Chef notes
Cauliflower is, in my opinion, a highly underappreciated vegetable. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of its flavor. Lots of Gruyère and prosciutto add taste and texture.
Technique tip: Always cut cauliflower from the stem end, not the top. You'll keep the florets intact and avoid getting cauliflower crumbles all over your counter.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 ounces Italian mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 6 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 large slices country-style bread
- Paprika
- Freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- Flaked sea salt, such as Maldon
Preparation
1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.Turn the cauliflower upside down on a cutting board. Cut off and discard most but not all of the stems, then cut the florets into small, 1/2-inch clusters. Place the florets on a sheet pan, toss them with the olive oil, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and spread them out in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing two or three times, until the florets are tender and randomly browned. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
3.Set the oven to broil and arrange a rack 6 inches below the heat.
4.Transfer the florets to a large mixing bowl and add the mascarpone, stirring to coat the florets evenly. Stir in the Gruyère, prosciutto, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
5.Toast the bread in a toaster until lightly browned, and place in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with foil. Mound the cauliflower mixture evenly on each toast and dust with paprika. Broil the toasts for 2-4 minutes, until browned and bubbling (watch them carefully!). Transfer to plates and sprinkle with Parmesan, the chives, and sea salt. Serve hot.
