Perfect Prime Rib Recipe for a Magical Christmas Feast

Juicy slices of christmas prime rib beckon with their rich, golden-brown exterior and tender pink center.

Festive aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising a memorable holiday meal.

Home cooks can easily master this impressive centerpiece with a few simple techniques.

Salt and herbs work magic on premium beef cuts, creating deep, complex flavors.

Professional chefs have long celebrated this showstopping dish for its elegant simplicity.

Holiday gatherings feel instantly special when this succulent roast arrives at the table.

Let’s unlock the secrets to achieving restaurant-quality perfection right in your own kitchen.

Prime Rib That Makes Christmas Dinner Shine

• Celebrate the Prime Rib
• This prime rib recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with minimal cooking expertise required. Anyone can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks professionally prepared.
• The straightforward method involves simple seasoning and foolproof roasting techniques. Minimal ingredient preparation means more time enjoying festivities and less time complicated cooking processes.
• Christmas dinner, New Year's Eve, or family gatherings become memorable with this showstopping main course. The recipe delivers consistent, tender results that guarantee impressed family and friends.
• One-pan roasting method reduces cleanup and allows simultaneous side dish preparation. The strategic temperature approach ensures a perfectly cooked roast without constant monitoring, making holiday cooking relaxed and enjoyable.

Everything You’ll Need for Holiday Prime Rib

• Prime Rib Roast: Centerpiece of the dish, high-quality beef cut with rich marbling and tender texture. Best when purchased from a trusted butcher with good grading.

• Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme: Classic herb combination that enhances meat's natural flavor. Fresh herbs provide more intense taste compared to dried versions.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that help develop robust flavor and create delicious crust. Kosher or sea salt recommended for better distribution.
• Dijon Mustard: Optional ingredient adding subtle tangy complexity to the seasoning blend.

• Olive Oil: Helps herbs adhere to meat surface and promotes even browning. Extra virgin olive oil offers richer flavor.
• Beef Broth, Red Wine: Creates moisture during roasting and develops deep flavor profile. Helps prevent meat from drying out and forms base for potential gravy.

• Roasting Rack: Allows air circulation around meat for even cooking.
• Roasting Pan: Captures drippings and provides stable cooking environment.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for achieving precise doneness and food safety.

Instructions for a Juicy Prime Rib Roast

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Meat

Turn the oven to 450°F (232°C). Take the prime rib out of packaging and thoroughly dry the entire surface using paper towels. This technique ensures a perfectly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Fresh minced garlic
• Chopped rosemary
• Chopped thyme
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Optional: Dijon mustard for extra depth

Massage the seasoning mixture generously over every surface of the prime rib, making sure no spot is missed.

Step 3: Set Up Roasting Station

Place the seasoned prime rib on a roasting rack inside a deep roasting pan. Pour beef broth and red wine into the pan bottom. This creates moisture and develops rich flavor for potential gravy.

Step 4: Initial High-Heat Sear

Roast the prime rib at 450°F for 15 minutes to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This technique locks in incredible flavors and creates a stunning exterior.

Step 5: Slow Roast to Perfection

• 4-pound roast: Approximately 60-75 minutes
• 6-pound roast: Approximately 90-105 minutes

Step 6: Let the Roast Rest

Remove prime rib from oven and let it sit undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. This crucial resting period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Carve the prime rib into thick, beautiful slices. Serve and enjoy!

Tips That Help Prime Rib Turn Out Right

• Lock in Moisture: Pat the prime rib completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
• Customize Seasoning Blend: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme with garlic and olive oil for a flavor-packed rub that elevates the meat's natural richness.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring your prime rib reaches exactly 130F for that perfect medium-rare doneness.
• Optimize Resting Time: Allow the roast to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat incredibly tender and succulent.
• Enhance Pan Drippings: Collect beef broth and wine from the roasting pan to create a delicious, richly flavored gravy that complements the prime rib beautifully.

Keeping Christmas Prime Rib Perfect for Leftovers

• Store leftover prime rib in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover the meat with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect against potential freezer burn. This method helps preserve the meat's tenderness and flavor.
• Warm slices in a preheated oven at 250F for 10-15 minutes. Place prime rib on a baking sheet with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out. Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Freeze prime rib for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.

Favorite Sides for a Festive Prime Rib Dinner

• Select bold, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends that complement the rich, meaty flavors of prime rib. Their robust tannins and deep fruit notes perfectly balance the roast's intense beef profile.
• Prepare fresh rosemary and thyme garnishes to enhance the prime rib's existing herb seasoning. Sprinkle chopped herbs over sliced meat or create delicate herb sprigs for elegant plating that amplifies the roast's aromatic qualities.
• Design classic potato sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic-herb potatoes that absorb the meat's delicious drippings. Golden-brown roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips provide complementary textures and earthy undertones.
• Whip up a creamy horseradish sauce or red wine reduction to drizzle alongside the prime rib. These sauces add tangy, sophisticated layers that cut through the meat's richness and introduce exciting flavor complexity.

Creative Spins on Prime Rib You Can Try

Vegetarian Prime Rib Alternative: Roast a whole cauliflower using similar seasoning techniques, creating a similar presentation and flavor profile with herb-infused olive oil and spices.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all herbs and seasonings are certified gluten-free, replacing any potential wheat-based ingredients with pure spices and checking mustard labels for gluten content.

Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with herb blends like rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder, using salt-free seasoning mixes to maintain flavor while reducing sodium intake.

Keto-Friendly Version: Use extra virgin olive oil, increase herb quantity, and maintain high-fat content by selecting a well-marbled prime rib cut, focusing on low-carb preparation methods.

Christmas Prime Rib Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent Christmas Prime Rib elevates holiday dining with rich, herbed perfection. Juicy meat and crisp exterior promise a festive centerpiece that delights guests and makes celebration memories deliciously unforgettable.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 (6-7 lb / 3-3.5 kg) bone-in prime rib roast (3–4 ribs)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Oils and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Au Jus Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry red wine
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the prime rib by thoroughly drying the meat with paper towels to enhance the roasting potential and promote a crisp exterior crust.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optional: incorporate Dijon mustard for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Meticulously massage the seasoning mixture across the entire prime rib surface, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
4. Position the seasoned roast on a roasting rack within a roasting pan. Pour beef broth and red wine into the pan base to maintain moisture and develop a rich flavor foundation.
5. Initiate high-temperature roasting at 450F for 15 minutes to develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 325F and continue roasting. Monitor internal temperature carefully, targeting 130F for medium-rare doneness. Calculate approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
7. After reaching desired temperature, immediately remove the roast from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes. This crucial resting period enables juice redistribution, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and succulence.
8. Slice the prime rib into generous portions, presenting a perfectly cooked centerpiece that showcases a crisp exterior and luxuriously tender interior.

Notes

• Bring prime rib to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking throughout the meat.
• Use a digital meat thermometer for precise temperature control and perfect doneness every time.
• Consider trimming excess fat to about 1/4 inch thickness for optimal flavor and texture without overwhelming richness.
• Experiment with alternative herb combinations like sage, oregano, or marjoram to customize the flavor profile while maintaining the classic roast essence.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg