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Standing Rib Roast Recipe for Christmas Dinner
A standing rib roast recipe is the star of any festive table, especially during Christmas dinner. This dish is juicy, rich, and full of that irresistible roasted beef aroma that fills the whole home.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a big holiday gathering, this recipe will show you how to cook it perfectly every time.
What Is a Standing Rib Roast?
A standing rib roast, often called prime rib, comes from the rib section of beef. The “standing” part means the roast is cooked with the ribs standing upright so that the meat doesn’t touch the roasting pan. This helps it cook evenly and gives a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
If you prefer, you can also make a boneless standing rib roast recipe, which cooks faster and is easier to slice, though many say the bones add extra flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This is a simple standing rib roast recipe that focuses on two main things — perfect crust and juicy center. With just a few ingredients and careful cooking, you’ll get that restaurant-quality roast without stress.
- It needs minimal seasoning — salt, pepper, and herbs are enough.
- The resting time makes it tender and flavorful.
- Works perfectly for both Christmas Dinner Recipes and Christmas Eve Dinner Recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a roast that serves 6–8 people:
- 1 (6 to 7 lb) standing rib roast (3 to 4 ribs, bone-in)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard for flavor boost
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Roast
Take your rib roast out of the refrigerator at least 2–3 hours before cooking. Room-temperature meat cooks evenly. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Roast
Rub olive oil all over the meat. Mix salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and mustard (if using). Massage this mixture over the entire roast, pressing it gently into the surface.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Yes, it’s high, but this step helps create that golden-brown crust.
4. Roast at High Heat
Place the roast rib-side down in a large roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes at 500°F.
5. Lower the Temperature
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches:
- 120°F (49°C) for rare
- 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
- 140°F (60°C) for medium
(Use a meat thermometer — it’s your best friend here.)
For a 6 lb roast, this usually takes 1 ½ to 2 hours.
6. Rest the Roast
Once done, remove from the oven and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 30–45 minutes. This is key — it allows the juices to settle, making every slice tender and moist.
7. Slice and Serve
Carve between the bones for perfect thick slices. Serve warm with your favorite sides and gravy.
Standing Rib Roast Recipe
Course: Main DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: MediumServings
8
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
2
hoursCalories
650
kcalResting Time
45
minutesA delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked standing rib roast for your Christmas dinner table.
Ingredients
1 (6–7 lb) standing rib roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp thyme, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Directions
- Take roast out 2–3 hours before cooking.
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Rub the roast with oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 20 minutes at 500°F, then lower to 325°F (160°C).
- Cook to desired doneness (use thermometer).
- Rest covered with foil 30–45 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe gives you a crispy crust and tender inside every time. Use drippings for gravy and serve with your favorite holiday sides.
Tips for the Best Results
1: Use a thermometer. Don’t guess. The right temperature makes all the difference.
2: Let it rest. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes.
3: Season a day before. If you can, season and refrigerate overnight uncovered. This helps the flavors soak in and the surface dry for better browning.
4: Save the drippings. Use them to make a rich beef gravy or au jus sauce.
5: Choose quality beef. A USDA Prime or Choice cut will make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Standing rib roast is a centerpiece dish, so pair it with sides that balance its richness. Some great ideas include:
- Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Yorkshire pudding
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Green beans with almonds
- Cranberry sauce for a festive touch
It’s also one of the most loved Christmas dinner main dish recipes, perfect with a glass of red wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cook a standing rib roast recipe?
Start by seasoning the roast generously, sear it at high heat, then roast slowly until the center reaches your preferred temperature. Always let it rest before slicing.
How long standing rib roast recipe
Cooking time depends on weight and doneness. A 6 lb roast takes around 2 hours for medium-rare.
How long to cook standing rib roast recipe?
At 325°F, plan for about 15–20 minutes per pound after the initial high-heat sear.
How to cook standing rib roast recipe in oven?
Roast it uncovered on a rack in a roasting pan. The air circulation helps create that perfect crust.
What is the best standing rib roast recipe ever?
The best recipe balances high-heat searing and slow roasting, uses simple herbs, and ensures proper resting. This one checks all those boxes!
What to serve with standing rib roast?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, or creamy horseradish sauce.
Final Thoughts
A standing rib roast recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a holiday tradition. With its crispy crust, tender center, and deep beef flavor, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Keep it simple, trust your thermometer, and enjoy the process. Whether it’s for Christmas Eve or your next family gathering, this recipe will always be the star of the show.
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