Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce: A Showstopping Holiday Centerpiece
Nothing says celebration quite like a perfectly cooked prime rib roast with horseradish cream sauce. This classic holiday centerpiece features a beautifully browned crust giving way to tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. The accompanying horseradish sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that perfectly complements the rich beef flavors.
When prepared correctly, prime rib becomes an unforgettable dining experience. The slow-roasting method ensures even cooking from edge to center, while the simple seasoning allows the natural beef flavors to shine. Our horseradish cream sauce recipe balances heat with creaminess, creating a condiment that elevates every bite. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or a special Sunday supper, this prime rib recipe will impress even the most discerning meat lovers.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Rich, beefy prime rib with a punchy, creamy horseradish sauce that cuts through the richness.
- Texture: Tender, juicy meat with a crisp exterior crust paired with velvety smooth sauce.
- Aroma: Heavenly roasted beef aromas with subtle herbal notes from the rub.
- Visual Appeal: Impressive golden-brown roast makes a stunning centerpiece for any table.
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic roasting knowledge and meat thermometer skills.
- Special Equipment: Roasting pan with rack, meat thermometer, and sharp carving knife.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: While the technique is straightforward, cooking prime rib properly requires attention to timing and temperature. Perfect for confident home cooks ready to tackle a special occasion roast.
- Category: Main dish, holiday meal, special occasion centerpiece.
- Cuisine: Classic American steakhouse tradition with European roasting techniques.
- Cost: Premium cut of beef makes this a splurge-worthy dish, but the impressive results justify the expense.
- Season: Ideal for cooler months and holiday celebrations, though excellent year-round for special occasions.
- Occasion: Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, anniversary dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Prime Rib Recipe
The magic of this prime rib recipe lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. While the ingredient list is short, the results are extraordinary. The slow roasting method ensures even cooking throughout the entire roast, while the high-heat finish creates that coveted crust. Unlike many complicated holiday recipes, this one gives you plenty of hands-off time to prepare side dishes or entertain guests.
Nutritionally, prime rib offers high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. While it’s certainly a rich dish, serving moderate portions with plenty of vegetables creates a balanced meal. The horseradish cream sauce adds flavor without excessive calories, and you can adjust the horseradish amount to suit your taste preferences.
For entertaining, few dishes make as grand an impression as a whole prime rib roast. The dramatic presentation when you bring it to the table creates instant excitement, and the carving ritual adds to the special occasion atmosphere. Guests will feel truly pampered when served this restaurant-quality dish in your home.
While prime rib represents a splurge, it’s actually quite cost-effective when compared to serving individual steaks to a group. The bone-in cut adds flavor and helps retain moisture during cooking, while also giving you the option to make delicious beef stock from the leftovers. With proper planning, you can stretch one roast into multiple meals.
The versatility of this dish makes it worth mastering. Once you perfect the basic technique, you can experiment with different rubs, sauces, and accompaniments. The leftovers (if you have any!) make incredible sandwiches, salads, or hash. This recipe will become your go-to for special occasions and memorable meals with loved ones.
The Recipe
Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 180 mins
Total Time: 200 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp carving knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Prime Rib:
- 1 (5-6 lb) bone-in prime rib roast
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Horseradish Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Directions
- Remove prime rib from refrigerator 2 hours before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil to form a paste.
- Pat roast dry with paper towels, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the surface.
- Place roast bone-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part, not touching bone.
- Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes to sear the exterior.
- Reduce heat to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until thermometer reads 120°F (49°C) for rare or 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, about 2-3 hours.
- While roast cooks, prepare horseradish sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
- When roast reaches desired temperature, remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 30 minutes before carving.
- Carve between the bones and serve with horseradish cream sauce on the side.
Recipe Notes
- For best results, choose a well-marbled roast with a thick fat cap.
- Letting the roast come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
- The resting period is crucial for juicy meat – don’t skip it!
- Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead; flavors improve with time.
- For extra flavor, rub the roast with seasonings the night before.