If there’s one showstopper that belongs at the center of your holiday table, it’s Christmas Prime Rib. This classic roast is everything you could want for a festive gathering: juicy, deeply savory, and crowned with aromatic herbs and a golden, flavorful crust. Each buttery slice feels like a celebration in itself—especially when it’s prepared simply and shared with loved ones. Let’s make a wonderfully memorable main course together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Prime Rib lies in its simplicity—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients working together to bring out the best flavors in the beef. Every element adds either richness, complexity, or that quintessential holiday fragrance you’ll remember all year long.
- Bone-in prime rib roast (6 to 7 pounds): The star of the show, its marbling ensures maximum juiciness and tenderness, plus the bones add even more flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the rub stick beautifully and lends a subtle, velvety sheen to the roast.
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the beef and creating a crave-worthy crust.
- Freshly ground black pepper (2 teaspoons): Adds mild heat and a little bite to balance the richness.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Pops with piney, festive notes that pair perfectly with beef—don’t skimp on the herbs here!
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Delicate and earthy, they round out the herbaceous rub.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings the warm, robust depth that every special roast needs.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way in adding savory depth and aroma.
How to Make Christmas Prime Rib
Step 1: Temper the Beef
Start by pulling your bone-in roast out of the fridge a good two hours before you plan to cook. Letting it come up to room temperature might seem like a small step, but it’s absolutely key for even roasting and a gorgeous, juicy result. This is your moment to get excited!
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Preheat that oven to 450°F (230°C). While it warms up, go ahead and pat your roast dry with paper towels—removing moisture is what helps you achieve that irresistible crust when you sear.
Step 3: Make the Herb Paste
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and onion powder. Mix until you have a fragrant paste. The goal here is to form a unified rub that’ll cling to the roast and season every bite of your Christmas Prime Rib.
Step 4: Season Generously
Slather the entire roast with your herb paste, coating all sides—even the edges. Take your time massaging the mixture into every nook and cranny for maximum flavor. This is when the anticipation really starts to build!
Step 5: Ready the Roasting Pan
Set a rack inside your roasting pan and place the beef bone-side down. This position ensures the meat cooks gently and evenly, letting the bones act as a natural buffer from the direct heat.
Step 6: The First Roast (High Heat)
Pop the pan into your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This higher temperature creates a caramelized crust on the outside, locking in all those savory juices—it’s the secret to a Christmas Prime Rib with both personality and elegance.
Step 7: Slow and Steady Roasting
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and roast for another 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium. The aroma will fill your home with pure holiday magic.
Step 8: Rest and Carve
Once roasted to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and tent the beef loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes—this makes all the difference, as the juices redistribute and every slice stays moist. Now, carve and serve your masterpiece!
How to Serve Christmas Prime Rib
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs or thyme add a vivid splash of color and hint at the flavors within. For a festive touch, a cluster of red currants or a sprinkle of flaked sea salt helps your Christmas Prime Rib look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This roast absolutely sings alongside buttery mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or classic Yorkshire pudding. Don’t forget traditional accompaniments like homemade horseradish sauce or a rich au jus—these finishing touches complete the holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the prime rib tableside for a bit of celebratory flair. Arrange the slices fan-like on a serving platter, then drizzle a little jus over the top and shower with fresh herbs. If you like, nestle roasted root vegetables around the sides for added warmth and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The robust flavors of Christmas Prime Rib deepen overnight, making next-day sandwiches truly sensational.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled slices in layers separated by parchment, sealed in a freezer bag or airtight container. Properly stored, Christmas Prime Rib keeps its flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just think of the cozy winter meals ahead!
Reheating
To gently reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 250°F oven until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. This keeps the meat tender and succulent. A quick splash of beef broth before wrapping helps maintain that signature juiciness.
FAQs
How do I choose the best cut for Christmas Prime Rib?
Look for a bone-in prime rib roast with generous marbling and creamy white fat, as these characteristics guarantee both flavor and tenderness. Always ask your butcher for help if you need guidance—they love talking about roasts!
Can I dry-brine the roast ahead of time?
Absolutely! Season your roast with kosher salt up to 24 hours in advance and let it rest uncovered in the fridge. This not only enhances flavor but also helps create a magnificent crust during roasting.
How can I make sure my roast is perfectly cooked?
Invest in a reliable meat thermometer and check the temps in the thickest part of the roast. Pull your prime rib slightly below your target doneness, as it will continue to rise a few degrees while resting.
What can I do with leftovers besides sandwiches?
Try slicing the cold beef thin for steak salads, dicing it into breakfast hash, or folding pieces into a rich beef and barley soup. Christmas Prime Rib is so flavorful, it elevates every meal that follows.
Is Christmas Prime Rib suitable for gluten-free guests?
Yes! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients and is perfect for those who are gluten-free—just check your seasonings and sauces for hidden sources.
Final Thoughts
Few main courses capture the festive spirit quite like Christmas Prime Rib. Whether you’re serving lifelong family traditions or starting new ones, this roast brings everyone to the table in anticipation. Try it for your next holiday gathering—you’ll quickly see why it’s an annual favorite for so many, including me!
Print
Christmas Prime Rib Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (plus resting time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Impress your holiday guests with this mouthwatering Christmas Prime Rib recipe. A bone-in prime rib roast seasoned with a flavorful herb and garlic rub, roasted to perfection, and served as the star of your festive dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (6 to 7-pound) bone-in prime rib roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Prime Rib: Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before cooking. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Season the Roast: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and onion powder into a paste. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the roast.
- Roast the Prime Rib: Place the roast bone-side down in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until desired doneness.
- Rest and Carve: Remove the roast from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider dry-brining the roast for 24 hours before cooking.
- Serve with horseradish sauce or au jus for a classic holiday touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
