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My Christmas prime rib dinner menu includes the best prime rib roast recipes and side dishes for a fantastic meal! From the main course to dinner rolls, salads, and side dishes, this list of Christmas favorites has everything you need! This Christmas will be one for the books!
Ultimate Prime Rib Menu For Holiday Entertaining
Prime rib has been a holiday tradition with my family for as long as I can remember. The ultra-tender, succulent texture and rich beefy flavor made Christmas dinner feel like an extra special occasion!
Below is my favorite Christmas prime rib roast recipe and a few alternate options with equally tender and flavorful results. After that, there are dinner rolls, salads, and side dishes, so you can mix and match to build your perfect Christmas menu!
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- Ultimate Prime Rib Menu For Holiday Entertaining
- 1. Christmas Prime Rib
- 2. Wedge Salad
- 3. Dauphinoise Potatoes
- 4. Green Beans Almondine
- 5. Cheesy Baked Asparagus
- 6. Candied Carrots
- 7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- 8. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- 9. Prime Rib Red Wine Au Jus
- 10. Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- 11. Oat Rolls
- 12. Butternut Squash Risotto
- 13. Creamed Kale
- 14. Instant Pot Artichokes
- 15. Apple Cranberry Pie
- 💭 Tips For The Best Christmas Prime Rib Dinner
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Christmas Prime Rib Dinner Menu: 15+ Showstopping Recipes For The Best Holiday Dinner!
- IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
- Instructions
- 💬 Reviews
Whether you're a pro at hosting Christmas dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Christmas a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday prime rib early, too!
1. Christmas Prime Rib
This succulent main course features a perfectly roasted prime rib coated with horseradish and seasoned to perfection with my prime rib dry rub. The result is a tender, juicy, and oh-so-flavorful roast that makes a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table!
If you would prefer to fire up the grill for Christmas, grilled prime rib and smoked prime rib are also excellent options. That flame-kissed smokey flavor can't be beat!
Christmas Prime Rib Roast
This Christmas prime rib roast is an elegant main course that truly makes Christmas dinner feel like a special occasion! A quick coating of horseradish helps all of the herbs and spices from the dry rub stick to the meat and adds exceptional flavor. Your family will love it so much, it may become a Christmas tradition year after year!
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2. Wedge Salad
Wedge salads are a classic combination of iceberg lettuce wedges drizzled with creamy blue cheese dressing. Each wedge is topped with crispy bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, chives, and more blue cheese crumbles!
If you prefer smaller salads or plan to make a big bowl of salad for guests to self-serve, try a green garden salad or Caesar salad. Homemade dressing is the way to go!
Wedge Salad
A wedge salad is a delicious appetizer or side dish with crisp iceberg lettuce, blue cheese, bacon, and tomatoes! No basic side salad can compare to a huge wedge of fresh lettuce with delicious toppings! Plus, it's super easy to customize with your favorite dressing, cheeses, and veggies!
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3. Dauphinoise Potatoes
These thinly sliced potatoes are baked to golden perfection in a creamy, garlicky gratin sauce. This decadent potato side dish complements the prime rib beautifully, adding a rich and savory element to your Christmas dinner spread!
Dauphinoise Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise)
Dauphinoise potatoes are simple and cheesy thin-sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter, and cheese for an incredible side dish! This easy potato dish is so elegant and beautiful, it almost looks too good to eat! The flavor is so mouthwateringly delicious, you’ll never want to make potatoes another way!
Check out this recipe
4. Green Beans Almondine
Green beans always pair wonderfully with beef, and the addition of crunchy slivered almonds elevates them to Christmas side dish status! It's a classic French recipe worthy of any restaurant table, yet surprisingly easy to make and adds a pop of color to your plate!
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a refreshing and tasty vegetable side dish that pairs well with any of your family's favorite main dishes! This simple French-inspired recipe features green beans tossed with toasted almond slivers, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper! In just 20 minutes you can whip up a healthy green bean dish perfect for any weeknight or holiday dinner!
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5. Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Asparagus spears are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. This elevates the classic vegetable into a rich, flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with succulent prime rib!
Cheesy Baked Asparagus
This cheesy baked asparagus is a delicious vegetable side dish that even the kids will look forward to eating! The asparagus is topped off with Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese then baked until tender in a velvety cream sauce for maximum richness! Best of all, it only takes about 20 minutes to make!
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6. Candied Carrots
With just five ingredients, you can turn sliced carrots into tender, sweet, and utterly snackable bites of candied goodness! It's a quick 30-minute recipe that always comes with rave reviews from kids and adults alike!
Candied Carrots
These candied carrots are a kid-approved, delectable vegetable side dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion! Tender carrots are coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze that is truly irresistible! They are buttery, delicious, and can easily complement your favorite chicken, pork, fish, or beef recipes!
Check out this recipe
7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a generous layer of melted marshmallows that turn golden brown in the oven. The result is a heavenly side dish that will add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your Christmas prime rib dinner!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows & Pecans
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans is a classic holiday side dish that tastes more like dessert than potatoes. Warm fall spices, brown sugar, pecans, and mini marshmallows highlight the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes in this beloved old-school recipe. Your loved ones will scramble to get to the table with this casserole as part of your Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner spread!
Check out this recipe
8. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Enhance your Christmas prime rib dinner by serving this creamy smoked Gouda mac and cheese on the side. The rich and smoky Gouda adds a savory component to the plate that will perfectly complement the flavor of your roast!
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
This smoked gouda mac and cheese takes the classic recipe to new heights by incorporating the rich and smoky flavors of gouda cheese! All you need to do is cook your pasta, prepare your cheese sauce, and stir everything together. Whether you are seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a side dish for gatherings, this elevated macaroni and cheese version is perfect!
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9. Prime Rib Red Wine Au Jus
A delicious sauce can make a significant impact on the overall meal! With prime rib, using the drippings to create a rich prime rib au jus is one of the best options.
Adding red wine is an easy upgrade that I love to break out on special occasions, giving it an even more luxurious depth of flavor. Creamy horseradish sauce is another condiment classically paired with prime rib roast!
Prime Rib Red Wine Au Jus
Hearty, rich, and packed with beefy flavor doesn't even come close to describing this wonderful Prime Rib Red Wine Au Jus! This easy-to-make beef sauce elevates your prime rib roast so beautifully that it should be served with every roast beef dinner!
Check out this recipe
10. Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
For an easy vegetable side dish, try my balsamic roasted brussel sprouts. The sprouts are oven-roasted to perfection with a flavorful balsamic glaze that adds a tangy element everyone will love!
Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
These balsamic roasted brussel sprouts are an easy, quick, and healthy vegetable side dish that goes with practically any main dish! The sprouts are tossed with olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey for a flavor that is out of this world! Plus, they're on the table in just 30 minutes!
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11. Oat Rolls
Complement your holiday feast with some warm and soft oat dinner rolls. These wholesome rolls add a comforting touch to your meal and are perfect for soaking up those decadent prime rib juices!
Oat Rolls
My oat rolls are soft, tender, fluffy, and just as perfect with any weeknight family meal as they are with a Thanksgiving turkey dinner! These delicious yeast rolls have ground oats & brown sugar, making them a perfect sweet snack or an awesome side for lunch or dinner! They are easy to make and can even be prepared in advance!
Check out this recipe
12. Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice meets the sweet and nutty notes of butternut squash in this delectable dish for a sophisticated seasonal side dish. The velvety texture and rich flavors make this risotto a standout addition to your holiday dinner spread!
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a perfect fall dish that's really creamy and full of great flavors. This dish is great whether you want something small like an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main meal. The roasted squash makes it sweet and goes really well with the creamy rice. It also has garlic, onion, and herbs, plus a little optional white wine to make it extra special.
Check out this recipe
13. Creamed Kale
Enjoy kale like never before by simmering it until tender in an ultra-creamy cheese sauce. Creamed spinach would be a great alternative with the same velvety-rich flavor!
Creamed Kale
Creamed kale is a new take on an old classic and the perfect cheesy side dish if you’re looking for some savory greens to go with dinner! It's quick, easy, and delicious! Creamed kale might just be your new favorite way to eat your greens!
Check out this recipe
14. Instant Pot Artichokes
Using an Instant Pot streamlines the artichoke preparation process, ensuring tender and flavorful results. The tender leaves are best dipped in a side of drawn butter and can be served as an appetizer or side dish!
Instant Pot Artichokes
These Instant Pot artichokes are super easy to prepare and are an incredibly delicious vegetable side dish! Using your pressure cooker may actually be the simplest and quickest way to whip up some whole artichokes! Go ahead and grab your favorite dipping sauce because you're going to be making these all the time!
Check out this recipe
15. Apple Cranberry Pie
Round off your prime rib Christmas feast by indulging in a delectable apple cranberry pie. Enjoy the classic flavors of tart cranberries and sweet apple pie filling in a flaky pie crust for the perfect end to a perfect dinner!
Apple Cranberry Pie
This apple cranberry pie features tart cranberries and sweet and tender apples for a wonderfully delicious holiday pie! A flaky, golden crust, apple pie spice, and a hint of almond just add to the overall mouthwatering flavor. Trust me, after just one bite, this could easily become your new all-time favorite pie!
Check out this recipe
💭 Tips For The Best Christmas Prime Rib Dinner
For the best prime rib, always follow these guidelines on how long to keep prime rib in the freezer and how long you can keep it thawed in the fridge. Here are some more tips for making the most outstanding prime rib dinner:
- Choose a Quality Cut: Start with a high-quality prime rib roast. Look for well-marbled meat and follow this guide to choosing the best prime rib roast!
- Bring It to Room Temperature: Take the prime rib out of the refrigerator a few hours before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Season Generously: Season the prime rib liberally with prime rib rub, or salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. Garlic, thyme, and rosemary are classic choices!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a good-quality meat thermometer to ensure your prime rib is perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. (See prime rib cooking temperatures for other levels of doneness).
- Let It Rest: Always let your prime rib rest for at least 20-30 minutes after cooking before carving. This redistributes the juices, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful roast!
Dive into these delectable prime rib recipes and savor the magic of a fabulous Christmas dinner! Tell me how everything turns out in the comments below!
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5 from 8 reviews
Christmas Prime Rib Dinner Menu: 15+ Showstopping Recipes For The Best Holiday Dinner!
My Christmas prime rib dinner menu includes the best prime rib roast recipes and side dishes for a fantastic meal! From the main course to dinner rolls, salads, and side dishes, this list of Christmas favorites has everything you need! This Christmas will be one for the books!
Author | Angela
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 682kcal
Prep 15 minutes minutes
Cooking 3 hours hours 45 minutes minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Boneless Prime Rib Roast
- 5 lb prime rib (boneless roast or standing rib roast)
- 2 tablespoon horseradish (for coating the roast)
Prime Rib Rub
- 1 ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper (freshly ground is best)
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela
Instructions
Preparation
First, rinse your prime rib roast under cool running water, then pat it dry using paper towels. Slice off any excess fat or silver skin if desired. If possible, set your roast out 1-2 hours before cooking to come to room temperature.
(optional) Use butcher twine to tie your roast. For boneless prime rib, space the twine out every 1.5 inches down the length of the roast.
Prime Rib Rub
In a small bowl, combine all of the dry rub ingredients (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground sage, dried rosemary and dried thyme) and set it aside.
Put your roast on a baking sheet or in a baking dish coat it with the 2 tablespoons of horseradish all over. Season it generously with the dry rub on all sides. Massage the seasoning into the meat and roll the edges of the roast in any excess that has fallen off.
Roasting The Prime Rib
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
Transfer the prepared roast to a roasting pan (fat-side-up for boneless roasts or bone-side-down for a standing rib roast). Place in the oven and roast for about 3 hours and 45 minutes, or roughly 45 minutes per pound.
Once your roast has an internal temperature of 120-125°F (49-52°C) for RARE, 125-129°F (52-54°C) for MEDIUM RARE, 130-139°F (54-59°C) for MEDIUM, or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for MEDIUM DONE, take it out of the oven and loosely tent a piece of foil over the top. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
(Optional) Reverse Sear
If you would like to reverse sear your roast, take it out of the oven 10°F (5.5°C) shy of your ideal internal temperature. Transfer it to a cutting board and cover it with aluminum foil as you bring up the temperature of the oven to 500°F (260°C).
Once the oven comes to temperature, return the roast for 5-10 minutes or until it reaches your desired internal temperature. *This will happen quickly so keep a close eye on it.
Remove the seared prime rib from the oven and tent a piece of foil loosely over the top. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- If you don't have or don't like horseradish, you can try making this Christmas prime rib roast using a horseradish substitute.
- Always check the internal temperature of your meat in the thickest part. It is good practice to check a few other areas toward the center to confirm doneness.
- Remember, the internal temperature for your roast will continue to increase5-7°F (3-4°C)after being removed from the oven, also known as 'carryover cooking'. Plan for this by removing the roast just shy of your ideal temperature.
- To store: Allow the Christmas prime rib roast to cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: Wrap the roast in plastic wrap and place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Check out my post 'how long can you keep prime rib in the freezer' for more information.
- To reheat: Place the roast in a baking dish with up to ¼ cup of beef broth (depending on how much meat there is) and bake at 300°F (150°C) until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
Nutrition
Calories: 682kcal (34%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 31g (62%) | Fat: 60g (92%) | Saturated Fat: 25g (156%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 137mg (46%) | Sodium: 1161mg (50%) | Potassium: 529mg (15%) | Fiber: 0.5g (2%) | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 108IU (2%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 27mg (3%) | Iron: 4mg (22%)
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Christmas dinner, christmas dinner menu planning, christmas prime rib, christmas prime rib dinner menu, Christmas prime rib roast, what to serve with prime rib for christmas dinner
Course Beef Dishes, Main Course
Cuisine American
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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