½ cups cos/romaine lettuce, shredded: Romaine lettuce is the quintessential choice for Caesar salad, offering a crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the dressing. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce before shredding or chopping it. Excess moisture will make the salad soggy. Shredding the lettuce into bite-sized pieces makes it easier to eat in the wonton cups and ensures the dressing coats every piece evenly.

1 cup cooked chicken, diced: Adding cooked chicken transforms this appetizer into a more substantial bite, making it almost a mini-meal. You can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Dicing the chicken into small, uniform pieces ensures it distributes evenly throughout the salad and fits neatly within the wonton cups. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken or substitute it with chickpeas or white beans for added protein and texture.

1 ½ bacon rashers, diced: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty depth of flavor that complements the Caesar salad perfectly. Use good quality bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Dicing it before cooking makes it easier to achieve even crispness. Make sure to drain the bacon on paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease. For a vegetarian alternative, you can use smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor or omit it entirely.

¼ cup bread, diced finely (preferably stale): Croutons are a crucial element of any Caesar salad, and in this miniature version, they add a delightful crunch. Using stale bread is ideal as it will crisp up beautifully without becoming too hard. Day-old baguette, sourdough, or even white bread work well. Dicing the bread finely ensures they become crispy mini-croutons that are perfect for topping the wonton cups.

2 tbsp parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must for authentic Caesar salad flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan often lacks the same depth of flavor and can be dry. Invest in a block of good quality Parmesan and grate it yourself just before using. The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan is essential to both the dressing and as a topping for the wonton cups.

2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional – for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal as a garnish. It also provides a subtle herbaceous note that complements the other flavors. While optional, a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley elevates the presentation of the wonton cups and adds a pop of color.

Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning both the croutons and the overall salad. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.

For the Caesar Dressing:

1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic is the backbone of a classic Caesar dressing, providing a pungent, savory note. Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely for even distribution of flavor throughout the dressing. Avoid using pre-minced garlic in a jar, as it often lacks the same fresh flavor.

2 anchovy fillets: Anchovies are a key ingredient in authentic Caesar dressing, adding a unique umami depth and saltiness that is essential to its characteristic flavor. Don’t be intimidated by anchovies! They melt into the dressing and provide a savory richness that you can’t quite replicate with anything else. If you are truly averse to anchovies, you can try a tiny pinch of fish sauce or omit them altogether, but the flavor will be less authentic.

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can sometimes have a slightly bitter or artificial taste.

1 tsp Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and emulsifying power to the dressing, helping to bind the ingredients together. Dijon mustard provides a sharper, more complex flavor than yellow mustard.

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds another layer of umami complexity to the dressing, contributing to its savory depth. It contains anchovies, so if you’re omitting anchovies from the recipe, Worcestershire sauce becomes even more important for achieving that characteristic Caesar flavor profile.

1 cup mayonnaise, preferably whole egg: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the Caesar dressing. Using a good quality, whole egg mayonnaise is recommended for the richest flavor and texture. Whole egg mayonnaise tends to be creamier and more flavorful than light or reduced-fat mayonnaise.

½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is incorporated into the dressing as well as used as a topping, intensifying the cheesy, savory flavor. Again, freshly grated Parmesan is crucial for the best taste and texture.

Milk, to adjust consistency: Milk is used to thin the dressing to your desired consistency. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until the dressing is creamy and coats the lettuce nicely but isn’t too thick or too thin.

¼ tsp salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the dressing and bringing all the flavors together. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste, keeping in mind that anchovies and Parmesan cheese are already salty.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, aromatic spice that complements the other flavors in the dressing. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor and aroma.

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Wonton Cups:

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F. This temperature is ideal for baking the wonton wrappers until they are golden and crispy without burning. Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is crucial for even baking and achieving the desired texture.

Take a standard-size muffin/cupcake tin (not mini and not Texas muffin tins). The standard size cups provide the perfect portion size for appetizers. Avoid using mini muffin tins as they will be too small, and Texas muffin tins will be too large and may not hold their shape as well.

Gently fit one wonton wrapper into each hole of the muffin tin. Press them lightly into the cups, ensuring they conform to the shape of the muffin tin. You can slightly overlap the edges if needed, but avoid overcrowding the cups.

Lightly spray the wonton wrappers with olive oil spray. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle. Ensure you spray them evenly for consistent browning.

2. Bake Wonton Cups:

Place the muffin tin with the prepared wonton cups in the preheated oven.

Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the wonton wrappers are crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can brown quickly towards the end of the baking time. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the wonton wrappers.

Once golden and crispy, remove the muffin tin from the oven and set it aside to cool completely. Allowing them to cool in the muffin tin helps them retain their shape and crispness. The wonton cups will crisp up further as they cool.

3. Cook Bacon:

Heat a small non-stick pan over high heat. Using a non-stick pan ensures the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. High heat is needed to render the fat and crisp the bacon quickly.

Spray the pan lightly with oil. This prevents the bacon from sticking and helps it crisp up nicely, especially if your bacon is lean.

Add the diced bacon to the hot pan and sauté until crispy and golden brown. Stir or toss the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. Cook until the bacon is rendered and crispy to your liking.

Remove the crispy bacon from the pan and drain it on absorbent paper towel to remove excess grease. This ensures the bacon remains crispy and doesn’t make the salad filling greasy.

4. Make Mini Croutons:

Return the same pan to the stove and reduce the heat to medium-high. Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the bread evenly without burning it.

Spray the pan again with oil.

Add the finely diced bread to the pan.

Shake the pan or stir the bread frequently to ensure it browns evenly on all sides and doesn’t burn. Consistent movement is key to achieving uniformly golden and crispy croutons.

Once the mini croutons are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the pan.

Immediately scatter a pinch of salt over the hot croutons while they are still in the pan. The salt will adhere better to the warm croutons.

Set the mini croutons aside to cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.

5. Prepare Caesar Dressing:

Place all the dressing ingredients – minced garlic, anchovy fillets, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper – into a blender or food processor.

Whizz until completely smooth and creamy. Blending ensures all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing is emulsified, resulting in a smooth and homogenous texture.

Check the consistency of the dressing. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk to adjust the consistency. Add milk gradually, a teaspoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired creamy, pourable consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the lettuce but not so thick that it’s clumpy.

6. Assemble Caesar Salad Filling:

In a medium-sized bowl, place the shredded cos/romaine lettuce, diced cooked chicken, and crispy bacon.

Add 6 to 8 tablespoons of the prepared Caesar dressing to the bowl. The amount of dressing you use is a matter of personal preference. Start with 6 tablespoons and add more if you prefer a more heavily dressed salad. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.

Toss gently to combine, ensuring the lettuce, chicken, and bacon are evenly coated with the dressing. Toss gently to avoid bruising the lettuce.

7. Fill Wonton Cups and Garnish:

Once the wonton cups are completely cool and crispy, carefully remove them from the muffin tin.

Divide the Caesar salad filling evenly among the prepared wonton cups, spooning the salad into each cup. Avoid overfilling the cups, as this can make them difficult to handle and eat.

Top each wonton cup with a sprinkle of the crispy mini croutons, a pinch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley (if using). The garnishes add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished appetizer.

8. Serve Immediately:

Serve the Caesar Salad Wonton Cups immediately after assembling. The wonton cups are best when they are freshly filled and crispy. If they sit for too long, the moisture from the salad dressing can soften the wonton cups.

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 180-220