The scent of garlic and butter fills the air, mingling with rosemary and thyme as the oven hums quietly. It’s Christmas evening, and this is the moment every guest waits for—the first slice of juicy, pink-centered Christmas Prime Rib glistening under the soft glow of holiday lights.
Table of Contents
Why This Christmas Prime Rib Recipe Works
This Christmas Prime Rib recipe stands out because it’s simple, flavorful, and foolproof. Every slice of this Christmas Prime Rib roast has a crispy garlic-herb crust and tender meat that melts at each bite.
The method works every time, giving you a beautiful roast without the stress. With a few ingredients and a good thermometer, you can make a restaurant-style centerpiece right from your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Key Ingredients
You’ll need a 6-pound bone-in prime rib, butter, garlic, and a few fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. The butter helps create that golden crust, while the herbs add earthy depth. You can use dried herbs if needed, but fresh gives a brighter flavor. Always choose a well-marbled cut for the juiciest results.
Tools You’ll Need
A sturdy roasting pan, a reliable meat thermometer, a sharp carving knife, and foil are all essential. These tools help ensure even roasting, accurate temperature checks, and beautiful slicing when it’s time to serve.
Choosing the Right Prime Rib
Bone-in prime rib gives you extra flavor and a built-in roasting rack. You can also ask your butcher to cut the bones off and tie them back on for easy carving later. Plan for about ½ to 1 pound per person. Prime grade has more marbling, while Choice still gives excellent taste at a lower cost.
How to Cook Prime Rib (Step-by-Step)
Prepare the Meat
Take your Christmas Prime Rib out of the fridge 2–3 hours before cooking so it reaches room temperature and roasts evenly.
Then pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps the butter stick and ensures an even roast.
Make and Apply Garlic Herb Butter
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mix all over the roast, covering every side. The butter forms a crisp, aromatic crust as it cooks.
Roast for the Perfect Crust
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the roast bone-side down in the pan and roast for 20 minutes to sear the crust. Then lower the heat to 325°F and continue until the internal temperature hits your desired doneness.
Check Temperature, Then Rest
Use your thermometer instead of guessing. Once it reaches 120°F for medium rare, remove it from the oven. Tent with foil and let it rest for 20–30 minutes. The juices will settle, making each slice tender and juicy.
Slice and Serve
Cut the strings, remove the bones, and slice the meat into thick ½-inch cuts. The golden crust will crackle slightly, and the center should be perfectly pink. Serve with a spoonful of red wine au jus or horseradish sauce.
Internal Temperature Guide
- Rare: 110°F (rested 117–120°F)
- Medium Rare: 120°F (rested 127–130°F)
- Medium: 130°F (rested 137–140°F)
- Medium Well: 140°F (rested 147–150°F)
- Well Done: 150°F (rested 157–165°F)
Optional Red Wine Au Jus
After removing most of the fat from your pan drippings, combine ¼ cup drippings, 2 cups beef broth, and 1½ cups red wine. Simmer for 15 minutes until reduced by half. If you like it thicker, stir in a cornstarch slurry. Strain before serving for a smooth finish.
Cooking Time by Weight
- 4–5 lbs: 60–70 minutes
- 7–8.5 lbs: 1.5–1.75 hours
- 9–10.5 lbs: 1.75–2.25 hours
Remember, time is a guide. The thermometer always wins.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then warm gently in the microwave or oven. The meat stays tender if you avoid overheating.
What to Serve with Prime Rib
This roast pairs beautifully with Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies for a flavorful holiday pairing (https://kairecipes.com/garlic-herb-roasted-veggies/). Try it alongside mashed potatoes, green beans with shallots, or Easy Dinner Roll Recipe without Yeast – perfect for your Prime Rib platter (https://kairecipes.com/easy-dinner-roll-recipe-without-yeast/). Finish your meal with something sweet like Mini Sweet Potato Pies – a classic southern Christmas dessert (https://kairecipes.com/mini-sweet-potato-pies/) or Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – a holiday dessert favorite (https://kairecipes.com/red-velvet-cupcakes-with-cream-cheese-frosting/).
Best No-Fail Prime Rib (Garlic Herb Crust) Recipe Card
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Christmas Prime Rib | Ultimate Juicy & Foolproof Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, tender, and perfectly crusted with garlic and herbs — this Christmas Prime Rib is a no-fail showstopper for your holiday table.
Ingredients
6 pounds bone-in prime rib (bones cut off and tied back on)
½ cup softened butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, quartered (optional, for au jus)
Optional Red Wine Au Jus:
¼ cup pan drippings (fat removed)
2 cups beef broth
1½ cups red wine
Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder slurry (to thicken)
Instructions
1. Remove prime rib from fridge 2–3 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix butter, garlic, salt, thyme, rosemary, and pepper.
3. Pat dry the prime rib and coat fully with herb butter mix.
4. Place bone-side down in a roasting pan. Add onions if making au jus.
5. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to sear crust.
6. Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C) and continue cooking until internal temp hits 120°F for medium-rare.
7. Remove and rest 20–30 minutes, tented with foil.
8. Slice off bones (if tied on), then cut into ½-inch thick slices.
9.
10. Red Wine Au Jus (Optional):
11. After removing fat, add up to ¼ cup drippings, beef broth, red wine, and leftover herbs to pan.
12. Simmer for about 15 minutes to reduce by half. Optional: add slurry to thicken.
13. Strain and serve.
Notes
Ask your butcher to cut bones off and tie them back on for easy carving.
Always rest the meat for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Use a meat thermometer instead of cooking time for accuracy.
Room temperature meat ensures even roasting.
Serve with red wine au jus or creamy horseradish sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Christmas Dinner Ideas
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 1129
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1193mg
- Fat: 100g
- Saturated Fat: 43g
- Unsaturated Fat: 53g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
More Such Recipes
For a full holiday spread, check out Italian Cheese Log – a festive Christmas appetizer (https://kairecipes.com/italian-cheese-log-a-festive-christmas-appetizer/) or Garlic Parmesan Grilled Corn on the Cob – the perfect buttery side (https://kairecipes.com/garlic-parmesan-grilled-corn-on-the-cob/).
FAQ
Is prime rib good for Christmas?
Yes, prime rib is perfect for Christmas. It’s rich, flavorful, and impressive enough to make any dinner table feel special.
Why do people have prime rib for Christmas?
Prime rib has become a Christmas favorite because it feels luxurious and comforting. The roast’s aroma fills the house, and it brings everyone together around the table.
What’s in a prime rib?
Prime rib is a ribeye roast from the cow’s rib section. It’s marbled with fat, which gives it incredible tenderness and flavor.
What to eat with prime rib for Christmas?
Classic sides include roasted potatoes, green beans, and warm dinner rolls. For a finishing touch, add red wine au jus or horseradish sauce.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Christmas Prime Rib doesn’t need to be hard. With a bit of patience and love, you’ll end up with a roast that wows your family and fills your home with warmth. Gather everyone close, slice the roast, and let this meal remind you what the season is truly about—good food, laughter, and being together.
Connect with me on Pinterest or Facebook for more cozy holiday recipes.
First time making prime rib for my family. I got rave reviews from family. They loved it. Thank you for their recipe..
Thank you so much for your kind words 😊 I am thrilled to hear that your first time making prime rib was such a success and that your family loved it. It truly means a lot that you trusted my recipe, and I am so happy it helped make your meal special.