Ingredients
Crispy Parmesan Cups
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large size)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Caesar Salad
- 2-3 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or your favorite brand)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- Skillet
- Mini muffin tin (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp
- In a small bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest.
2. Make the Parmesan cups
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan in small mounds on the parchment paper, leaving a few inches between each mound. Gently spread them into thin circles, about 4-inches in diameter.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Important: Let them cool for about 1 minute on the baking sheet. They will still be flexible. Carefully transfer them to a mini muffin tin (or gently form them over the base of overturned glasses) to create a cup shape. Let cool completely.
3. Cook the shrimp
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Assemble the salad
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Toss to coat.
- Gently place a serving of salad inside each Parmesan cup.
- Arrange cooked shrimp on top of the salad.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Extra Tips
Crispy Cup Success: Ensure the Parmesan is freshly grated for optimal melting and crispness. Don’t overcrowd the pan so the cups have space to spread.
Homemade Croutons: Cube stale bread, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs (optional). Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy.
Homemade Caesar Dressing: It’s easy! Blend together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovies (optional), grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Variations: Add cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, or other favorite Caesar salad toppings for extra flavor and texture.
