When the house smells like rosemary, garlic, and slowly roasting meat, you know it’s Christmas. There’s just something timeless and comforting about a beautifully cooked Christmas prime rib roast gracing the holiday table. This isn’t just dinner, it’s tradition, celebration, and a bit of show-stopping drama all on one platter.
With crisp edges, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and rich beefy flavor, this roast is easier to make than you think. Whether it’s your first or fifteenth holiday roast, this step-by-step guide will help you nail the perfect standing rib roast every time; without stress, and with plenty of compliments.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A standing rib roast might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to cook. What makes this dish extra special isn’t complexity, it’s the quality of ingredients and technique. You’ll season it well, roast it low and slow, and let it rest before slicing. That’s it. No tricky techniques or long prep.
It also scales beautifully. Whether you’re feeding four or fourteen, a rib roast gives you drama, flavor, and flexibility. Serve it with holiday-worthy sides and you’ve got a centerpiece that truly shines.
If you’re looking to try something equally cozy and beefy, check out this French Onion Pot Roast recipe on the days surrounding Christmas; rich, hearty, and full of soul.
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Christmas Prime Rib Recipe
This Christmas prime rib recipe delivers a perfectly roasted beef centerpiece that’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare; ideal for your holiday feast.
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 standing rib roast (5–6 lbs, bone-in preferred)
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
6–8 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil or softened butter
Instructions
1. Let the roast sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Pat it dry thoroughly.
2. Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and oil/butter into a paste. Rub generously over the roast.
3. Optional: Sear all sides of the roast in a hot pan, 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Place roast on a rack inside a pan, fat side up. Roast at 225°F until internal temp reaches desired doneness (e.g. 130°F for medium-rare).
5. Remove from oven and tent with foil. Let rest 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
Don’t skip the resting time; it’s crucial for juicy meat.
Try adding horseradish or Dijon mustard to the rub for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Ingredients for the Best Prime Rib
Simple, fresh, and aromatic, these ingredients bring out the best in your roast.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 standing rib roast (5–6 pounds, bone-in preferred)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil or softened unsalted butter
Ingredient Tips:
- Go for bone-in for better flavor and moisture retention.
- Fresh herbs elevate the rub; avoid dried unless necessary.
- Letting the roast come to room temp before cooking ensures even roasting.
Planning a full spread? Pair your roast with an elegant Beef Tenderloin Roast for guests who want options; both are stunning on the table.
How to Make Christmas Prime Rib
This process is straightforward but impressive. Here’s how to make a prime rib roast that’s juicy inside and perfectly crusted outside.
Step-by-Step:
- Prep the Roast
Take the rib roast out of the fridge 1–2 hours ahead of time. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. - Mix the Rub
Combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil (or butter). Rub this mixture generously all over the roast. - Optional Sear
For extra flavor and crust, sear each side of the roast in a hot cast-iron pan, 2–3 minutes per side. - Roast It Low and Slow
Place fat side up on a roasting rack inside a pan. Roast at 225°F (107°C) until it hits your target temp:- Rare: 120°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Rest and Carve
Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest 30 minutes before slicing.
Roasting Time Estimate: ~30–35 minutes per pound at 225°F.
End the meal on a festive high note with a few Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles, a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Tips and Variations
Whether you want to customize your flavor or troubleshoot ahead of time, these tips will help:
Best Tips
- Thermometer is key: A meat thermometer guarantees perfect doneness.
- Resting is not optional: This redistributes juices for every juicy slice.
- Room temp roast: Helps ensure even internal cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Horseradish crust: Mix prepared horseradish with butter and smear over the roast before cooking.
- Mustard-herb rub: Dijon + fresh herbs give tang and depth.
- Garlic-studded: Make slits in the roast and tuck garlic slices inside for slow-roasted flavor.
Need a cozy holiday bread to serve alongside? This Christmas Bread is lightly sweet, beautifully festive, and the perfect carb companion to your roast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook a boneless version of this recipe?
Yes, but it cooks a bit faster. Check temperature 10–15 minutes earlier and rest well before slicing.
2. What’s the difference between prime rib and a ribeye roast?
A ribeye roast is typically boneless and smaller. Prime rib (or standing rib roast) often includes the bone and more marbling.
3. How much roast per person?
Plan on about 1 pound per adult or ¾ pound if serving heavy sides.
4. Should I marinate it overnight?
No need. A generous herb-garlic rub and a good roast are more than enough.
If you’re serving mashed potatoes on the side (and let’s be honest, you should), these Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ideal make-ahead dish.
Conclusion: Make This a Christmas to Remember
Holiday meals are about more than food; they’re about moments. Laughter at the table, second helpings passed around, that first juicy slice of rib roast that makes your guests pause mid-bite and go, “Wow.”
This Christmas prime rib is your moment-maker. It’s richly flavorful, deeply comforting, and surprisingly simple. And once you serve it? You may find your family asking for it every year.
From our kitchen to yours, happy holidays, and enjoy every bite.
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