Perfect Standing Rib Roast Christmas Dinner Recipe
A simple, juicy, and impressive standing rib roast recipe perfect for Christmas dinner, featuring classic herbs and an easy step-by-step method for a festive feast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 pounds standing rib roast (prime rib), USDA Choice grade
- 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Remove the standing rib roast from the fridge about 2 hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and Dijon mustard if using, to form a paste.
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the roast, pressing into every nook and cranny, especially the fat cap.
- Place the roast bone-side down on a roasting pan rack.
- Roast at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes to form a crust. Tent loosely with foil if browning too fast.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare, about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on size. Start checking after 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Remove roast from oven and tent with foil. Let rest for 20-30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve by slicing between the ribs and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Bring the roast to room temperature before cooking for even roasting. Use a meat thermometer for perfect medium-rare doneness. Let the roast rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Optional Dijon mustard adds tang and crust texture. For a crustier finish, consider reverse searing. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113 grams)
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Protein: 28
Keywords: standing rib roast, prime rib, Christmas dinner, holiday roast, easy rib roast, juicy roast beef, festive dinner