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Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast
A Mom’s Guide to a Juicy, Flavorful Feast
The other day, my toddler decided to turn dinner into modern art by flinging spaghetti across the kitchen. And as I wiped marinara off the ceiling, I realized it was time to make something a little more… epic. Something that screamed “holiday celebration” but also worked for a chaotic Tuesday night when the kids are somehow still awake past bedtime. That’s when I pulled out my tried-and-true recipe for Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast. There’s something magical about the aroma of a Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast filling the house-it’s like a warm hug that forgives spilled milk and Lego mishaps.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just want to impress your partner after surviving a week of endless snack requests, this Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast is the answer. With a perfect garlic butter prime rib coating and an herb-crusted exterior, every bite is juicy, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent. I promise your family will think you’ve been secretly training as a gourmet chef while you were busy wrangling tiny humans.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast
First, let’s be real-cooking a juicy prime rib roast can feel intimidating. But this recipe is approachable, forgiving, and will give you that “I totally got this” feeling every mom craves in the kitchen. Plus, it works for oven roasted prime rib, holiday prime rib recipe, Christmas prime rib roast, or even a special Thanksgiving prime rib twist. Using fresh rosemary and thyme, this rosemary and thyme prime rib comes out tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned every time.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-6 lb) prime rib roast, bone-in or boneless
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika for a little color and smoky flavor
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Sharp knife for carving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat oven, set to 450°F (232°C)
Step 2:
Prepare herb butter, combine softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
Step 3:
Season roast, pat your Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast dry with paper towels and rub the herb butter mixture evenly over the entire roast.
Step 4:
Roast high, place the roast fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Cook for 15 minutes at 450°F to develop a crust.
Step 5:
Lower oven, reduce temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 120°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare (about 1.5–2 hours depending on size).
Step 6:
Rest, remove roast from oven, tent with foil, and let rest 20-30 minutes. The internal temperature will rise slightly while resting, giving you a perfect juicy prime rib roast.
Step 7:
Slice and serve, carve against the grain and enjoy with your favorite sides.
What to Serve With
Nothing completes a Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast like creamy, comforting sides. Try Creamy Mashed Potatoes for classic comfort, Loaded Sweet Potato for a sweet-savory twist, and crispy Caroot Fries to get a little veggie love without the whining at the table. These sides are easy to prep while your roast is resting and they perfectly complement the rich flavors of the herb crusted prime rib.
FAQ
How do I know when my prime rib is done?
Use a meat thermometer! For rare, aim for 120°F; medium-rare, 130°F; medium, 140°F. Resting the meat is key to locking in juices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the roast a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
What if I’m missing fresh herbs?
Dried rosemary and thyme work in a pinch-just use about 1 teaspoon each. Your Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast will still taste amazing.
Can I skip the alcohol or add wine?
Absolutely. This recipe doesn’t require alcohol, but a splash of red wine in the pan while roasting adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Mom-Style Tips
- For an even faster prep, buy pre-minced garlic and pre-chopped herbs-you won’t tell the difference.
- If the roast is smaller than 5 lbs, adjust cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Use foil to cover any sides that might burn while the roast finishes cooking.
The Grand Finale – Reflections from the Kitchen
Serving a Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast is a little like winning a small parenting victory. The house smells incredible, the kids actually sit down to eat (maybe), and you get a few minutes of genuine admiration from your family before the chaos resumes. It’s comfort, elegance, and a tiny victory rolled into one plate. Plus, the leftovers? Sandwiches, salads, and maybe a little sneaky midnight snack just for you.
Because let’s be honest- sometimes the real magic of cooking isn’t just the food, it’s surviving the kitchen chaos and creating a meal that makes everyone feel at home.
Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes2
hours640
kcal2
hours20
minutesDiscover how to make the ultimate Garlic & Herb Prime Rib Roast with step-by-step instructions, easy tips, and delicious side ideas. Perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy family meal.
Ingredients
1 (5–6 lb) prime rib roast, bone-in
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
- Remove the roast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, Dijon, and olive oil until it forms a paste.
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Rub the herb-garlic paste all over the roast, pressing firmly so it adheres.
- Place the roast bone-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the heat to 325°F and cook for 1.5–2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness (120–125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare).
- Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Resting is key-the juices redistribute and give you that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you want a deeper crust, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Use a meat thermometer—prime rib is too special to guess.
Leftovers make incredible French dip sandwiches the next day.



