I still remember my grandmother’s kitchen on Christmas Eve; the air thick with the aroma of garlic, rosemary, and sizzling fat from the prime rib roasting slowly in the oven. That golden crust, that tender pink center, it wasn’t just food; it was family. This Christmas Prime Rib recipe is a nod to those cherished moments. Whether it’s your first holiday roast or your yearly tradition, this dish promises to bring the same warmth and connection to your table that my nonna’s cooking gave to ours.
As the main event of your Christmas dinner, this standing rib roast transforms a simple meal into a celebration. It’s rich, juicy, and beautifully seasoned, the kind of dish that reminds you why home-cooked meals matter.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A holiday beef roast like this isn’t just about flavor; it’s about presence. You’ll love how this recipe delivers a stunning centerpiece with minimal fuss. No fancy tools; just patience, good seasoning, and the right temperature.
This Christmas Prime Rib gives you everything you want in a festive dinner:
- A perfect crust that seals in flavor.
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that carves like butter.
- Aromas that fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.
You can even prepare this ahead of time so you’re free to enjoy the moments that matter most. And when your guests ask for seconds, serve it with a side of Green Bean Casserole to balance the richness of the meat.
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Christmas Prime Rib Recipe
A juicy, tender Christmas Prime Rib that’s seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, roasted to perfection for a show-stopping holiday dinner.
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 (6–7 lb) standing rib roast (bone-in or boneless)
3 tbsp salt
2 tbsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
1. Bring the roast to room temperature at least 2 hours before cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
3. Mix salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, and butter together.
4. Rub the mixture generously all over the roast.
5. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to form a crust.
6. Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and cook until internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare.
7. Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce for a balanced holiday meal.
For extra flavor, spread a garlic-herb butter over the roast halfway through cooking.
Always use a meat thermometer for the best results.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 62g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Ingredients
The beauty of a prime rib roast lies in its simplicity. The magic is in choosing the right cut and seasoning it properly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (6–7 lb) standing rib roast (bone-in or boneless)
- 3 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
For a touch of festive sweetness, consider serving this alongside Cranberry Sauce Made Simple. It adds a tangy brightness that balances the deep beefy flavors beautifully.
How to Make It
Cooking a Christmas Prime Rib roast is easier than it looks, it’s about confidence and timing.
- Bring the roast to room temperature. Take it out of the fridge at least 2 hours before cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Season generously. Mix salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, and butter. Rub this mixture all over the roast.
- Roast at high heat for 20 minutes to form a golden crust.
- Reduce temperature to 325°F (160°C) and roast until internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest before slicing. Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 30 minutes.
The result? A rib roast so juicy and flavorful, it could easily rival the best steakhouse dinner. For a complete meal, I love pairing it with Sweet Potato Souffle Casserole.
Tips and Variations
Want to make your holiday roast unforgettable? Here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s your best friend for accuracy.
- Don’t skip the rest time. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender.
- Add compound butter. Mix garlic, herbs, and a touch of Dijon for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a twist: Try a garlic-horseradish crust or infuse the rub with a splash of balsamic for sweetness.
And if you’re planning your full holiday menu, you can pair it beautifully with comforting sides like Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes for the perfect Christmas feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook a Christmas Prime Rib per pound?
At 325°F, cook about 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare. Always check with a thermometer.
Should I cover my roast while cooking?
No, leave it uncovered to build that golden crust everyone loves.
What sides go best with Prime Rib?
Try Baked Cranberry Brie Bites as an appetizer and roasted vegetables as sides.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Roast it a day before, then slice and reheat gently in a low oven before serving.
Final thoughts
This Christmas Prime Rib is more than just a meal, it’s a memory waiting to happen. It’s that quiet moment when the table falls silent because everyone’s taking their first bite. It’s laughter between family, the clink of wine glasses, the comfort of something cooked with love. Whether it’s your first time making a standing rib roast or your family’s long-held tradition, this recipe will bring joy, comfort, and just a little magic to your Christmas table.
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