If you are dreaming of the ultimate festive centerpiece that will impress every guest at your holiday table, this Christmas Prime Rib Recipe delivers just that with ease and elegance. Juicy, tender, and packed with fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, this roast brings a rich, savory aroma that fills your home and sparks the perfect Christmas cheer. It’s a dish that balances tradition with simplicity, turning an already impressive cut of beef into a show-stopping meal everyone will rave about long after the last slice is gone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a Christmas Prime Rib Recipe that truly shines. Each element here is straightforward but plays an essential role—from seasoning the meat perfectly to achieving that mouthwatering crust.
- 6–7 pound bone-in prime rib roast: The star of the dish, offering rich marbling and juicy flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the herb crust adhere beautifully while adding a silky texture to the surface.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural beef flavors and aids in crust formation.
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth without overpowering the meat.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Brings a piney, aromatic freshness that’s synonymous with festive cooking.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Contributes a mild earthiness to complement the rosemary perfectly.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the roast with a warm, savory punch that pairs wonderfully with the herbs.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and helps tenderize while enriching the flavor crust.
How to Make Christmas Prime Rib Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Roast
The key to a perfect Christmas Prime Rib Recipe starts long before roasting—let your prime rib sit at room temperature for one to two hours. This ensures even cooking from edge to center, preventing cold spots that can ruin an otherwise flawless roast.
Step 2: Preheat and Make the Herb Paste
Preheat your oven to a high 450°F to kickstart the crust. While that’s warming, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and the optional Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This fragrant mixture will turn into the delicious herb paste that seals in flavor and forms that coveted crust on your prime rib.
Step 3: Rub and Roast
Pat your roast dry with paper towels—this is crucial to get that golden crust we all adore. Generously massage the herb paste over every inch of the roast, including the sides and even under the bones if you can reach them. Place the roast bone-side down on a rack inside a roasting pan. Start roasting at 450°F for 20 minutes to develop a rich crust, then reduce the heat to 325°F and continue roasting for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium doneness.
Step 4: Rest Before Slicing
Remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Resting the meat for at least 20 to 30 minutes is a game-changer—it allows the juices to redistribute for a beautifully tender and juicy cut. This resting period also lets the internal temperature settle for perfect doneness every time.
How to Serve Christmas Prime Rib Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra sprigs of rosemary not only offers a pop of color but also uplifts the herbaceous notes of your Christmas Prime Rib Recipe. A dollop of creamy horseradish sauce adds that delightful zing everyone loves alongside rich beef.
Side Dishes
This prime rib deserves sides that complement its luxurious flavor without overshadowing it. Think roasted garlic mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, or a fresh green bean almondine. Each side dish should bring balance—whether creamy, sweet, or crunchy—to round out your holiday meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive wow factor, carve the prime rib into thick slices and arrange them on a large serving platter with fresh herbs strewn artfully around. You might also serve it family-style with carved pieces still on the bone for a rustic, communal feel that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days to keep your prime rib tasting fresh and juicy.
Freezing
You can freeze any extra Christmas Prime Rib Recipe slices by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placing them in freezer bags. Frozen prime rib maintains its quality for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to preserve texture.
Reheating
To bring your prime rib back to life, reheat gently in a low oven around 250°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm slices quickly in a skillet with a splash of broth or beef au jus to keep them tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use boneless prime rib for this recipe?
While a bone-in prime rib provides extra flavor and juicy results thanks to the bone, you can absolutely use boneless prime rib. Just keep an eye on the cook time as boneless roasts may cook a bit faster.
What’s the best way to check if my prime rib is done?
The most reliable method is using an instant-read meat thermometer. Check for 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium. Remember the roast will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Can I prepare the herb paste the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, rubbing the roast with the herb mixture and refrigerating it overnight enhances the flavors and helps create an even more flavorful crust during roasting.
Should I cover the roast during cooking?
No need to cover it while roasting. Starting at a high temperature and then reducing heat helps build a flavorful crust. Just tent it with foil after roasting during the resting phase.
What is the significance of letting the roast rest?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, which prevents them from spilling out the moment you slice it. This step ensures every bite is juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about serving a perfectly roasted Christmas Prime Rib Recipe to loved ones—it turns a meal into a treasured memory. This recipe’s blend of simple ingredients and careful technique makes it approachable yet impressive, perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the burst of festive flavor in every bite.
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Christmas Prime Rib Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Christmas Prime Rib recipe is a classic holiday main course featuring a beautifully roasted bone-in prime rib roast with a flavorful herb and garlic crust. Perfectly cooked to your preferred doneness and served warm, it’s an impressive centerpiece for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Prime Rib Roast
- 1 (6–7 pound) bone-in prime rib roast
Herb Rub
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Bring Roast to Room Temperature: Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Herb Paste: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). In a small bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard if using to create an herb paste.
- Apply Herb Rub: Pat the prime rib roast dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Generously rub the herb paste all over the meat, including the sides and under the bones if possible, for maximum flavor.
- Position Roast: Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan fitted with a rack to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Initial High-Heat Roast: Roast the meat in the preheated oven at 450°F for 20 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
- Lower Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and roast for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, or 140°F (60°C) for medium.
- Rest the Roast: Remove the prime rib from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise slightly.
- Serve Warm: Slice the prime rib and serve warm, optionally accompanied by au jus or horseradish cream for added flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature closely — prime rib can overcook quickly.
- The roast’s temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting.
- For a more flavorful crust, prepare the herb rub a day in advance and refrigerate it on the roast overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
