Mini Caesar Salad Parmesan Cheese Cups
Parmesan Cheese Cups with Salad are crispy, golden cheese bowls filled with fresh, dressed salad greens. These elegant, no-bake appetizer cups combine savory Parmesan crunch with vibrant salad flavors, perfect for entertaining or light meals. Easy to make and customizable, they add a sophisticated touch to any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 cups per baking sheet
- Category: Appetizer, Light Meal
- Method: Baking, Assembly
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder (optional)
Salad greens of your choice
Salad dressing (about ½ cup or to taste)
Additional Parmesan cheese or croutons for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Spoon 1 to 1½ tablespoons of grated Parmesan onto the sheet per cup, spreading each into a roughly 4-inch round. Leave 2 inches between rounds; fit 6-8 per sheet.
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Sprinkle garlic powder over each round if using.
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Bake for 3-5 minutes until melted but not browned. Avoid overbaking.
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Remove from oven and cool for 40-60 seconds.
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While warm, lift each cheese round with a spatula and mold over every other cup of a muffin tin using fingers or a shot glass to form cups.
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Toss salad greens with dressing in a large bowl.
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Once cups have hardened, fill each with dressed salad while still in the muffin tin.
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Keep cups in muffin tin until serving or transfer to a serving tray.
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Garnish with extra Parmesan or croutons if desired.
Notes
Substitute Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese for different flavors.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the cheese before baking.
Fill cups with Caesar salad, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or mixed greens with cherry tomatoes.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on cheese rounds for heat.
Make mini cups with smaller cheese amounts for bite-sized appetizers.
Store cheese cups and salad separately in airtight containers up to 1 day; avoid reheating.
