Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Nothing signals a special occasion quite like a beautifully roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib. With its rich marbling, tender texture, and savory herb crust, this roast is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The flavors are deep and robust, perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating your family to something indulgent.
This recipe brings out the best in prime rib by combining garlic, rosemary, and thyme with a touch of Dijon to lock in flavor and create that coveted crust. As it roasts slowly, the herbs infuse the meat and the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone gathering around the oven in anticipation.
Why You’ll Love This Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
This roast is all about ease and elegance. You don’t need culinary training to get it right, and the ingredients are straightforward. The crust gives a delightful contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whether it’s for a holiday or a weekend feast, the prime rib becomes the centerpiece with minimal fuss.
What Cut of Prime Rib Should I Use?
Go for a bone-in prime rib roast, often labeled as “standing rib roast.” The bones not only contribute to flavor but help insulate the meat for even cooking. A well-marbled cut ensures juiciness, and you can ask your butcher to trim and tie the roast for easier handling and carving.
Ingredients for the Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
The ingredients here are classic and each plays a key role in creating that crusty exterior and juicy center.
- Prime Rib Roast
- Fresh Rosemary
- Fresh Thyme
- Garlic Cloves
- Dijon Mustard
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil

How To Make the Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Paste
Mince the garlic and fresh herbs finely. Mix them together with Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a thick paste.
Step 2: Coat the Roast
Pat the roast dry with paper towels and rub the herb paste generously over the entire surface of the meat. Let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to marinate slightly and cook evenly.
Step 3: Roast Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Roast the meat for 20 minutes at this high temperature to develop a crust. Then lower the oven to 325°F and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (typically 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare).
Step 4: Rest and Carve
Remove the roast from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
Serving and Storing Your Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
This roast can easily feed 6 to 8 people, depending on the size and appetite. Serve thick, juicy slices with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Prime rib reheats best gently, covered in foil in a low oven or sliced thin for sandwiches.
What to Serve With Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast?
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes complement the rich meat perfectly.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The earthy crispness balances the roast’s bold flavors.
Yorkshire Pudding
A traditional side that soaks up the juices and adds a comforting texture.
Horseradish Cream Sauce
The zesty bite of horseradish cuts through the richness and enhances the flavor.
Classic Caesar Salad
A fresh, tangy salad is a great contrast to the savory roast.
Red Wine Gravy
Deepen the experience with a wine-based gravy that matches the roast’s depth.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Their subtle sweetness pairs well with the herbal crust.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm rolls for sopping up every drop of juice on your plate.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you’re planning meals that impress, don’t miss these flavorful favorites:
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a hearty, cheesy twist on Mexican comfort food.
- Cajun Potato Soup when you’re craving something creamy and spicy.
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a comforting one-pan dinner.
- Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas to add bold flavor to your weeknight lineup.
- Loaded Cheddar Ranch Rotini Bake for cheesy, family-style goodness.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how your roast turned out. Did you use a thermometer or go by instinct? Did you try the horseradish sauce or stick to au jus?
I love hearing how others bring their own flair to these recipes. Questions are always welcome too – let’s make roasting less intimidating for everyone.
Explore more delicious dinner ideas and holiday-worthy dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.
Conclusion
The Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast is your ticket to an unforgettable main dish that’s big on flavor and low on stress. With just a few fresh herbs and pantry staples, you can serve something that looks like it came from a fine steakhouse. Keep this recipe close during holidays, celebrations, or whenever you want to make dinner feel special.

Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Description
This Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast recipe is a showstopping main dish perfect for holidays or special dinners. Made with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Dijon mustard, this easy bone-in prime rib roast is flavorful, juicy, and crusted to perfection. A must-try for any dinner celebration or holiday feast.
Ingredients
1 (5–6 lb) prime rib roast
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Mince the garlic and fresh herbs finely. Mix them with Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create a thick herb paste.
2. Pat the prime rib dry and coat it evenly with the herb paste. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roast the meat at this temperature for 20 minutes to create a crust.
4. Lower the oven to 325°F and continue roasting until internal temperature reaches 120°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare.
5. Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Let the roast come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
Always use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
Letting it rest is essential for juicy, tender slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 150mg


