Christmas Roast Recipe: A Festive Centerpiece

The Christmas Roast is the ultimate centerpiece for holiday dinners. Perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful, it brings warmth and joy to the table. This recipe transforms a simple beef roast into a festive feast with aromatic herbs, garlic, and root vegetables. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or any celebratory meal, this roast is bound to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• Main Roast:
  • 4–5 lb beef roast (ribeye, sirloin, or prime rib)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Vegetables:
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 large onions, quartered
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Thyme sprigs
  • Roasted garlic cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a roasting pan with a rack to allow even cooking.
2. Season the Roast: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Rub this mixture all over the beef roast, ensuring full coverage.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the roasting rack or directly in the pan beneath the roast to catch the drippings.
4. Roast the Beef: Place the roast on the rack and insert into the preheated oven. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 130–135°F (54–57°C). Adjust timing if you prefer medium or well-done.
5. Baste Occasionally: Every 30 minutes, baste the roast with its own juices to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
6. Rest the Roast: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the roast from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 20–25 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute for a juicy, tender roast.
7. Serve: Slice the roast against the grain into even portions. Serve alongside roasted vegetables and garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Roast

• Choose the Right Cut: Ribeye or prime rib yields the juiciest results for a festive meal. Sirloin or top round can be more budget-friendly options.
• Room Temperature Meat: Allow the roast to sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
• Thermometer Use: Always use a meat thermometer for precise doneness; it prevents overcooking.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine or beef stock to the roasting pan for a rich gravy.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the herb rub a day before and refrigerate for deeper flavor infusion.

Christmas Roast

A succulent and flavorful Christmas Roast perfect for holiday dinners, served with roasted vegetables and herbs.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 450

Ingredients

  

Main Roast

• 4-5 lb beef roast ribeye, sirloin, or prime rib
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp rosemary fresh, chopped
• 2 tsp thyme fresh, chopped

Vegetables

• 4 large carrots peeled and chopped
• 3 medium potatoes peeled and chopped
• 2 large onions quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowls
• Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a roasting pan with a rack.
2. Rub beef roast with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Toss carrots, potatoes, and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange around roast.
4. Roast beef for 20 minutes per pound for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F (54–57°C).
5. Baste occasionally with pan juices to maintain moisture.
6. Remove roast from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 20–25 minutes.
7. Slice against the grain and serve with roasted vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Optionally add red wine to pan for gravy.

Variations

• Herb-Crusted Roast: Add crushed fennel seeds and thyme for a more aromatic crust.
• Garlic Butter Roast: Blend softened butter with garlic and herbs, spread under the roast’s fat layer before cooking.
• Honey Glazed Roast: Mix honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet-savory glaze applied in the final 15 minutes of roasting.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and roasted Brussels sprouts.
• A rich red wine sauce or au jus perfectly complements the beef.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices and make the meal even more indulgent.

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

• The tradition of roasting beef at Christmas dates back to medieval England, where feasts were a symbol of abundance.
• Using herbs like rosemary and thyme not only adds flavor but also represents festive greenery and freshness during winter holidays.
• Roasting vegetables alongside the meat is both practical and flavorful, capturing the essence of a classic holiday table.

A Christmas Roast is more than just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings warmth, tradition, and shared memories to the dining table. With this recipe, even novice cooks can achieve a succulent roast worthy of holiday celebrations.