Christmas Prime Rib with Herb Crust

Name: Christmas Prime Rib with Herb Crust
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (5-7 lb) prime rib roast; 2 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil

Author: Tessa

Published: June 28, 2025

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There’s something magical about a Tasty Christmas Prime Rib sitting at the center of the table, its golden crust glistening and the aroma of rosemary and garlic filling the air. It’s not just dinner—it’s a showstopper, a tradition, and a labor of love. For as long as I can remember, Christmas at our house has been synonymous with this roast. My dad would carve it with such care, making sure everyone got a perfect slice, while my mom would hover nearby, ready to catch any drippings for her famous gravy.

I’ll never forget the year I tried to make it myself for the first time. I was so nervous, convinced I’d ruin the holiday meal. But with a little patience and a lot of trust in my meat thermometer, it turned out juicy, tender, and absolutely delicious. Now, it’s my turn to carry on the tradition, and I love seeing my family’s faces light up when I bring it to the table. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this Tasty Christmas Prime Rib is more than a recipe—it’s a way to create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Tasty Christmas Prime Rib - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to holiday showstopper. Here’s why:

Juicy perfection: That high-then-low roasting method locks in all the juices, so every slice melts in your mouth.
Bursting with flavor: The garlic-herb crust creates this incredible savory crust that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Impressive but easy: It looks fancy, but really? Rub, roast, rest—that’s it. Your guests will think you slaved for hours.
Perfect for gatherings: The aroma alone will make your house smell like Christmas magic.
Leftovers dream: (If there are any!) Cold prime rib sandwiches the next day? Yes, please.

Seriously, this roast turns holiday dinner into something truly special—without stressing you out.

Tasty Christmas Prime Rib - detail 1

Ingredients for Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle for that perfect holiday roast. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 (5-7 lb) prime rib roast (bone-in for maximum flavor – trust me, it makes a difference!)
2 tbsp kosher salt (the bigger flakes create the best crust)
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (none of that pre-ground stuff)
2 tbsp packed fresh rosemary, finely chopped (you’ll smell Christmas in every bite)
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (stripped from the stems)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too much garlic)
2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff – it helps all those flavors stick to the roast)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Life happens, so here’s how to adapt if needed:

Fresh herbs: If you must use dried, use 1/3 the amount (so 2 tsp dried rosemary instead of 2 tbsp fresh). But fresh really is best here.
Garlic: No fresh garlic? 1 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch.
Salt: If using table salt, reduce to 1 tbsp (it’s saltier than kosher).
Must-have tool: A meat thermometer isn’t optional – it’s your insurance against over or undercooking this beautiful roast.

One pro tip: Let your roast sit at room temp for 1-2 hours before cooking. It helps everything cook more evenly!

Equipment Needed for Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make magic happen—just these trusty kitchen staples:

A sturdy roasting pan (with sides high enough to catch all those glorious juices)
Roasting rack (keeps the roast elevated so it cooks evenly)
Instant-read meat thermometer (your best friend for perfect doneness)
Kitchen twine (if your butcher didn’t tie the roast already)
Sharp carving knife (for those picture-perfect slices)

That’s it! With just these basics, you’re ready to create holiday roast perfection.

How to Make Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff! Making this prime rib is easier than you think, but there are a few key steps you don’t want to skip. Follow these, and you’ll have the most gorgeous roast ready to wow your holiday guests.

Step 1: Prep the Roast

First, pat that beautiful roast dry with paper towels – this helps the crust form better. Now, mix all your herbs, salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl until it looks like the most fragrant paste ever. Rub it all over the roast, really working it into every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy! Place it fat-side up on your roasting rack (the fat will baste the meat as it cooks – genius, right?).

Step 2: Roast Perfectly

Here’s the secret: blast it with high heat first, then lower the temperature. Crank your oven to 450°F and let it fully preheat – no cheating! Roast for 15 minutes to get that gorgeous brown crust, then immediately reduce the heat to 325°F. Now, the waiting game begins. Cook for about 15 minutes per pound, but here’s the real trick: ignore the clock and watch your meat thermometer instead. You want 120°F in the center for perfect medium-rare (it’ll rise to 130°F while resting).

Step 3: Rest & Slice

This might be the hardest part – you have to let it rest! Tent the roast loosely with foil and walk away for 20 minutes. I know, I know, it smells amazing and everyone’s hungry, but trust me: this lets the juices redistribute so every slice is juicy perfection. When it’s time, slice against the grain for tender pieces, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Tips for the Best Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

After making this roast more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee perfection every time:

Temperature matters: Take the roast out of the fridge 1-2 hours before cooking. Room temp meat cooks way more evenly!
Save those drippings: That golden liquid in the pan? Liquid gold for gravy. Spoon off excess fat, then scrape up all the tasty browned bits.
Don’t peek! Every time you open the oven door, you lose heat and slow down cooking. Use your oven light instead.
Slice smart: Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Leftover magic: Thin slices make killer sandwiches, or chop it up for the best beef hash you’ll ever taste.

Follow these simple tips, and your prime rib will be the star of the holiday table!

Serving Suggestions for Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

Now that you’ve got this gorgeous roast, let’s talk sides! A creamy horseradish sauce is my must-have—it cuts through the richness and adds a nice kick. Roasted veggies like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. And if you’re feeling fancy, Yorkshire pudding is a classic pairing that’ll have everyone swooning. Don’t forget a big bowl of mashed potatoes for that ultimate comfort food vibe. Trust me, your table will look (and taste) like a holiday dream!

Storing & Reheating Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

Let’s be real – leftovers are half the joy! Store cooled slices airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil then plastic wrap before freezing (it’ll keep beautifully for 2 months). When reheating, go low and slow – 250°F oven until just warmed through. Microwaving? Blasphemy! It’ll turn that perfect medium-rare into shoe leather. Pro tip: leftover slices make phenomenal sandwiches – just pile them on crusty bread with horseradish mayo!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact counts will vary based on the size of your roast and how much fat gets trimmed. But per 6-ounce serving, you’re looking at roughly:

450 calories
30g fat (12g saturated)
40g protein
1g carbs

Not bad for a holiday splurge! And hey, all that protein means you’ll have energy for opening presents and chasing the kids around.

Common Questions About Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

I get asked these same questions every holiday season, so let me save you some stress with my hard-earned prime rib wisdom:

“Can I prep this ahead?” Absolutely! Season your roast up to 24 hours in advance and keep it uncovered in the fridge. This actually helps the salt work its magic deeper into the meat for incredible flavor.
“How do I get medium instead of medium-rare?” Easy! Just cook until your thermometer hits 135°F (it’ll rise to 145°F while resting). For well-done (though why would you?), go to 150°F.
“My roast has bones – help!” No worries! The bones add amazing flavor. Just stand it rib-side down when roasting, and they’ll act as a natural roasting rack.

Remember, the meat thermometer is your holiday MVP – it never lies about doneness!

Share Your Tasty Christmas Prime Rib

Did you make this holiday showstopper? I’d love to see your masterpiece! Snap a photo of that beautiful crust and share it in the comments below. Tell me how your family reacted—did they cheer? Beg for seconds? Leave a rating too, and happy feasting!