Tasty Christmas Prime Rib – Juicy, Tender & Perfectly Seasoned for a Holiday Feast

Tasty Christmas Prime Rib – Juicy, Tender & Perfectly Seasoned for a Holiday Feast

This Tasty Christmas Prime Rib is everything a holiday centerpiece should be—juicy, tender, deeply flavorful, and roasted to perfection with a festive blend of herbs, garlic, and rich beefy goodness. Instead of covering the meat with complicated steps or heavy sauces, this recipe highlights the natural marbling and flavor of the rib roast, creating a stunning entrée that slices like butter and fills your home with the aroma of Christmas comfort. Perfect for Christmas dinner, special gatherings, or any celebration that deserves something show-stopping, this prime rib delivers restaurant-quality results with simple, reliable steps—no alcohol, no complicated ingredients, and fully compliant with your dietary rules.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Prime Rib Roast

1 bone-in or boneless beef prime rib roast 5–7 lbs is ideal
3 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic finely minced
1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder

Optional (Alcohol-Free) Christmas Touches

1 –2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Fresh thyme
Whole roasted garlic bulbs for serving

Equipment

Large roasting pan
Meat thermometer (essential for perfect doneness)
Mixing bowl
Aluminum foil
Sharp carving knife

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Prime Rib

Pat roast completely dry.
In a bowl, mix:
olive oil
minced garlic
salt
pepper
rosemary
thyme
paprika
onion powder
garlic powder
Rub this mixture ALL over the roast, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly.
Let sit at room temperature 1–2 hours for even cooking.

Step 2: Preheat & Sear

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
Place the roast fat side up in your roasting pan.
Roast for 20 minutes to create a flavorful crust.

Step 3: Slow Roast

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
Continue roasting for:
Medium rare: 13–15 minutes per pound
Medium: 16–18 minutes per pound
Use a thermometer for accuracy:
120–125°F: rare
130–135°F: medium rare
140–145°F: medium
Remove from oven once it reaches your target (it will rise 5–7°F while resting).

Step 4: Rest

Cover loosely with foil.
Let rest 20–30 minutes.
This is CRUCIAL—juices will redistribute and keep the roast tender and moist.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

Slice against the grain with a sharp carving knife.
Serve with:
roasted garlic
mashed potatoes
herb-butter vegetables
Christmas salad
fresh herbs

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: 2 months (wrap tightly)

Reheat Without Drying Out

Warm slices in foil at 275°F for 10–15 minutes.
Or reheat gently in broth in a covered skillet.

🥄 Variations (All Alcohol-Free & Pork-Free)

Garlic Herb Crusted Prime Rib – increase garlic + fresh herbs.

Smoky Paprika Prime Rib – add smoked paprika and cumin.

Rosemary Dijon Prime Rib – coat with rosemary + Dijon mustard.

Butter-Basted Prime Rib – baste with garlic butter in last 15 minutes.

Horseradish-Free Version – use garlic cream sauce instead.

Salt-Crusted Prime Rib – wrap in a salt-herb shell for deep flavor.

Herb-Butter Prime Rib Roast – slather with herb compound butter.

Roasted Garlic Prime Rib – top with roasted garlic paste.

Peppercorn-Crusted Roast – add extra cracked pepper.

Christmas Spiced Prime Rib – add a touch of cinnamon + thyme for warmth (surprisingly delicious and still savory).

❓ 10 FAQs

Bone-in or boneless?
Bone-in is juicier; boneless is easier to slice.

How do I get a great crust?
High-heat roast at the beginning + a salt-heavy rub.

Should I tie the roast?
Only if boneless—helps maintain shape.

Why rest the meat?
Prevents juices from spilling out.

How do I make it more flavorful?
Season 24 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered.

Can I cook from cold?
No — room temperature helps even cooking.

Do I need a roasting rack?
Optional — bones can act as a natural rack.

What if I want well-done slices?
Cut end pieces—they cook more.

How do I keep leftovers tender?
Reheat gently, never in high heat.

Best side dishes?
Mashed potatoes, salad, roasted vegetables, garlic green beans.

🏁 Conclusion

This Tasty Christmas Prime Rib is everything a holiday roast should be—flavorful, buttery, tender, and beautifully seasoned without overpowering the natural richness of the beef. It’s a truly impressive Christmas centerpiece that looks gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare.

With its aromatic herb crust, juicy pink interior, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe guarantees a memorable feast your family will talk about long after the holidays.