When the holiday season arrives, nothing says celebration quite like a beautifully cooked prime rib roast recipe. Its rich marbling, buttery tenderness, and iconic flavor make it the star of any feast. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas gathering or planning unforgettable christmas dinner ideas main dishes, this holiday roast is a tradition your family will look forward to every year.
I still remember the first Christmas I made a prime rib. Snow fell softly outside, the kitchen was warm, and the scent of rosemary and garlic filled the air. As the roast rested on the counter, its crust golden and fragrant, everyone gathered around just to admire it. The first slice was tender, juicy, and full of flavor and from that day forward, this dish became our signature Christmas centerpiece. That’s the magic of a well-seasoned prime rib roast recipe: it transforms a simple dinner into a holiday memory.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the perfect cut, season it properly, roast it to perfection, and serve it with classic holiday sides like crockpot stuffing or creamy potatoes. You’ll also find tips for different prime rib roast recipe ovens, along with optional beef tenderloin recipes oven if you prefer something leaner. By the end, you’ll be fully ready to craft the best christmas recipes dinner your family has ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Prime Rib Roast Recipe
The perfect balance of simplicity & elegance
This method guarantees a tender, juicy center with a crisp, seasoned crust every time. It’s one of the most reliable ways to prepare a prime rib roast recipe for the holidays.
Ideal for holiday gatherings
Perfect for large crowds and special occasions like Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner.
Works with any oven
Whether you’re using gas, electric, convection, or traditional, this guide includes oven-specific tips to make your prime rib roast recipe consistent every time.
Easily customizable
Prefer a leaner option? Swap the cut for tenderloin using our beef tenderloin recipes oven instructions.
Ingredients
For the Roast
- 1 (4–7 lb) prime rib roast (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Holiday Sides
- Crockpot stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Herb gravy
How to Make the Best Prime Rib Roast Recipe
Follow this step-by-step method to ensure your prime rib roast recipe comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly browned.
Let the Roast Come to Room Temperature
Set it out for at least 2 hours to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
Mix softened butter, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Season Generously
Pat the roast dry and coat it with the herb butter mixture, including the sides and bottom. This creates the iconic crust of a great prime rib roast recipe.
Preheat the Oven
Heat to 450°F (230°C) to kick-start browning.
Start with High Heat
Roast for 20 minutes to form a flavorful crust.
Lower the Temperature
Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and roast according to weight:
- Rare: 15 min per lb
- Medium-rare: 17–18 min per lb
- Medium: 20 min per lb
Thermometer guide:
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
Let It Rest
Tent loosely with foil for 20–30 minutes to lock in juices.
Slice & Serve
Serve thick slices with favorite holiday sides like crockpot stuffing, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
What to Serve with Prime Rib Roast
Your prime rib roast recipe deserves sides that complement its richness. Popular pairings include:
- Crockpot stuffing
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Yorkshire pudding
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Creamy horseradish sauce
- Red wine gravy
For a full holiday spread, add extra christmas recipes dinner options like creamed spinach or cranberry sauce.
Prime Rib vs. Beef Tenderloin
If you’d prefer a leaner cut, tenderloin is the perfect substitute. Readers often also search for:
- beef tenderloin recipes oven
- tenderloin holiday roasts
- oven-roasted beef tenderloin Christmas dinner
Roast tenderloin at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes for medium-rare.
Prime Rib Roast Recipe Ovens Tips for Every Oven
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Prime Rib Roast Recipe – The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece for Christmas Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- This prime rib roast recipe delivers a juicy, tender roast with a crisp garlic herb crust. Perfect for Christmas dinner or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (4–7 lb) prime rib roast (bone-in or boneless)
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Let the roast come to room temperature (at least 2 hours).
- Mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Pat the roast dry and rub the butter mixture over the entire surface.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roast for 20 minutes to brown.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Continue roasting:
- Rare: 15 min per lb (120°F)
- Medium-rare: 17–18 min per lb (130°F)
- Medium: 20 min per lb (140°F)
- Remove roast when desired temp is reached.
- Tent with foil and rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Slice thick and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Seasoning the night before intensifies flavor.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Perfect with crockpot stuffing or Yorkshire pudding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Gas Oven
Rotate halfway through roasting to prevent uneven browning.
Electric Oven
Provides consistent heat perfect for browning your prime rib roast recipe evenly.
Convection Oven
Reduce heat by 25°F to avoid overcooking.
Compact or Small Ovens
Use a shallow pan for better airflow and more consistent heating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the roast up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Prep sides like crockpot stuffing the night before.
- Always rest the roast before slicing essential for any successful prime rib roast recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store sliced prime rib in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat at 250°F for gentle warming.
- Great in sandwiches, breakfast hash, quesadillas, or ramen.
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FAQs
How many people does it feed?
A 4–5 lb roast serves 6–8 people.
Can I make this roast smaller?
Absolutely adjust cooking time by weight.
How do I get the crispiest crust?
Start roasting at high heat and use a thick herb butter coating.
Can I make it ahead?
Season ahead, but roast fresh for best results.
Best sides to serve?
Crockpot stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, Yorkshire pudding, or green beans.
Conclusion
A beautifully seasoned prime rib roast recipe brings elegance, comfort, and tradition to your holiday table. Paired with classic sides like crockpot stuffing or roasted vegetables, it becomes the highlight of your christmas dinner ideas main dishes. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or creating a cozy family meal, this festive roast will make your christmas recipes dinner unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a main dish that’s impressive, delicious, and surprisingly easy, this holiday roast is your new go-to tradition.