Holiday Roast Meat Recipe: A Show-Stopping Centerpiece for Your Holiday Feast

The holiday season is a time to come together, celebrate, and indulge in the foods that make our hearts (and bellies) full. And when it comes to creating a memorable holiday meal, nothing beats a beautiful roast meat as the centerpiece of the table. Whether you’re hosting a grand family gathering, a cozy dinner, or a festive holiday party, a perfectly roasted piece of meat adds warmth, flavor, and sophistication to your celebration.

In this blog, we’ll walk through a Holiday Roast Meat Recipe that is both easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Whether you choose a succulent prime rib, a tender roast turkey, or a flavorful beef tenderloin, this recipe is adaptable and will elevate any holiday spread. Let’s dive in!

Holiday Roast Meat Recipe: Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with Garlic Herb Butter

Ingredients:

For the Prime Rib:

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (about 4-6 pounds, adjust based on guest size)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gravy (Optional):

• 1 cup beef broth (or stock)

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Prime Rib

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help develop a beautiful crust on the roast.

2. Prepare the roast: Pat the prime rib roast dry with paper towels to ensure it browns evenly. Place the roast on a large baking sheet or roasting pan, fat side up. Rub the entire roast with olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.

3. Apply the mustard: Rub a thin layer of Dijon mustard all over the surface of the roast. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help the herbs and seasonings adhere to the meat.

4. Rest before roasting: Let the seasoned roast sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This will help the meat cook more evenly.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

2. Chill the butter: Place the garlic herb butter in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to spread on the roast later.

Step 3: Roast the Prime Rib

1. Roast at high heat: Place the roast in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes at 450°F (230°C) to sear the outside and lock in the juices. This high heat will help create that crispy, flavorful crust.

2. Lower the temperature: After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your roast and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare prime rib, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). If you prefer it more done, roast a bit longer, keeping in mind that the temperature will continue to rise after you take it out of the oven.

3. Rest the roast: Once the roast reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy roast.

Step 4: Serve with Garlic Herb Butter

1. Apply the garlic herb butter: After resting, spread a generous amount of the garlic herb butter over the top of the roast. The heat from the meat will melt the butter, creating a delicious, aromatic coating.

2. Carve the roast: Slice the prime rib into thick, juicy slices. Serve it with a drizzle of its own juices or make a rich, flavorful gravy (see below).

Optional Step: Make Gravy for Extra Flavor

If you want to elevate your roast even further, try making a simple gravy using the pan drippings. Here’s how:

1. Make a roux: After removing the roast from the pan, place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

2. Add the broth: Slowly whisk in beef broth (or stock), scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

3. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the gravy into a serving dish and drizzle over the prime rib slices.

Serving Suggestions

This Herb-Crusted Prime Rib pairs beautifully with traditional holiday sides like:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Buttery green beans almondine

• Cranberry sauce

• Roasted root vegetables

You can even serve it with a light, crisp salad with a citrusy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the meat. And don’t forget the wine—a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth Merlot is the perfect complement to this hearty roast.

Why This Roast Meat Recipe Is Perfect for the Holidays

1. Impressive yet easy: While a prime rib roast looks incredibly impressive, the recipe itself is simple. The garlic herb butter adds an aromatic layer of flavor without being too complicated.

2. Perfect for gatherings: This recipe can easily serve a crowd, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or special occasions. Plus, it’s a great option if you want leftovers for sandwiches or beef stew!

3. Rich flavors: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon mustard, and beef creates a rich, savory flavor profile that’s perfect for the holidays. The golden crust on the outside and tender, juicy interior will have everyone asking for seconds.

4. Flexible: While I’ve shared this recipe for prime rib, it can easily be adapted to other meats like beef tenderloin, leg of lamb, or even roast chicken. The key is the garlic herb butter, which brings out the best flavors in any roast.

The holidays are about celebrating love, togetherness, and sharing great food with those you care about. This Holiday Herb-Crusted Prime Rib is the perfect way to show your loved ones how much they mean to you. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and rich flavors, this roast will undoubtedly be the star of your holiday feast.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, raise a glass to the memories you’ve made, and savor every delicious bite. Here’s to good food, great company, and the joy of the holiday season!

Happy Holidays and Happy Cooking!