Grilled Bread with Thyme Pesto & Preserved Lemon Cream

Author Notes

I can't really say where the inspiration for this recipe came from, except that it was literally the first thing that popped into my head when I read "lemon, thyme and a grill." Then when I made it, I found myself staring down at my bread and saying, "where have you been all my life?" It's a wonderful appetizer or side to make if you're grilling. The smokey grill flavor and crustiness of the bread combined with the salty, tangy, nutty, creamy, herbiness of the toppings is wonderful enough by itself, but it can also serve as a jumping off point for any number of sandwiches. You can top the bread and spreads off with slices of grilled chicken or a runny fried egg and grilled asparagus, for example, and your life will never be the same... - fiveandspice —fiveandspice

Test Kitchen Notes

We love the simple, rustic quality of this dish -- and its ability to inspire endless adaptations: you use a different herb for the pesto, dab with ricotta instead of lemon cream, or, as fiveandspice illustrates in her blog, top with a fried egg. Grilled bread is so much better than toasted, and the heady perfume of the thyme pesto seduces you before you can even get the toast to your mouth. The preserved lemon cream softens any rough edges and adds richness. Unless you have many people to feed -- and to help you strip the thyme leaves from their stems -- we recommend halving the pesto recipe. - A&M —The Editors