Name: Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 pounds prime rib, bone-in (with bones cut off and tied back on); ½ cup butter, softened; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium yellow onion, quartered (if making the red wine au jus); ¼ cup drippings from prime rib pan, separated from fat; 2 cups beef broth; 1 ½ cups red wine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly roasted prime rib, especially when it’s wrapped in a rich blend of garlic and fresh herbs. This Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe brings that restaurant-worthy flavor to your kitchen, with a crust that’s full of savory goodness and meat that stays juicy and tender every time.

The image shows a large piece of roast beef on a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. The roast has three visible layers: a dark brown, crispy outer crust seasoned with pepper and spices, a thin tan brown layer just beneath the crust, and a thick middle section that is bright pink in the center indicating it is cooked medium rare. A thick slice of the beef has been cut and lies in front of the main piece, showing the same three layers in cross-section. A shiny, sharp knife with a metal blade rests on the board next to the meat. The scene looks simple and rustic. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe has become my go-to for special dinners because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet flair. The herb butter crust adds so much flavor, and you don’t need to fuss over complicated techniques to get amazing results.

Unbeatable Flavor: The garlic and fresh herbs create a fragrant crust that makes every bite feel special.
Juicy, Tender Meat: Cooking it low and slow after a high-heat sear locks in the juices perfectly.
Minimal Fuss: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off.
Versatile Serving Options: The optional red wine au jus adds an elegant touch but is totally optional if you prefer simplicity.

A large piece of roasted meat with a dark, crispy, and seasoned outer layer sits in the middle of a white pan. The meat has a rich brown color with some lighter golden spots and is surrounded by caramelized onion layers that are golden and slightly charred. The white marbled surface underneath holds fresh green rosemary sprigs to the left and a white cloth on the right side of the pan. The whole scene gives a warm, rustic feeling of a cooked meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is key to nailing this Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe. Each element plays a part, from the rich butter base to the fresh herbs that brighten the crust.

Flat lay of a large raw prime rib roast with bones tied back, a small white ceramic bowl of softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl with minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl of black peppercorns, and a medium yellow onion quartered placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Prime Rib: Look for bone-in cut with bones tied back for even cooking and flavor infusion.
Butter: Softened butter makes it easy to mix with herbs and helps the crust stick beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must—it delivers that sharp, savory punch.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning deep into the meat, boosting natural flavors.
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: These fresh herbs bring an aromatic earthiness you won’t get from dried.
Black Pepper: Adds a little bite to balance the richness and complement the garlic.
Yellow Onion (optional): Perfect for roasting alongside the rib if you choose to make the red wine au jus.
Red Wine, Beef Broth, Cornstarch (optional): For a luscious, homemade au jus that elevates the experience.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I’ve played around with a few tweaks, and honestly, you can tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that signature flavor.

Variation: I sometimes swap rosemary for sage when I want a slightly different herbal twist; it adds a lovely warmth that works just as well.
Diet-Friendly: If you want to skip the butter, olive oil works as a substitute, though the crust won’t be quite as rich.
Seasonal Changes: Try adding minced fresh parsley or oregano in spring and summer for a fresh earthiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe

Step 1: Bring Your Prime Rib to Room Temperature

I always start by removing the prime rib from the fridge at least 2 to 3 hours before roasting. Letting it come to room temp helps it cook evenly—no cold centers, no overdone edges. Trust me, this one small step makes a world of difference.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

Preheat your oven while you mix softened butter with minced garlic, kosher salt, and finely chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. The aroma of those herbs mingling with garlic is basically a preview of the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Coat the Prime Rib with Herb Butter

Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels to ensure the butter sticks well. Then slap on the garlic herb mixture, rubbing it all over every inch of the meat. Don’t be shy—this crust is the star of the show.

Step 4: Prep and Roast

Place your prime rib bone-side down and fat-side up in your roasting pan. If you’re making that red wine au jus, scatter quartered yellow onions around the roast—they add great flavor to the drippings. Pop the roast into a blazing hot 450°F oven to sear and build that beautiful crust for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Lower Heat & Slow Roast

After the initial sear, turn the oven down to 325°F. Continue roasting until the internal temperature hits 120°F for medium-rare—that usually takes around 1.5 hours but keep an eye with a meat thermometer since ovens vary. This step locks in the juicy tenderness we all crave.

Step 6: Rest & Slice

Remove your roast and tent it loosely with foil for 20 to 30 minutes. Resting is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist. When you’re ready, snip off the string and bones, then slice into hearty ½-inch thick pieces. Perfection.

Step 7: (Optional) Make the Red Wine Au Jus

After removing the fat from the pan, pour back about ¼ cup of the drippings plus beef broth and red wine. Simmer for 15 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors. If you want it a bit thicker, whisk in a cornstarch slurry. Strain out the onions and serve this savory sauce alongside your slices. It’s the final flourish!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe numerous times, a few little tweaks helped me nail it every single time. These tips are total game-changers for home cooks.

Bone Prep: Ask your butcher to remove and tie back the bones for you—it makes carving a breeze when you’re ready.
Thermometer Love: Go by internal temperature, not just time. Ovens and roasts are all different, so a digital readout is your best friend.
Rest Carefully: Don’t rest your roast too long or the temp will rise past your target; 20 to 30 minutes works perfectly.
Fat Separator: When making au jus, use a fat separator to avoid greasy sauce—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe

garlic herb crust prime rib - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple to let the prime rib shine. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a twist of lemon zest brightens the richness just right.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic asparagus, and a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. They balance the richness of the prime rib perfectly and keep the meal feeling special but approachable.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like to arrange thick slices of the prime rib on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs scattered around, a dish of the red wine au jus nearby, and plenty of napkins—as this рецепт definitely gets everyone excited to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I wrap leftover prime rib tightly in foil and then plastic wrap to lock in moisture before refrigerating. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days and reheats nicely without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable! Slice the meat first, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps slices from sticking together and lets you thaw just what you need.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a low oven (about 250°F) wrapped in foil to keep moisture in, or briefly in a covered skillet on low heat. This keeps the meat tender and juicy, unlike the microwave, which I avoid for this cut.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know when my prime rib is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Aim for 120°F (50°C) internal temperature for medium-rare. Remember, the meat will continue to cook a bit while resting. Avoid relying solely on cooking times as oven temperatures and roast sizes vary.

Can I prepare the garlic herb crust in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the garlic herb butter up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure the butter is softened before spreading it on the prime rib. This actually helps deepen the flavors.

Is red wine necessary for the au jus?

Not at all. The red wine au jus is optional but adds a lovely depth. You can simply use beef broth and pan drippings if you prefer. The key is to remove excess fat for a clean-tasting sauce.

What’s the best way to carve a prime rib?

Once rested, remove the bones by snipping the string and slice the meat against the grain into thick slices about ½-inch wide. Using a sharp carving knife makes all the difference to keep slices clean and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Crust Prime Rib Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that make you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even if you don’t cook often. I love how the herb-infused crust plus the tender, juicy roast can totally elevate any occasion without a fuss. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it your signature holiday dinner, just like I did with my family!