Savory Christmas Prime Rib Recipe with a Bold Finish

Tender, juicy cuts of beef have always been a hallmark of holiday celebrations, and this christmas prime rib recipe promises a showstopping centerpiece.

The rich, marbled meat practically melts in your mouth with each perfectly seasoned bite.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this classic dish for its incredible flavor and impressive presentation.

Salt, herbs, and a precise roasting technique combine to create a main course that will have everyone at the dinner table swooning.

Succulent and deeply flavorful, this prime rib transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

The aroma alone will have guests eagerly gathering around, anticipating the first delicious slice.

Prepare to savor a holiday tradition that elevates your festive meal from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 246 kcal

Servings: 7

Christmas Prime Rib Recipe Ingredient Rundown

• Prime Rib: Luxurious, tender beef cut that promises a showstopping centerpiece with rich marbling and deep flavor; choose a well-trimmed roast with consistent fat coverage.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and ensures herb seasoning adheres perfectly to the meat's surface.

• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth and complements the beef's richness; select fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts.
• Rosemary: Brings earthy, pine-like notes that enhance the meat's natural taste; use fresh sprigs for maximum fragrance.
• Thyme: Introduces subtle, slightly minty undertones that elevate the overall herb profile; fresh sprigs provide more intense flavor.
• Black Pepper: Delivers a warm, spicy kick that cuts through the meat's richness; freshly ground offers superior taste.
• Salt: Intensifies the meat's natural flavors and helps create a delectable crust.

• Red Wine: Adds complex, rich undertones and helps deglaze the roasting pan; choose a dry red wine like Cabernet or Merlot.
• Beef Stock: Creates a foundational, savory liquid base that amplifies the meat's natural juices.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami depth that brightens the entire sauce.

What You Need To Cook Christmas Prime Rib Recipe

• Roasting Pan with Rack: Essential for even cooking and capturing drippings.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for checking precise internal temperature and achieving perfect doneness.
• Sharp Carving Knife: Needed for slicing the roast cleanly and professionally.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for combining herb and seasoning mixture.
• Paper Towels: Necessary for patting the roast dry before seasoning.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for tenting the roast during resting period.
• Medium Saucepan or Skillet: Required for making au jus on stovetop.
• Strainer (optional): Helpful for filtering au jus if desired.

How To Roast Christmas Prime Rib Recipe To Perfection

• Room Temperature Preparation

Let the prime rib relax outside the refrigerator for a couple hours before cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly and creates a beautiful golden exterior.

• Herb Infusion

Gently massage fragrant herbs and spices into the meat’s surface. The combination of rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper will create an incredible flavor profile that makes everyone’s mouth water.

• Searing and Roasting

Start with a blazing hot oven to create a stunning caramelized crust. Initially blast the meat at high temperature, then lower the heat to ensure a perfectly cooked interior. Use a meat thermometer to track doneness without cutting into the roast.

• Resting Period

After removing from the oven, let the prime rib sit quietly under a loose foil tent. This crucial step allows meat juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains incredibly succulent and tender.

• Carving and Serving

Slice the roast between the bones or into generous portions. Serve with a rich, quick pan sauce that captures all the incredible roasting flavors. A dollop of horseradish on the side adds a zesty kick that complements the meat’s richness.

Seasoning Tips For Christmas Prime Rib Recipe

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose a high-quality, well-marbled prime rib roast with the bone-in for maximum flavor and tenderness. Look for meat with consistent marbling and a bright red color.
• Herb Customization Hack: Experiment with different herb combinations like adding dried mustard, smoked paprika, or fresh sage to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
• Special Diet Adaptation: For low-carb or keto diets, keep the recipe as-is. Gluten-free diners can enjoy this dish without modifications. Dairy-free individuals should skip any additional butter or cream-based sauces.
• Temperature Precision Trick: Invest in a reliable digital meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness every time. Remove the roast slightly before reaching the desired temperature, as it will continue cooking during the resting period.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose extra prime rib by slicing thinly for sandwiches, chopping into beef stroganoff, or using in beef hash. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Serving Christmas Prime Rib Recipe With Sides

• Festive Family Centerpiece: Arrange the prime rib on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and roasted garlic cloves for a stunning holiday presentation.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, robust flavors of the prime rib and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Delectable Side Symphony: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots, and a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying Christmas meal.
• Sauce Station Delight: Set up a small sauce bar with homemade horseradish cream, classic au jus, and a tangy mustard sauce to let guests customize their prime rib experience and add extra flavor layers.

How To Store Christmas Prime Rib Recipe After Dinner

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover prime rib in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain optimal quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Clever Reheating Technique: Gently warm slices in a low-temperature oven at 250F, covered with foil to retain moisture, preventing dryness and maintaining the meat's delicate texture and rich flavor.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags to protect against freezer burn. Frozen prime rib stays delicious for up to three months when properly sealed.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining prime rib into gourmet sandwiches, hearty beef stroganoff, or savory salad toppers, extending the culinary enjoyment beyond the original meal and minimizing food waste.

Succulent Christmas Prime Rib Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Rich holiday Roasted Prime Rib emerges as a classic centerpiece for festive gatherings. Succulent meat and golden herbs promise a memorable dinner experience you can confidently serve to delighted guests.

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Ingredients

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• 1 bone-in prime rib roast, 6-7 lbs / 3-3.5 kg (3–4 ribs)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup beef stock (240 ml)
• ½ cup dry red wine (120 ml)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Temperature Preparation: Remove prime rib from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours to ensure uniform cooking and tender meat texture.
2. Surface Preparation: Pat roast completely dry using paper towels, creating optimal conditions for exceptional crust development.
3. Seasoning Foundation: Massage olive oil across entire roast surface, establishing a receptive base for herbal coating.
4. Herb Coating: Combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper into a robust seasoning blend. Thoroughly massage mixture over entire roast, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
5. Roasting Setup: Position roast bone-side downward in a rack-equipped roasting pan, preparing for high-temperature searing.
6. Initial Searing: Preheat oven to 500F, roasting for 20 minutes to develop a caramelized, rich exterior.
7. Controlled Cooking: Reduce oven temperature to 325F, continuing roasting until internal temperature reaches desired doneness (rare: 120F, medium-rare: 130F, medium: 140F, well-done: 160F).
8. Temperature Monitoring: Use meat thermometer to track cooking progress, estimating 10-12 minutes per pound.
9. Resting Phase: Remove roast from oven, tent with aluminum foil, and allow 20-minute resting period for optimal juice redistribution.
10. Au Jus Preparation: Deglaze roasting pan with red wine, scraping browned fragments. Incorporate beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, simmering 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
11. Serving: Carve roast between ribs or into substantial portions, presenting with prepared au jus or accompanying horseradish sauce.

Notes

• Temper Meat Carefully: Remove prime rib from refrigerator 1-2 hours before cooking to ensure uniform temperature and prevent uneven cooking.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Use clean paper towels to completely dry meat surface, which guarantees a perfect crispy external crust during high-heat roasting.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Apply olive oil first, then massively coat with herb blend to maximize flavor penetration and create rich aromatic profile.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use reliable meat thermometer for accurate doneness, remembering internal temperature continues rising during resting period, preventing overcooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 218 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg