Ramp Garlic Bread Recipe
This Ramp Garlic Bread recipe offers a flavorful twist on traditional garlic bread by incorporating a unique ramp pesto made with fresh ramps, walnuts, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Topped with melted mozzarella and minced chives, this easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for sharing and is best enjoyed warm right out of the broiler.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ramp Pesto
- 1 bunch ramps (about 8-10, roots trimmed, leaves and stems separated with stems roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped walnuts
- 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Bread and Toppings
- 1 loaf country bread or sourdough bread, sliced (about 1 pound)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat the broiler on high heat and position an oven rack about 4-6 inches from the heating element to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Make Ramp Pesto: In a food processor, combine the ramp leaves and stems, walnuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Process until finely chopped, then with the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is fully combined and has a smooth consistency.
- Prepare Bread: Arrange the sliced bread in a single layer across two sheet pans without overlapping. Drizzle the bread slices lightly with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Assemble Bread with Pesto and Cheese: Spread a generous layer of the ramp pesto evenly over each bread slice. Top each slice with thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Broil Bread: Place the sheet pans under the broiler and toast the bread slices until the edges are golden and the mozzarella melts completely, about 3-4 minutes. Rotate the pans as needed for even toasting.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, spread additional ramp pesto on top if desired, then sprinkle with minced chives. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful to watch the bread closely while broiling to prevent burning; broilers can vary in intensity.
- Ramps are seasonal wild leeks with a strong garlic-onion flavor; if unavailable, a mix of garlic and green onions can substitute.
- This recipe serves 10 as an appetizer; adjust quantities accordingly for larger or smaller groups.
- Use a crusty country or sourdough bread that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Leftover ramp pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/ramp-garlic-bread-recipe/
