Garlic Butter Roasted Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner

There’s no centerpiece more magnificent or mouthwatering for a Christmas feast than a Garlic Butter Roasted Prime Rib. Perfectly seasoned, slow-roasted, and finished with a golden crust of garlic and herb butter, this dish embodies the warmth, luxury, and indulgence of the holiday season. Each slice is tender, juicy, and bursting with rich beefy flavor — a true showstopper worthy of any festive table.

The beauty of prime rib lies in its simplicity — a fine cut of beef that, when cooked correctly, doesn’t need much else. The garlic butter enhances the natural flavors of the meat while forming a fragrant, golden crust that seals in the juices. It’s the kind of dish that makes the entire house smell like Christmas joy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the epitome of elegance and flavor with minimal effort. You get that perfect contrast of a caramelized, crispy outer crust and a buttery, tender interior that practically melts in your mouth. The aroma of garlic, rosemary, and thyme roasting together with the beef is enough to make any celebration feel extraordinary.

This recipe is foolproof with the right timing and technique — you can impress your guests without stress. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table, savoring every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A holiday classic that never fails to impress.
• The garlic herb butter adds a luscious depth of flavor.
• Perfect for large gatherings — hearty, flavorful, and visually stunning.
• A showpiece main course that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or Yorkshire pudding.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients but gourmet results.

When you carve into that juicy, pink-centered prime rib and see everyone’s faces light up — you’ll know why it’s a Christmas essential.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (depends on roast size)
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~3 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Holiday Special

Ingredients

For the Prime Rib:

• 1 (6–7 lb) prime rib roast (bone-in, 3 ribs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Au Jus (Gravy):

• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (optional but adds richness)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons flour or cornstarch (optional, for thicening)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Prime Rib

1. Remove the roast from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before roasting to bring it to room temperature.
2. Pat the meat dry thoroughly with paper towels — this ensures better browning.
3. Rub all sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

1. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
2. Mix well until smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Apply the Garlic Butter

1. Rub the garlic herb butter evenly over the entire surface of the prime rib.
2. Make sure to coat the top and sides generously — this will create that delicious crust.

Step 4: Roast the Prime Rib

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Place the roast bone-side down on a rack inside a roasting pan.
3. Roast for 15 minutes to sear and lock in the juices.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for:
   • 1 hour 45 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F / 54°C)
   • 2 hours for medium (135°F / 57°C)

Step 5: Rest the Meat

1. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil.
2. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
   • This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice tender and moist.

Step 6: Make the Au Jus (Gravy)

1. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
2. Add beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan drippings.
3. Scrape up the browned bits and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
4. (Optional) Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch if you prefer a thicker sauce.
5. Strain and serve warm with the prime rib.

Save it

How to Serve

• Slice the prime rib into thick portions and arrange on a warm platter.
• Drizzle lightly with au jus or serve it on the side.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
• Serve alongside:
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Yorkshire pudding
  • Honey-glazed carrots
  • Creamed spinach or roasted asparagus
  • Cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast

Recipe Tips

1. Use a meat thermometer — it’s the secret to perfect doneness.
2. Let the meat rest — never skip this step! It ensures juiciness.
3. Season liberally — large cuts need bold seasoning.
4. Don’t rush the roast — low and slow cooking gives tender results.
5. Save the drippings — they make the best au jus for serving.

Variations

1. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib:
   Mix crushed rosemary, thyme, and horseradish with breadcrumbs for an herby crust.
2. Garlic Parmesan Butter:
   Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan to the butter mix for an extra savory flavor.
3. Smoked Prime Rib:
   Cook in a smoker with hickory or mesquite wood for deep, smoky notes.
4. Spicy Cajun Prime Rib:
   Add Cajun seasoning or chili flakes for a bold, spicy crust.
5. Mustard and Herb Crust:
   Mix Dijon mustard with herbs and garlic for a tangy, aromatic finish.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  Reheat gently in the oven (250°F) or in au jus to retain moisture.
• Freezer:
  Wrap slices tightly in foil or vacuum-seal and freeze for up to 2 months.
  Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat Tip:
  Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat tough — warm slowly with sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp carving knife
• Basting brush
• Small saucepan (for au jus)

Conclusion

The Garlic Butter Roasted Prime Rib is the ultimate Christmas dinner centerpiece — grand, flavorful, and unforgettable. Every bite embodies the essence of the holidays: warmth, indulgence, and togetherness. With its rich, buttery crust and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this dish transforms a meal into a celebration.

Whether you’re serving family or hosting a holiday feast, this recipe guarantees smiles, satisfied appetites, and countless compliments.

Garlic Butter Roasted Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner

There’s no centerpiece more magnificent or mouthwatering for a Christmas feast than a Garlic Butter Roasted Prime Rib. Perfectly seasoned, slow-roasted, and finished with a golden crust of garlic and herb butter, this dish embodies the warmth, luxury, and indulgence of the holiday season. Each slice is tender, juicy, and bursting with rich beefy flavor — a true showstopper worthy of any festive table.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 150 mins Total Time 3 hrs 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 10

Ingredients

Servings

For the Prime Rib:

• 1 (6–7 lb)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• ½ cup (1 stick)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Au Jus (Gravy):

• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup red wine (optional but adds richness)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Prime Rib : Remove the roast from the refrigerator at least 2 hours before roasting to bring it to room temperature. Pat the meat dry thoroughly with paper towels — this ensures better browning. Rub all sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter : In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Mix well until smooth and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Apply the Garlic Butter : Rub the garlic herb butter evenly over the entire surface of the prime rib. Make sure to coat the top and sides generously — this will create that delicious crust.
4. Step 4: Roast the Prime Rib : Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place the roast bone-side down on a rack inside a roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes to sear and lock in the juices. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for: 1 hour 45 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F / 54°C) ,2 hours for medium (135°F / 57°C) ,Always use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness!
5. Step 5: Rest the Meat : Transfer the roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice tender and moist.
6. Step 6: Make the Au Jus (Gravy) : Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan drippings. Scrape up the browned bits and simmer for 5–7 minutes. (Optional) Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch if you prefer a thicker sauce. Strain and serve warm with the prime rib.

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