If you’ve ever dreamed of serving a centerpiece that truly impresses while staying straightforward, this Classic Christmas Prime Rib Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make Recipe is your go-to. It’s everything you want in a holiday roast: beautifully browned on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and packed with herbs and spices that sing with every bite. Perfect for a festive gathering, it strikes the perfect balance of showing off your cooking skills without spending hours stressing in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become the highlight of your Christmas traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that ideal balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. With just a handful of pantry staples combined with fresh herbs, you’re able to build a dish that’s incredibly elegant yet refreshingly simple.
- 5 to 6-pound bone-in prime rib roast (3 to 4 ribs): This is the star of the show, delivering tenderness and rich flavor with the perfect amount of marbling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened unsalted butter: Helps the seasoning stick and creates an irresistible crust when seared.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing natural beef flavors and seasoning deeply.
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a slight peppery kick and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Boosts umami and rounds out the seasoning blend.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Brings a fragrant herbal note that’s classic with beef.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: Adds earthiness and balances the roast’s richness.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky flavor and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Classic Christmas Prime Rib Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Roast
Start by patting your prime rib dry with paper towels to ensure a beautifully browned crust. Rub the entire roast generously with olive oil or butter which helps the seasonings adhere and promotes a luscious sear. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika if using. Press this flavorful rub all over the surface of the roast so every bite is seasoned perfectly.
Step 2: Sear at High Heat
Preheat your oven to a blazing 500°F (260°C) and place the roast fat-side up on a rack set inside a roasting pan. Roasting at this high temperature for 15 minutes creates a beautiful caramelized crust that locks in juices and flavor.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
After searing, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting for about 15 to 20 minutes per pound, depending on your desired degree of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for accuracy. This method ensures you get a tender, juicy center every time.
Step 4: Rest the Meat
Remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is essential—it lets the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat so when you slice, every cut stays juicy and moist.
Step 5: Carve and Serve
For bone-in roasts, carve between the bones for evenly sized slices, or slice boneless cuts into half-inch thick pieces. Serve alongside your favorite gravy or jus, letting those rich beef juices highlight each slice.
How to Serve Classic Christmas Prime Rib Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on the platter adds a vibrant pop of color and aroma, while lemon zest can offer a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This prime rib pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or even a crisp green salad to balance the savory flavors. Classic horseradish sauce or a silky red wine jus elevates the experience even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the roast on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and roasted garlic bulbs for a stunning holiday centerpiece. Small bowls of finishing salts or flavored butters invite guests to personalize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover prime rib in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain that juicy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or placed in freezer bags. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently by wrapping slices in foil and warming in a 250°F (120°C) oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth under the foil helps keep the meat moist.
FAQs
What internal temperature should I cook my prime rib to?
For medium-rare, aim for 130°F (54°C) internal temperature after resting. The temperature will rise a few degrees as it rests, so remove from oven a little before the target.
Can I use boneless prime rib for this recipe?
Absolutely! The cooking time may vary slightly, but the seasoning and roasting method remain the same. Just slice into half-inch pieces after resting.
Should I cover the roast while cooking?
No need to cover while cooking. The initial high heat sear helps develop a crust, while the lower temperature roasting ensures even cooking without drying out.
Is it ok to make the seasoning rub ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rub a day in advance for even more flavor depth. Store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to season the roast.
Can I add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Definitely. While rosemary and thyme are classic, feel free to experiment with sage, oregano, or a touch of cayenne for heat. Just keep the balance to complement the beef’s richness.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Christmas Prime Rib Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make Recipe truly brings that warm, festive feeling to your holiday table without fuss. Its delicious simplicity paired with unforgettable taste will have everyone asking for seconds and looking forward to next year’s celebration. Give it a try and you’ll see why this recipe is a timeless favorite!
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Classic Christmas Prime Rib Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Christmas Prime Rib Recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful, and tender roast that is perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a simple seasoning blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, this prime rib is roasted to perfection with an initial high-heat sear followed by a slow roast to ensure a delicious crust and perfectly cooked interior. It’s an impressive centerpiece for any festive table and pairs beautifully with gravy and traditional holiday sides.
Ingredients
Prime Rib Roast
- 5 to 6-pound bone-in prime rib roast (3 to 4 ribs)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast: Pat the prime rib roast dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture. Rub the entire surface with olive oil or softened unsalted butter. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Press this seasoning mixture evenly all over the roast, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sear at High Heat: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place the seasoned roast fat-side up on a rack inside a roasting pan. Roast at this high temperature for 15 minutes to sear the meat, developing a flavorful crust that locks in juices.
- Roast Slowly: After the initial sear, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches the desired doneness—use a meat thermometer for accuracy (e.g., 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare).
- Rest the Meat: Remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender, juicy slices.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the prime rib between the bones if using a bone-in roast, or into ½-inch thick slices if boneless. Serve with au jus or gravy and your favorite holiday side dishes to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your prime rib is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
- Resting the roast is crucial for juicy meat; do not skip this step.
- Adjust seasoning quantities if using a larger or smaller roast.
- Let the roast come to room temperature before cooking for even roasting.
- Optional smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
