There’s nothing quite like serving a glorious Christmas Prime Rib as the centerpiece of your holiday table. This impressive yet approachable main dish delivers succulent, melt-in-your-mouth beef surrounded by a savory, aromatic crust of herbs, garlic, and spices. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or an intimate family dinner, Christmas Prime Rib never fails to delight with its show-stopping presentation, luxurious flavor, and the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as it roasts. Get ready for a celebration where every guest feels truly cherished.

Christmas Prime Rib Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

On the surface, this list might look simple, but every ingredient plays an essential part in crafting a prime rib that is deeply flavorful with that iconic holiday appeal. Think of each addition as a layer—a little love from the herbs, depth from the spices, and that magical finish from the ol’ reliable salt and pepper.

Prime rib roast (5 to 6-pound, bone-in): The star of the show, bone-in for maximum juiciness and flavor—choose a well-marbled roast for extra tenderness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning mixture cling to the meat and assists in forming that perfect crust.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the roast with a bold, savory aroma that screams celebration.
Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, chopped): Bright, woodsy, and a classic companion to beef—don’t skip fresh if you can help it!
Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds earthiness and balances the richness beautifully.
Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for enhancing the flavor of the beef and drawing out moisture for that irresistible crust.
Black pepper (2 teaspoons): Brings just the right amount of warmth to every bite.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle layer of allium sweetness that rounds out the seasoning blend.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smoky intrigue and a beautiful, deep color to the crust.
Coarse sea salt (optional, for finishing): Sprinkle just before serving for a gourmet flourish and a pleasing crunch.

How to Make Christmas Prime Rib

Step 1: Bring the Roast to Room Temperature

The very first secret to perfect Christmas Prime Rib is patience! Remove your roast from the fridge at least one hour before cooking. Letting it come to room temperature ensures even roasting from edge to center, which means those gorgeous, juicy slices everyone craves.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to a bold 450°F (230°C). This initial burst of heat is crucial for forming the mouthwatering, caramelized crust that makes every Christmas Prime Rib unforgettable.

Step 3: Make the Herb Paste

Combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir until you have a fragrant, cohesive paste—the scent alone will have you dreaming about your holiday feast.

Step 4: Season the Roast

Pat your prime rib dry with paper towels for the crispiest crust. Generously rub the herb paste all over the meat, making sure to coat the sides and under the fat cap if you can. Don’t be shy—really massage those flavors in!

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the seasoned roast bone-side down on a rack in your roasting pan. Pop it into the preheated oven for 20 minutes, giving it that signature golden crust. Then, lower the heat to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for another 90 to 120 minutes, until a thermometer reads 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 135°F for medium. Keep an eye on your thermometer—this is where the magic happens!

Step 6: Rest and Finish

As tempting as it is to dive right in, transfer your roast to a carving board and tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes—this locks in the juices and delivers slices that are gloriously moist, not dry. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for that extra touch of decadence.

How to Serve Christmas Prime Rib

Garnishes

Bring some festive color and flair to your Christmas Prime Rib with a shower of fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary work beautifully), a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a jeweled effect, or even curls of horseradish for a classic kick. These little touches make your platter look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Prime rib loves the company of classic sides. Try creamy mashed potatoes, pillowy Yorkshire puddings, roasted root vegetables, or sizzling Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget horseradish sauce or a rich au jus—each one elevates your Christmas Prime Rib from excellent to extraordinary.

Creative Ways to Present

For a jaw-dropping tableside moment, present the whole Christmas Prime Rib on a large carving board surrounded by roasted onions, garlic bulbs, and seasonal greens. Carve it at the table for that special sense of occasion, letting guests see those perfect pink slices as they’re served.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Christmas Prime Rib tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place slices in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—don’t forget to save some juices if you have them!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap slices (or even a section of the roast) in plastic wrap followed by foil, then tuck into a freezer bag. Christmas Prime Rib freezes beautifully—just label with the date, and use within three months for the best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a 250°F oven, covered with foil, with a splash of broth or pan juices to keep things tender. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking—low and slow helps preserve that prime rib perfection.

FAQs

How big of a roast do I need for my holiday gathering?

Figure on about one pound of uncooked Christmas Prime Rib per person for generous servings with leftovers. A 5 to 6-pound roast will happily serve up to 8 guests.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely, but halve the quantity as dried herbs are more potent. Fresh rosemary and thyme will give a brighter, more aromatic flavor, but dried versions still deliver a delicious result.

What’s the best way to check doneness without overcooking?

A meat thermometer is your best holiday helper! Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the bone, for an accurate reading. Pull the roast 5 degrees below your target temperature—residual heat will finish the job while it rests.

Do I need to tie the roast with kitchen twine?

It’s not strictly necessary with a bone-in roast, but tying helps maintain a uniform shape and ensures even cooking. If your butcher hasn’t tied it already, a few loops of twine won’t hurt.

Are there special sauces that pair well with Christmas Prime Rib?

Horseradish cream, red wine jus, or a simple au jus made from the pan drippings are all classic partners. Each one brings out different notes in the beef and adds that gourmet holiday feel.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made a Christmas Prime Rib before, this holiday is the perfect time to treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to a meal that’s equal parts impressive and comforting. It’s a showstopper, and it fills your home with the most intoxicating aroma. Gather everyone around, slice into that beautiful roast, and celebrate the season with a dish that’s sure to become a new tradition!

Christmas Prime Rib Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (plus resting time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Impress your guests with this succulent Christmas Prime Rib recipe. A juicy bone-in prime rib roast seasoned with a flavorful herb rub, roasted to perfection, and served with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a festive show-stopper for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 (5 to 6-pound) bone-in prime rib roast

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional: coarse sea salt for finishing

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Instructions

Prepare the Roast: Remove the prime rib from the refrigerator and preheat the oven.
Season the Meat: Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and spices to make a paste.
Rub the Seasoning: Pat the roast dry and coat with the seasoning paste.
Roast the Prime Rib: Cook at high temperature initially, then lower the heat until desired doneness.
Rest and Serve: Let the roast rest before slicing. Finish with sea salt if desired.