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Garlic Herb Butter Prime Rib for Christmas

Garlic herb butter prime rib is roasted with a savory rosemary and thyme butter for a festive Christmas main dish. A long uncovered chill seasons the roast, while a hot start creates a flavorful exterior and a 20-minute rest makes carving easier.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Chilling, tempering, and resting 13 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 15 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the roast
  • 5 lb prime rib roast bone-in
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
For the garlic herb butter
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch roasting pan

Method
 

Season the roast
  1. Pat the roast dry and rub the kosher salt over all sides.
  2. Set the roast bone-side down in a 9x13-inch roasting pan.
  3. Refrigerate uncovered for 12 to 24 hours.
  4. Remove the roast from the refrigerator 45 minutes before roasting while the oven preheats to 450°F.
Make the garlic herb butter
  1. Stir the softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper together in a small bowl until evenly combined.
Roast and serve
  1. Roast the prime rib at 450°F for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove the pan from the oven and spread the garlic herb butter over the roast.
  3. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and return the roast to the oven.
  4. Roast for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, beginning to check after 1 hour, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part away from the bone reads 145°F.
  5. Transfer the roast to a carving board and rest for 20 minutes.
  6. Carve between the ribs and slice.

Notes

For the best seasoning, refrigerate the roast uncovered for the full chilling period. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter in the herb butter.