Crispy Cauliflower with Prosciutto, Capers, and Almonds

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is warming up, line a baking pan with either a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Season and Roast Cauliflower

Next, place the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking pan. Drizzle them with the bacon grease or olive oil, then sprinkle with pink salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss the florets around to ensure they’re evenly coated with the oil and seasonings, which helps them roast perfectly.

3. Initial Roasting

Place the seasoned cauliflower in the preheated oven and roast for about 15 minutes. This initial roasting helps to start the caramelization process, which brings out the natural sweetness in the cauliflower.

4. Stir Cauliflower

After 15 minutes, take the pan out of the oven and give the cauliflower a good stir to ensure all sides get coated with the bacon grease or olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture on all the florets.

5. Add Prosciutto, Almonds, Capers, and Parmesan

Now, distribute the torn prosciutto, slivered almonds, and capers evenly over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes. During this time, the prosciutto will crisp up, the almonds will toast, and the cheese will melt beautifully, creating a delicious meld of flavors and textures.

6. Serve

Once everything is roasted to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Use a slotted spoon to divide the dish onto plates, ensuring you leave any excess grease behind. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch and savory taste of this simple yet elegant dish.