Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means – it’s prime rib season! Every Christmas, my family gathers around the table for an unforgettable feast centered around a mouthwatering Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast. The aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme wafting through the house is enough to make your mouth water, and the first bite of that juicy, tender beef is pure bliss.

Growing up, this was always the star of our holiday spread, a tradition passed down from my grandparents. My grandma would spend hours lovingly preparing the roast, meticulously seasoning it with the perfect herb crust. As a kid, I can remember sneaking into the kitchen, hoping to catch a glimpse of her masterful technique. It was like culinary magic watching her transform a simple cut of meat into the most divine, restaurant-worthy dish.

To this day, recreating Grandma’s Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast is the highlight of my Christmas celebrations. There’s just something so special about gathering loved ones around the table to share in this cherished family recipe. It’s a labor of love, for sure, but the end result is always worth it – a showstopping entree that’s guaranteed to impress.

Why This Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast

What makes this Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast recipe so exceptional? It all comes down to the perfect balance of flavors and the foolproof cooking method. The herb crust is the true star of the show, infusing every bite with the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary and thyme. But the secret weapon? Letting that beefy prime rib sit at room temperature before roasting, which ensures it cooks evenly all the way through.

The result? A juicy, medium-rare center surrounded by a gloriously crisp, flavorful crust. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing after the first mouthful. And the best part? It’s actually quite simple to prepare, making it the perfect show-stopping main course for any holiday gathering or special occasion.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate this Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast at home, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

• 1 (5-6 pound) prime rib roast – The star of the show! Prime rib is renowned for its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Opt for a 5-6 pound roast to feed a crowd.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – The butter helps the herb crust adhere to the meat and also bastes the roast as it cooks, keeping it supremely juicy.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary – Rosemary lends an earthy, slightly pine-y flavor that pairs beautifully with the beefy prime rib.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme – Thyme contributes a subtle lemony note that brightens up the rich, savory flavors.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must-have for adding depth and complexity to the herb crust.
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt – The salt not only seasons the meat, but also helps create that signature crispy crust.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Fresh cracked black pepper brings a pleasant heat and peppery kick.

Step-by-Step Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast Instructions

Preparing Your Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast

With just 15 minutes of prep time and a 150-minute cook time, this Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast makes for a surprisingly simple yet elegant main course. Start by letting the roast come to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

1- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

2- Spread the herb butter mixture all over the surface of the prime rib, pressing it into the meat to help it adhere. Be sure to get the butter into all the nooks and crannies.

3- Place the seasoned roast fat-side up on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.

4- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Once hot, transfer the roast to the oven and roast for 30 minutes to get a nice initial sear on the outside.

5- Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F and continue roasting for 2-2.5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare. The roast will continue to rise in temperature as it rests.

6- Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing into thick, juicy slices. Serve immediately for the ultimate holiday feast.

Pro Tips for Success

• Let the roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before and after cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature – pull it out of the oven when it reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
• Tent the roast loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm, but don’t wrap it tightly, or you’ll lose that beautiful crust.
• For an extra-crispy crust, broil the roast for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
• Slice the roast against the grain for the most tender, easy-to-chew slices.

Serving and Storing Your Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast

Perfect Pairings for Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast

This Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast is the ultimate holiday showstopper, serving 8 guests generously. For the perfect holiday feast, pair it with rich, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans, and a bottle of bold red wine. A crisp, fresh salad also makes a lovely accompaniment to cut through the richness of the meat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftovers of this Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply slice the meat and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze sliced or whole leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prep the herb butter mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. On the day of, simply spread it over the roast and bake as directed. This is a great way to save time when you’re already juggling multiple dishes for the holiday meal.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast

Creative Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast Variations

While this classic Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the herbs – use a blend of fresh sage, parsley, and oregano for an Italian-inspired twist. Or, amp up the heat with the addition of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes in the crust.

For a festive holiday presentation, you can even slice the roast into individual portions and serve them stacked with a drizzle of rich, beefy au jus. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this show-stopping main course!

Making Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast Diet-Friendly

Adhering to a special diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on this mouthwatering Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the herb crust.

Those following a low-carb or keto diet can skip the breadcrumbs altogether and opt for a crust made with just the butter, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. And for a dairy-free adaptation, use avocado oil or olive oil in place of the butter. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavor of this prime rib roast while keeping it diet-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute dried herbs for the fresh herbs in this recipe?
A: While you can use dried herbs in a pinch, we recommend sticking to fresh for the best flavor. The fresh rosemary and thyme really make this crust sing. If you must use dried, use about half the amount called for in the recipe.

Q: How long should I cook the prime rib for medium doneness?
A: For a 5-6 pound prime rib roast, plan on a total cooking time of 165 minutes. Start with 30 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the heat to 300°F and continue roasting for 2-2.5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F for medium doneness.

Q: Can I make this Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the herb crust mixture up to 2 days ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge. On the day you plan to serve it, just spread the crust over the room temperature prime rib and roast as directed.

Q: How much prime rib should I plan per person?
A: This recipe yields 8 generous servings, so plan for about 3/4 to 1 pound of prime rib per person. Adjust the size of the roast accordingly based on how many you’re serving.

Q: What should I do if the crust starts to overbrown?
A: If the herb crust is getting too dark before the roast is cooked through, simply tent the roast loosely with foil to prevent further browning. You can also reduce the oven temperature by 25°F if needed.

Print

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a show-stopping Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast to make your holiday table shine. This recipe delivers all the mouthwatering flavor and juicy tenderness you crave, with the added flair of a golden, herb-flecked crust. It’s the kind of dish that turns any ordinary meal into an unforgettable feast.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, this Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast is sure to become your new go-to for special occasions. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to wow your guests with this holiday masterpiece. Just don’t forget to save me a slice!