Save Pin
This crispy cheesy garlic bread layered with Caesar salad has saved me more times than I can count on busy weeknights. It is fast fresh and loaded with bold textures from juicy chicken to crunchy romaine and gooey melted cheese
I first threw this together with leftover Caesar salad and now it has become a regular family favorite especially on busy school nights
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless for easy slicing and quick cooking
- Caesar dressing: Creamy and tangy base that ties everything together use a good quality brand
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and complements the cheese
- Bacon: Smoky crispy and salty boost that makes each bite pop
- Romaine lettuce: Fresh and crunchy adds a cool texture against the warm bread
- French bread: Sturdy enough to hold all toppings choose a crusty loaf
- Salted butter: Softened to spread easily and bring richness
- Garlic: Fresh and minced for intense flavor in the butter base
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully giving a stretchy cheesy finish
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty salty and adds depth use fresh grated if possible
- Lemon juice: Optional but it brightens the flavors and adds freshness
Instructions
- Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in the dish pour a quarter cup of Caesar dressing over them and spread evenly. Sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for about twenty five minutes or until internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chicken rest five minutes before dicing into small cubes
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat cook bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Once cool chop into bite sized pieces
- Build the Salad:
- In a large bowl toss chopped Romaine lettuce diced chicken chopped bacon one quarter cup Caesar dressing and a quarter cup Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper to taste. Gently mix to combine and set aside
- Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Switch your oven to broil. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and lay both halves cut side up on a large baking sheet. In a small bowl mix softened butter and minced garlic. Spread this garlic butter evenly on both bread halves. Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella. Broil until cheese melts and bread edges turn golden watch closely to prevent burning this takes about one minute
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove bread from oven and top each half with the Caesar salad mixture. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over the top. Cut into pieces and serve immediately with extra Caesar dressing and lemon juice if using
Save Pin
Storage Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Once assembled the salad softens the bread quickly. If you do have leftovers store salad and bread separately in the fridge and reheat bread in the oven before topping again
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap grilled shrimp or sliced steak for the chicken. For a vegetarian version try roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu. Use a dairy free cheese if needed and a plant based Caesar dressing to suit dietary needs
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a bowl of tomato soup for a heartier meal. Works great as an appetizer for casual get togethers or game nights. Try cutting into smaller slices for party finger food
Save Pin
Cultural Context
This dish is an American comfort food twist blending Italian American Caesar salad with garlic bread. While neither originated together the mashup represents how popular dishes evolve in busy home kitchens looking for bold flavor and quick results
Parmesan is my favorite in this dish because it gives such a rich nutty flavor and really elevates the whole salad mix. My kids love when we make this together and they get to sprinkle the cheese at the end. It is always a fun and tasty family moment
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It saves time and still blends well with the Caesar flavors.
- → What type of bread works best?
French bread is ideal for its sturdy crust and soft interior, but ciabatta or baguette also work well.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken and bacon with roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or plant-based protein strips for a meatless version.
- → Can I make this in advance?
It's best served fresh, as the lettuce and bread can become soggy if assembled too early.
- → What cheese alternatives can I use?
You can substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with provolone, Monterey Jack, or your preferred melting cheese.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are not ideal due to sogginess. If necessary, store components separately and assemble fresh.