A perfectly roasted prime rib on a wooden cutting board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. The roast is sliced to reveal its tender, juicy interior, with bottles of oil and cream in the background."

Christmas Prime Rib Dinner Menu: The Ultimate Holiday Feast

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There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked prime rib roast to set the stage for an unforgettable Christmas dinner. This dish, with its rich, juicy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, evokes the warmth and joy of holiday gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-timer, creating a Christmas prime rib dinner menu can be easier than you think. Follow this comprehensive guide to craft an impressive, stress-free holiday meal that your guests will remember for years.

A perfectly roasted prime rib on a wooden cutting board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. The roast is sliced to reveal its tender, juicy interior, with bottles of oil and cream in the background."

Recipe Card for the Classic Christmas Prime Rib Roast

Recipe Name: Classic Christmas Prime Rib Roast
Description: A show-stopping, tender standing rib roast seasoned and cooked to perfection for your holiday table.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (depends on the size of the roast)
Total Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Servings: 8-10
Calories: Approximately 700 per serving

Ingredients

Prime rib roast (standing rib roast): 6-7 lbs, bone-in

Kosher salt: 2 tbsp

Freshly ground black pepper: 1 tbsp

Garlic cloves: 4-5, minced

Fresh rosemary: 3-4 sprigs

Fresh thyme: 3-4 sprigs

Olive oil: 2 tbsp

Butter: 1/4 cup, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Prime Rib:
    • Remove the roast from the refrigerator 2-3 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
    • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Season the Roast:
    • Mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and butter in a bowl.
    • Rub the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the roast, ensuring to gets into the crevices.
    • Tuck the rosemary and thyme sprigs under the twine, securing the meat.
  3. Roast:
    • Position the roast with the bone side facing down in a roasting pan equipped with a rack.
    • Roast for 20-30 minutes at 450°F to develop a nice crust.
    • Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for approximately 1.5-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare.
  4. Rest the Roast:
    • Take the roast out of the oven and loosely tug it with foil.
      Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to retain the juices.
  5. Carve and Serve:
    • Slice the roast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick portions and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • For added flavor, dry brine the prime rib with salt overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • To achieve even cooking, use a meat thermometer and check the temperature early.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 700
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Protein: 55g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Holiday Centerpiece: The prime rib roast is an impressive and hearty main course that takes center stage on any holiday table.
  2. Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and buttery crust provides a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
  3. Customizable Doneness: Easily tailored to guests’ preferences, from rare to medium.
  4. Minimal Prep: The roast requires simple seasonings and minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy holiday prep.
  5. Versatile Pairings: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile choice for a complete holiday spread.
A perfectly roasted prime rib on a wooden cutting board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. The roast is sliced to reveal its tender, juicy interior, with bottles of oil and cream in the background."

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Prime Rib Roast: This is the star of the show. Choose a bone-in roast for better flavor and presentation. For smaller gatherings, a boneless prime rib works just as well but may cook faster.

Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme bring out the natural flavors of the beef. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be substituted, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Butter and Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a beautifully browned crust. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a high-quality plant-based alternative.

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Kosher salt helps to season the meat evenly, while black pepper adds subtle heat. You can experiment with flavored salts for an added twist.

How to Make Christmas Prime Rib Roast (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepping the Roast

The key to a successful prime rib roast begins with proper preparation. You can start by removing the roast from the fridge a few hours before you cook. This step ensures that it reaches room temperature and cooks evenly. Mix your garlic, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful rub. Massage this mixture thoroughly onto the roast, covering every nook and cranny.

Step 2: Roasting at High Heat

Preheat your oven to 450°F and place the seasoned roast in a roasting pan with a rack. Starting at a high temperature helps develop a crispy, golden-brown crust that seals in the juices. Roast for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Lower the Temperature

Reduce the oven’s temperature to 325°F and continue cooking. Depending on the size of the roast, this will take about 1.5-2 more hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare.

Step 4: Resting Time

One of the most important steps is allowing the meat to rest. Cover the roast loosely with foil and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices throughout the roast, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Carving the Roast

Use a sharp carving knife to cut thick slices against the grain. Serve on a platter with a garnish of fresh rosemary or thyme for presentation.

Expert Tips for Success

  • Use a Thermometer: This ensures you cook the meat to your preferred level of doneness without guessing.
  • Let It Rest: Resting is essential to keep the meat juicy. Cutting into the roast too soon will result in lost juices and drier meat.
  • Reverse Sear Option: For an even crust, try the reverse sear method by starting at a lower temperature and finishing at high heat.
  • Dry Brine: For deeper flavor, salt the roast and refrigerate it uncovered overnight. This method draws out moisture and then reabsorbs it, creating a slice of beautifully seasoned meat.

Variations and Customizations

  • Herb-Crusted Prime Rib: Mix additional herbs like sage or oregano with breadcrumbs and press them onto the outside of the roast for a herby crust.
  • Smoked Prime Rib: For those with a smoker, cooking the prime rib at a low temperature with wood chips adds an unforgettable smokiness.
  • Horseradish Crust: Spread a thin layer of horseradish and Dijon mustard before adding the garlic-herb rub for a zesty kick.
  • Marinated Prime Rib: Use a marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar for an added flavor boost.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

You can store leftover prime rib in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the meat, place slices of the prime rib in a covered pan with a little beef broth and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, avoid using the microwave, as it can overcook the meat and make it tough.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your prime rib roast with these classic sides to complete your Christmas dinner menu:

  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect complement to the juicy meat.
  • Yorkshire Pudding: A traditional English side that soaks up the savory juices.
  • Green Bean Almondine: Adds a fresh, crisp element to the meal.
  • Buttery Dinner Rolls: Ideal for sopping up every last bit of au jus.
  • Horseradish Sauce: A classic pairing that adds a sharp contrast to the rich flavor of the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What to serve with prime rib Christmas dinner?

The best side dishes include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and a crisp salad. Sauces like horseradish or béarnaise are also classic accompaniments.

2. What is a good menu with prime rib?

A complete prime rib dinner menu could include a starter like a shrimp cocktail, sides such as creamed spinach and roasted carrots, and a dessert like chocolate mousse or crème brûlée.

3. What is a good appetizer to serve with prime rib?

Start the meal with light appetizers such as smoked salmon crostini, stuffed mushrooms, or a charcuterie board to keep things balanced.

4. Is prime rib good for Christmas?

Absolutely! Prime rib is a classic Christmas dish known for its luxurious flavor and ability to feed a crowd. It adds an element of festivity and grandeur to the holiday dinner.

Conclusion

A Christmas prime rib dinner menu is a surefire way to make your holiday gathering both memorable and delicious. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be serving up a meal that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether it’s your first time making prime rib or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe will deliver a perfectly cooked roast every time. Give it a try and elevate your holiday dining experience!

Alt text: "A perfectly roasted prime rib on a wooden cutting board, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. The roast is sliced to reveal its tender, juicy interior, with bottles of oil and cream in the background."

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