Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast for Christmas Dinner

Introduction

Few dishes embody the spirit of a festive Christmas dinner quite like a perfectly roasted prime rib. Known for its tender, juicy interior and crisp, flavorful crust, this Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast makes a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests and fill the house with irresistible aromas.

What sets this recipe apart is the rich garlic-herb butter rub that melts into the marbled beef as it roasts, creating a golden crust that locks in flavor. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth roast that feels indulgent and celebratory. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family dinner or a grand holiday feast, this prime rib guarantees an unforgettable meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Showstopper appeal: It looks as good as it tastes—a true centerpiece for the Christmas table.
• Simple yet elegant: Despite its gourmet reputation, it requires minimal effort and ingredients.
• Unforgettable flavor: Garlic, butter, rosemary, and thyme complement the rich beef without overpowering it.
• Feeds a crowd: Large enough to serve a big gathering with minimal stress.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Prime rib is one of the juiciest, most tender cuts of beef—perfect for special occasions.
• The garlic butter rub makes it nearly foolproof, sealing in flavor.
• It pairs beautifully with holiday sides like mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted vegetables.
• A timeless recipe that embodies luxury, comfort, and holiday warmth.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours resting at room temperature)
• Cooking Time: 1.5–2.5 hours (depending on size and doneness)
• Resting Time: 30 minutes after roasting
• Total Time: ~4–5 hours (including resting)

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 8–10
• Calories per serving: ~650 kcal (including garlic butter)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American / Holiday Cuisine

Ingredients

For the Roast:

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (5–7 lbs, about 3–4 ribs)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Bring roast to room temperature.
2. Make garlic-herb butter mixture.
3. Rub butter all over roast, season with salt & pepper.
4. Roast at high heat for crust, then low and slow.
5. Rest before carving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Prime Rib

1. Remove roast from refrigerator 2 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature.
2. Pat dry with paper towels for a crispier crust.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Roast

1. Rub roast generously with olive oil.
2. Coat all sides with the garlic butter mixture.
3. Sprinkle with extra kosher salt and black pepper for seasoning.

Step 4: Roast the Prime Rib

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Place roast bone-side down in a roasting pan with a rack.
3. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to create a crust.
4. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for:
   • Rare: 115–120°F (approx. 15–16 min/lb)
   • Medium rare: 125°F (approx. 17–18 min/lb)
   • Medium: 135°F (approx. 19–20 min/lb)

Step 5: Rest the Roast

1. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil.
2. Rest for 30 minutes before carving—this allows juices to redistribute.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

• Carve between bones or into thick slices and serve with au jus or horseradish sauce.

How to Serve

• Serve on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, Yorkshire pudding, or a red wine reduction sauce.
• A simple au jus (made from pan drippings) elevates the dish beautifully.

Recipe Tips

• Always rest the meat—skipping this step will cause juices to run out.
• Use a thermometer for perfect doneness—don’t rely on guesswork.
• Bone-in roast adds flavor and makes for a dramatic presentation.
• Don’t over-season: The garlic butter is already rich and flavorful.

Variations

1. Horseradish Crust: Add 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish to the butter mix.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
3. Wine-Infused Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of red wine to the butter for depth.
4. Herb-Crusted: Roll roast in breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for a crunchy exterior.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for convenience.
• Reheating: Reheat gently at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to retain moisture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Meat thermometer (essential!)
• Sharp carving knife
• Foil for resting

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast for Christmas Dinner is everything a holiday meal should be: luxurious, flavorful, and unforgettable. With a rich garlic-herb crust and tender, juicy interior, it’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also creates lasting holiday memories. Whether it’s your first time roasting prime rib or a family tradition, this recipe ensures success and a table full of happy guests.

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Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast for Christmas Dinner

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 150 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 3 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 10 Calories: 650kcal

Description

Few dishes embody the spirit of a festive Christmas dinner quite like a perfectly roasted prime rib. Known for its tender, juicy interior and crisp, flavorful crust, this Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast makes a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests and fill the house with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Roast:

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (5–7 lbs, about 3–4 ribs)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1 cup (2 sticks)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep the Prime Rib: Remove roast from refrigerator 2 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels for a crispier crust.
2. Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Season the Roast: Rub roast generously with olive oil. Coat all sides with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with extra kosher salt and black pepper for seasoning.
4. Step 4: Roast the Prime Rib: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place roast bone-side down in a roasting pan with a rack. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to create a crust.Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for:Rare: 115–120°F (approx. 15–16 min/lb)Medium rare: 125°F (approx. 17–18 min/lb) Medium: 135°F (approx. 19–20 min/lb)
5. Step 5: Rest the Roast: Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 30 minutes before carving—this allows juices to redistribute.
6. Step 6: Slice & Serve: Carve between bones or into thick slices and serve with au jus or horseradish sauce.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Prime Rib Roast for Christmas Dinner