If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your meals with a burst of fresh, garlicky flavor and a hint of spring, this Ramp Butter Recipe is your ticket to culinary delight. Bright, herbaceous ramps combined with creamy butter and a touch of lemon create a versatile spread that’s rustic yet refined. Whether dolloped on warm bread, melting over steamed vegetables, or stirring into sauces, this ramp butter brings an unforgettable depth to your kitchen repertoire. Trust me, once you try this Ramp Butter Recipe, you’ll find countless excuses to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Ramp Butter Recipe is refreshingly simple, allowing the star ingredient—ramps—to shine through with minimal fuss. Each component plays an essential role: butter delivers richness and creaminess, ramps provide that vibrant garlicky punch, sea salt enhances the overall flavor, garlic deepens the savoriness, and lemon zest adds a bright, zesty finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature: Softened butter blends effortlessly and carries all the ramp flavors beautifully.
- 6 ounces ramps (1 bunch or 15 stalks): The hero ingredient with a unique garlicky-onion flavor that sets this butter apart.
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Adds a delicate crunch and balances the butter’s richness perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic: A second layer of pungent goodness that complements the ramps.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brings a refreshing brightness that lifts every bite.
How to Make Ramp Butter Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Begin by combining your softened butter, fresh ramps, flaky sea salt, garlic cloves, and lemon zest in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until the ramps are finely chopped and everything is fully incorporated. This creates a vibrant green spread studded with tiny flecks of seasoning, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Shape Your Butter
Once blended, transfer the ramp butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a bench scraper or your hands, shape the butter into a neat log, rolling it tightly in the wrapping. Twist the ends securely to keep the butter airtight and ready to firm up.
Step 3: Chill to Perfection
Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for about two hours to let it set firmly. If you’re in a hurry, popping it in the freezer for 30 minutes works just as well. Once chilled, it’s ready to slice and serve whenever you want a quick flavor upgrade.
How to Serve Ramp Butter Recipe
Garnishes
This Ramp Butter Recipe is stunning on its own but can be garnished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or additional chopped fresh ramps for a pop of color and texture. A light drizzle of olive oil can add an elegant sheen and complementary richness.
Side Dishes
Ramp butter shines brightly when paired with an array of side dishes. Try melting it over roasted asparagus, steamed new potatoes, or freshly grilled corn on the cob. It also adds a luxurious touch when stirred into warm pasta or dolloped onto fluffy mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, slice the ramp butter into medallions and place on warm toasted baguette slices or crackers. You can also use it as a flavorful base for scrambled eggs or to enhance the crust of grilled meats and fish. Its vibrant green color makes for a beautiful presentation wherever it goes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your ramp butter tightly wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Stored this way, it will maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture for up to one week, making it ideal for topping several meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you make a larger batch or want to save some for later, ramp butter freezes wonderfully. Wrapped securely, it can last up to three months frozen. Just slice off what you need and return the rest to the freezer for future use without compromising taste.
Reheating
Because this butter is typically used cold or at room temperature as a spread or finishing touch, reheating isn’t usually needed. If you want it slightly softened, leave it on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes or gently warm it in a pan over very low heat, stirring carefully to avoid separating the butter.
FAQs
What are ramps?
Ramps are wild leeks with a bold, fresh flavor somewhere between garlic and onion. They’re seasonal and highly prized for their unique taste and vibrant green color.
Can I substitute ramps with something else?
While ramps are special, green garlic or a mix of scallions and garlic cloves can work as substitutes, but they won’t have quite the same distinctive punch that ramps bring.
Is ramp butter gluten-free?
Yes, this Ramp Butter Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does ramp butter last?
Refrigerated ramp butter typically stays fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is recommended and can keep it good for up to three months.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your Ramp Butter Recipe and avoid it becoming too salty, but if using salted butter, reduce or omit the added flaky sea salt.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ramp Butter Recipe enough for anyone looking to infuse their cooking with fresh, seasonal flavor. It’s deceptively simple to make yet incredibly versatile, transforming everyday dishes into memorable experiences. Give it a try and watch how something as humble as butter can be utterly transformed by the magic of ramp greens.
Print
Ramp Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 1 log (about 1 cup)
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ramp Butter is a flavorful compound butter made by blending fresh ramps, garlic, lemon zest, and flaky sea salt into creamy unsalted butter. Perfect for spreading on bread, melting over grilled meats or vegetables, or adding a vibrant, garlicky punch to any dish.
Ingredients
Ramp Butter Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
- 6 ounces ramps (approximately 1 bunch or 15 stalks)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients: Combine the unsalted butter, ramps, flaky sea salt, garlic cloves, and lemon zest in a food processor. Blend until the ramps are finely chopped and fully incorporated into the butter, creating a smooth, even mixture.
- Shape the butter: Transfer the blended mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a bench scraper or your hands, press the butter into a firm log shape while rolling the parchment or wrap around it. Twist the ends of the wrap tightly to seal the butter log completely.
- Chill to set: Place the wrapped butter log in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up before serving. This chilling step ensures the butter holds its shape and the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- Ramps have a short season in spring; substitute with green onions or garlic scapes if unavailable.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add a little extra lemon zest or a few drops of lemon juice.
- This ramp butter can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
- Use the butter to enhance grilled meats, steamed vegetables, or simply spread on warm bread for a burst of flavor.
