Crispy Caesar Salad Bites on Garlic-Gouda Parmesan Crisps

It’s a salad. It’s a snack. It’s the thing your guests will talk about more than your new kitchen backsplash.

These little Caesar bites pack all the punch of a loaded salad—with none of the fork fumbling. The base? Golden, crispy cheese laced with garlic, gouda, and just a flicker of heat. You can serve them on a platter and pretend you invented Caesar salad. Aunt Loretta won’t tell.

Ingredients

For the Parmesan Crisps

• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (get the good stuff, not the powder in the green can)

• ½ cup shredded gouda (for that subtle, smoky flair)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you’re spicy)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Caesar Salad

• 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped

• ¼ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade, we’re not judging)

• ¼ cup croutons (optional, but adds a nice crunch)

• 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan for garnish

How to Make It

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Heat to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat—you’ll thank yourself later when cheese isn’t glued to your pan.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Magic
In a bowl, combine grated Parmesan, shredded gouda, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss it around like you’re seasoning something sacred (because you are).

Step 3: Shape the Crisps
Scoop 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto your prepared sheet. Flatten into 2–3 inch circles. Leave space—they spread like gossip at a family party.
Optional: use a round cookie cutter to keep the edges nice and neat, if you’re fancy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Glory
Bake for 5–7 minutes, watching closely. You want them golden and bubbling—not burnt and bitter. Let them cool on the tray to crisp up fully. Hands off until they’ve hardened.

Step 5: Make the Salad
Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing. Add croutons if you want to play with texture. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan because… why not?

Step 6: Assemble the Bites
Once the crisps are cool, top each one with a spoonful of dressed salad. Serve immediately, before someone eats all the crisps straight off the tray (ask me how I know).

Aunt Loretta’s Notes

• These can be prepped ahead: store crisps in an airtight container for up to 3 days and assemble fresh.

• Want to level up? Add a sliver of grilled chicken or a little anchovy to each bite.

• Great for cocktail hour, bridal showers, or when you just want to eat salad like an appetizer.