Prime rib roast served with mashed potatoes and holiday decorations

Prime Rib Christmas Dinner

by

Juicy, elegant & perfectly festive

Make your holiday dinner unforgettable with this Prime Rib Christmas Dinner the definition of cozy luxury. Perfectly roasted prime rib with a garlicky herb crust, rich pan gravy, and classic sides that complete the feast. It’s juicy, tender, and beautifully pink inside with a golden crust on the outside the kind of dish that makes everyone stop and stare before the first bite. From Emma’s Cake Studio, this recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking an impressive holiday roast, so you can serve pure Christmas magic with confidence.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time (before roasting): 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Rest Time (after roasting): 20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~3 hours 40 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10

Ingredients List

For the Prime Rib

  • 1 (5–6 lb) bone-in or boneless prime rib roast
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Au Jus (No Alcohol Version)

  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thicken)

Suggested Christmas Sides

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts)
  • Yorkshire pudding or dinner rolls
  • Horseradish cream sauce

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Carving knife & cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep the roast: Remove the prime rib from the fridge 1 hour before cooking to bring to room temperature. This ensures even roasting. 🎄
  2. Preheat oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a roasting pan with foil.
  3. Make the herb rub: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub evenly over the roast. 🌿
  4. Sear at high heat: Roast uncovered at 450°F for 15 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
  5. Lower the heat: Reduce to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reads:
    • 120°F (49°C) for rare
    • 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
    • 140°F (60°C) for medium
  6. Rest: Remove roast, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20 minutes before carving. 🕯️
  7. Make the au jus: Pour off excess fat from pan. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up drippings. Simmer 5 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
  8. Serve: Slice against the grain into thick, juicy portions. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and warm dinner rolls for a complete Christmas feast.

Pro Tips

  • Holiday perfection: Always rest the roast it redistributes juices for tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
  • Crispy crust: Brush with melted butter during the last 10 minutes of roasting. 🧈
  • Flavor boost: Add sliced onions and garlic cloves to the roasting pan for a rich, aromatic jus.
  • Festive presentation: Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a beautiful Christmas touch. 🌿🍒

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 slice51036g1g40g0g0g