Barefoot Contessa Caesar Salad with Blue Cheese & Bacon is made with applewood-smoked bacon, extra-large eggs, baguette slices, romaine lettuce, Roquefort cheese, and homemade Caesar dressing. This recipe creates a composed, flavorful Caesar salad with rich and creamy accents. It takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to prepare and serves 6.
Barefoot Contessa Caesar Salad with Blue Cheese & Bacon Ingredients
Salad Ingredients:
- 6 thick-cut slices applewood-smoked bacon
- 6 extra-large eggs
- 12 (½-inch-thick) diagonally cut slices of baguette
- Good olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, cut in half
- 1 pound hearts of romaine lettuce, washed and spun dry
- 8 ounces good Roquefort cheese, sliced
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Caesar Salad Dressing (Makes 2½ Cups):
- 1 extra-large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
- 8 to 10 anchovy fillets (optional)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ cups good olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Caesar Salad with Blue Cheese & Bacon
- Bake the Bacon: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bacon on a baking rack set over a sheet pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cook the Eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water by one inch, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for exactly 4 minutes. Drain and cool in cold water for 10 minutes, then peel.
- Toast the Bread: Arrange baguette slices on a sheet pan, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes until golden. Rub each toast with cut side of garlic clove.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a food processor, blend egg yolk, mustard, garlic, anchovies (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Slowly add olive oil while processing until thick. Add Parmesan and pulse to combine.
- Assemble the Salad: Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Arrange lettuce, bacon, eggs, and Roquefort on six plates. Drizzle with dressing, add toasts, and season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Use Quality Bacon: Thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon adds the best flavor and texture.
- Soft-Boiled Egg Timing: Simmer exactly 4 minutes for perfect runny yolks.
- Garlic Toast: Rubbing garlic on warm toast enhances flavor subtly.
- Make Dressing Ahead: Caesar dressing keeps well in the fridge for several days.
- Optional Anchovies: Skip them if you prefer a milder dressing.
What To Serve With Caesar Salad
This salad pairs well with a chilled glass of white wine, roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a warm bowl of soup like tomato basil or mushroom. For a fuller meal, serve it with crusty bread or bruschetta.
How To Store Caesar Salad
Refrigerate:
Store the lettuce and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Bacon, eggs, and toast can be prepped ahead and stored individually. Assemble just before serving.
Freeze:
Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate nature of the lettuce, eggs, and dressing.
Caesar Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
FAQs
Can I make this salad without anchovies?
Yes, anchovies are optional and can be omitted without sacrificing overall flavor.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Roquefort?
Absolutely. Try Gorgonzola, blue cheese crumbles, or even feta for variation.
How long does Caesar dressing last?
The dressing keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, components can be made ahead, but assemble just before serving for best texture.
What’s a good substitute for baguette toasts?
Use store-bought croutons or any crusty bread slices toasted with olive oil.
Try More Recipes:
- Barefoot Contessa Roast Chicken With Bread & Arugula Salad
- Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata
- Barefoot Contessa Crunchy Iceberg Salad With Creamy Blue Cheese
Barefoot Contessa Caesar Salad With Blue Cheese & Bacon
Description
A composed Caesar salad with smoky bacon, creamy blue cheese, and a rich homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Caesar Salad Dressing:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bacon on a rack over a pan and bake 25–30 minutes until browned.
- Place eggs in saucepan with water, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Cool in ice water for 10 minutes, then peel.
- Brush bread slices with olive oil and toast in oven for 8–10 minutes. Rub with garlic.
- For dressing, blend egg yolk, mustard, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil slowly while blending. Add Parmesan and pulse to mix.
- Cut eggs in half. On six plates, arrange lettuce, bacon, eggs, Roquefort. Drizzle with dressing, add toasts, and season with salt and pepper. Serve.