So I am, once again piling on the ramp craze with this offering of a rustic ramp version of pull-apart bread. This Cheesy Ramp Basil Pull-Apart Bread is both crispy and cheesy in all the right places. This is a marvelous use of a lovely, much sought-after wild leek. The bread is also stuffed with basil and cheese. Be aware, pull-apart bread takes a bit of work to assemble. However, the delicious flavor in every bite is well worth it.
Ramps?
So, before I continue with this Cheesy Ramp Basil Pull-Apart Bread recipe. Let’s take a look at the star ingredient. Ramps, also known as wild leeks (Allium tricoccum), are a type of wild onion native to North America. They have a unique flavor that’s a delightful mix of garlic and onion, making them a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts.
Here’s what makes ramps special:
Appearance: Ramps have broad, smooth green leaves that grow atop slender, reddish stems. Their bulbs are small, white, and resemble scallions but are smaller and more delicate.
Seasonality: They are a spring delicacy, typically harvested in early spring for a short window. This makes them highly sought after!
Flavor: Their flavor is bold, combining the savory sharpness of garlic with the mild sweetness of onions. They add so much to this Cheesy Ramp Basil Pull-Apart Bread recipe.
Culinary Use: Ramps are used raw in salads, pickled, or in a variety of dishes such as pastas, soups, and stir-fries. They’re often in pestos, scrambled eggs, and as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads.
Popularity: Their rarity and unique taste make them a prized ingredient, especially in farm-to-table and seasonal cooking.
Fun fact: Ramps are often foraged in the wild and have a bit of a cult following among foragers and foodies alike. If you ever get your hands on some, try roasting or grilling them—they’re divine!
So, now back to this Cheesy Pull-Apart Ramp Bread.
Cheesy Ramp Basil Pull-Apart Bread
Ingredients
- 2 packages of active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons plus 1+1/4 cup lukewarm water divided
- Pinch of white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3+ 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh ramps
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 5 oz. shredded Emmental or your favorite cheese
- Camargue fleur de sel or any other type of fancy salt, for finishing
Instructions
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Place the active dry yeast in a small bowl. Add three tablespoons of lukewarm water, a pinch of white granulated sugar, and dissolve.
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Whisk together the whole wheat flour and the teaspoon of salt.
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Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and pour in the dissolved yeast.
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Add the olive oil and the remaining 1 +1/4 cup lukewarm water and knead together into a smooth dough. Or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
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Cover the bowl with a dish towel and stow the covered bowl in a warm place. Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees C. Grease a 12-inch loaf pan.
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Mix the fresh chopped ramps and basil with the softened unsalted butter until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough again for a few turns, then roll it out into a rectangle.
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Spread the ramp basil butter on top of the dough.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the butter mixture. Press the cheese into the dough with your hands.
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Cut the dough lengthwise into 6 strips.
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Stack 3 of the strips of dough on top of each other, butter side up. Repeat with the other three strips.
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Cut each stacked strip on the diagonal into 6 pieces.
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Layer each piece of diagonally cut dough next to one another until the pan is filled.
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Sprinkle the fancy or flavored salt on top of the bread. Let stand 30 minutes.
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Bake for 40 minutes.
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Let the baked bread stand for 20 minutes before removing from the form and serving.
So, do you like this Cheesy Ramp Basil Pull-Apart Bread? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:
PULL-APART PUMPKIN CHEESE BREAD
SPÄTZLE SAUERKRAUT RAMP CASSEROLE
CREAMY RAMP HORSERADISH NOODLES
