✨ Holiday Roasted Prime Rib Recipe – Perfect for Christmas or New Year’s Dinner ✨

✨ Holiday Roasted Prime Rib Recipe – Perfect for Christmas or New Year’s Dinner ✨

When it comes to preparing a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, nothing beats a beautifully roasted prime rib. This cut of beef, often called a “standing rib roast,” is famous for its rich marbling, tender texture, and incredible flavor. It’s the kind of dish that not only satisfies the appetite but also brings everyone together in awe as you set it down at the table. Whether you’re hosting a festive Christmas gathering, ringing in the New Year, or celebrating any special occasion, this recipe is almost foolproof, easy to follow, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Unlike many recipes that can feel intimidating or complicated, this method simplifies the process. With just a handful of ingredients and a clever cooking technique, you’ll end up with a prime rib that’s juicy, tender, and cooked to that perfect medium-rare finish that so many people love.

—

Ingredients

For a 5.75-pound prime rib roast (about 2 rib bones, serving 4–5 people generously):

Prime rib roast of beef – 5.75 pounds (adjust cooking time if yours is larger or smaller)

Butter – at room temperature

Herbs de Provence – this fragrant blend usually includes rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and savory. Feel free to use any dried herb mix you love, or even just a single herb like rosemary.

Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

Kosher salt – and here’s the key: be very generous!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Calculate the Cooking Time

The general rule is 5 minutes per pound at 500°F (260°C). For example, a 5.75 lb roast × 5 minutes = 28.75 minutes. Rounded, that’s 29 minutes. Add 1 extra minute to account for heat loss when you open the oven door.
Keep this calculation in mind for future roasts—once you learn the formula, it works like magic every time.

Step 2: Prep the Oven and the Meat

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Accuracy matters here! A properly preheated oven is the key to success.

2. Place your prime rib in a sturdy roasting pan, rib-side down. This allows the meat to cook evenly while the bones act as a natural roasting rack.

Step 3: Season Generously

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with your herbs and freshly cracked pepper until smooth.

2. Spread this butter mixture over the entire surface of the prime rib. Don’t be shy—the more butter, the richer the flavor and juicier the roast.

3. Now it’s time for the salt. Sprinkle kosher salt liberally over the buttered surface, covering it completely. Use more than you think is necessary. Most of it will melt away during roasting, but this step ensures you’ll get that flavorful crust everyone loves.

Step 4: The High-Heat Roast

1. Place the seasoned roast into the 500°F oven and roast it for the amount of time you calculated in Step 1 (about 30 minutes for a 5.75 lb roast).

2. After that time is up, turn the oven off—yes, off!—and resist every temptation to open the door. The residual heat will gently continue cooking the beef for the next 2 hours.

3. During this time, do not open the oven door, peek, or adjust anything. Trust the process. This is what gives you a tender, evenly cooked roast.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

1. After exactly 2 hours, remove the roast from the oven.

2. For easier slicing, you can remove the rib bones, though many prefer to leave them intact for flavor (and they make a delicious chef’s snack later).

3. Slice the roast into thick, generous cuts. The interior should be a perfect shade between rare and medium-rare, with a beautiful crust on the outside.

—

️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your roast with au jus (the natural beef juices), creamy horseradish sauce, or even a rich gravy if you prefer.

Classic side dishes that complement prime rib include roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, sautéed green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad.

Don’t forget to save the bones—they make an incredible base for beef stock or can simply be enjoyed as a treat later.

—

Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: No complicated marinades or overnight prep—just butter, herbs, salt, and pepper.

Precision: The high-heat method followed by “oven off” ensures your roast is cooked evenly without drying out.

Consistency: Once you master the timing formula, you’ll get the same perfect results every time.

—

Final Thoughts

Serving prime rib is more than just cooking dinner—it’s creating an experience. Imagine setting down a golden-brown, perfectly roasted rib roast in front of your family or guests. The aroma fills the room, the first slice reveals a tender pink center, and everyone’s eyes light up with excitement. This recipe is not only reliable but also a tradition-worthy way to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s, or any festive gathering.

With this nearly foolproof method, you’ll be able to serve a prime rib that’s succulent, flavorful, and unforgettable—every single time.