All recipesBeef / The Sunday Cook

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Platter

Cuisine: American

Garlic, rosemary, and thyme make a fragrant crust on a centerpiece rib roast. A straightforward oven method with carving guidance for a special meal.

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Sliced herb-crusted prime rib arranged on a serving platter
PREP20 minCOOK2–3 hrREST20 minMAKES8 servings
A special meal to share

Does this cook fit your day?

About 30–40 min hands-on · 2 hr 40 min–3 hr 40 min total

Times are estimates for the original batch. Read the steps before starting and get your sides ready alongside the main dish.

Hands-on time is an estimate for the original batch, including prep and finishing. Total time includes cooking and resting. Larger batches can take longer.
First time? Start here

Buy by both roast size and number of guests; prime rib is a special-occasion purchase.

Cooking terms explained
Use the equipment you have

Use Oven. A thermometer and everyday kitchen utensils cover the essential checks; special serving gear is optional.

Before you shop

Compare boneless rib roasts and buy only the size your table needs.

Make it a meal

Serve with potatoes, green vegetables, and optional horseradish sauce.

LET’S COOK

Step-by-step instructions.

YOUR FINISH LINE145°F in the thickest part before removal, followed by at least a 3-minute rest
  1. Prep the roast

    Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pat the roast dry and tie with kitchen twine if needed to keep an even shape. Place fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

  2. Add the herb crust

    Mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread across the top and sides of the roast. Insert a probe into the center, avoiding fat pockets.

  3. Roast to temperature

    Roast at 325°F, starting temperature checks after 90 minutes. A 5 lb boneless roast may take about 2–3 hours, but thickness and starting temperature matter. For this recipe’s USDA-safe endpoint, cook to 145°F in the coolest part before removing. Check more than one spot.

  4. Rest and carve

    Rest 20 minutes, loosely tented with foil. Remove twine, then slice across the grain with a sharp knife. Arrange slices on a warm platter and spoon over a little of the defatted pan juices.

TEMPERATURE NOTE

145°F in the thickest part before removal, followed by at least a 3-minute rest. Check the thickest part with a thermometer, away from bone or the hot pan.

USDA temperature guidance
SMALL DETAILS, BETTER COOKS

A few helpful tips

Plan your cook, from prep to plate

Timing is an estimate. Follow temperature and tenderness checks.

  1. Prep before cooking

    Allow about 20 minutes to prepare ingredients and preheat.

  2. Cook with checkpoints

    Allow 120–180 min; follow temperature and texture rather than the clock.

  3. Finish and serve

    Rest 20 minutes before serving.

WHEN THE COOK HAS QUESTIONS

A little help.

Will this look as pink as the photo?

Not necessarily. The serving photo may show a lower level of doneness. This recipe uses the USDA minimum of 145°F plus a rest; color is not a reliable temperature check.

Can I use bone-in prime rib?

Yes, but weight, yield, and cooking time change. Ask the butcher for a roast sized for your guests, and use a thermometer away from the bones.

MAKE TOMORROW TASTE GOOD

Keep & reheat.

Refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when it’s over 90°F outside. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days.

Reheat

Reheat leftovers covered with a little water or broth until they reach 165°F throughout.

Next-day idea

Slice thinly for warm beef sandwiches.

USDA leftover guidance
FREE MEAT TEMPERATURE CHEAT SHEET

Cook with confidence.

Keep safe cooking temperatures, rest times, and BBQ tenderness targets close at hand. Get the printable guide, plus occasional easy recipes and practical grilling tips.

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READY FOR THE STORE

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