Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner.
If making homemade dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought) until evenly coated.
Add the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
If making homemade croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and salt, and toast in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until golden.
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Optionally, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or black pepper.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crispest texture. Enjoy your classic Caesar salad!