Christmas Prime Rib

There’s something magical about gathering around the table for a Christmas prime rib dinner. The aroma, the golden crust, the first juicy slice — it’s a holiday tradition that brings everyone together. At Snake River Farms, we believe the centerpiece of your holiday meal should be as memorable as the celebration itself. That’s why we craft this guide to help you plan, cook, and serve the perfect prime rib Christmas dinner with confidence.

Whether you’re roasting for a cozy family meal or hosting a grand holiday feast, we’ll walk you through how to select the best cut, prepare it perfectly, and round out your prime rib Christmas dinner menu with sides, desserts, and expert carving tips.

Cook the Perfect Prime Rib to see the technique in action:

Choose the Best Christmas Prime Rib

When it comes to Christmas prime rib, the key to a flawless feast starts with selecting the right cut. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday gathering or an intimate prime rib Christmas dinner, the right roast sets the tone for the entire menu.

Bone-In vs. Boneless

• Bone-In Prime Rib: Delivers unbeatable flavor and a classic presentation. The bones insulate the meat, keeping it juicy as it roasts.
• Boneless Prime Rib: Easier to carve and serve — ideal for streamlined entertaining.

Pro Tip: To enjoy the best of both worlds, cut the bones away before cooking and tie them back on with butcher’s twine. After the roast is done, remove the rib section and return it to the oven for about 20 minutes. Slice the rack into individual ribs and serve alongside the roast as a bonus treat for your guests.

Portion Planning

• Plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds per person. A 7-bone roast serves about 12 to14 guests, while smaller roasts are perfect for intimate dinners.
  

Prime Rib Options from Snake River Farms

Make this year's holiday unforgettable — Shop Prime Rib Today. 

Planning ahead? See our Guide to Thawing Large Cuts, Roasts, and Hams for timing and tips.

How to Cook a Christmas Prime Rib

Once you’ve selected the perfect Christmas prime rib, it’s time to focus on preparation. From seasoning to roasting, every step plays a role in achieving that signature Snake River Farms flavor — a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, buttery taste that defines a true holiday centerpiece.

Whether you’re serving a prime rib Christmas dinner for a large gathering or an intimate meal, proper technique makes all the difference. With the right tools, timing, and a few insider tips, you can bring steakhouse-quality results to your own kitchen.

Oven-Roasted Prime Rib

Preparation:

• Thaw the roast in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Slow, refrigerator thawing preserves flavor and texture. For step-by-step guidance on thawing large roasts safely, see our Guide: How to Thaw Large Cuts, Roasts, and Hams.
• Season generously with kosher salt or your preferred rub.
• Let the roast sit at room temperature for 2 hours before cooking.

Cooking:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Roast the prime rib until it reaches the desired internal temperature:

• • Rare: 110°F | Medium Rare: 120°F | Medium: 130°F | Medium Well: 140°F

• Rest the roast for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Your Guide to the Perfect Oven-Roasted Prime Rib with Red Wine Sauce Recipe.

Smoked Prime Rib

Preparation:

• Thaw the roast in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days for even cooking. 
• Apply your favorite seasoning or rub to the roast.
• Let the roast sit at room temperature for 2 hours before smoking.

Smoking:

• Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
• Smoke the roast until it reaches the desired internal temperature:
  
  
  • Rare: 110°F | Medium Rare: 120°F | Medium: 130°F | Medium Well: 140°F
• Resting: Rest the smoked roast for at least 30 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Follow our Smoked Prime Rib with Orange Rosemary Rub recipe for step-by-step guidance. 

• Learn how to smoke a prime rib like a pro with our complete smoking guide.
  

Master smoking your Christmas Prime Rib with our step-by-step video:

Insider Tip: Smoke Without the Work

Love the flavor of smoked beef but short on time? Our Wagyu Smoked Prime Rib is fully smoked and ready to reheat, delivering all the rich, wood-fired taste of a traditional smoke without the long cook.

- Simply reheat to an internal temperature of 120 to 125°F for medium rare, then rest and carve.
- Finish in your oven or sous vide for a gentle, even reheat.
- Perfect for busy hosts who still want that impressive, smokehouse-style centerpiece on the Christmas table.

Fool-Proof Techniques & Tips

Cooking a Christmas prime rib doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few tried-and-true techniques, you can achieve a tender, evenly cooked roast that’s worthy of a holiday celebration.

The “500 Rule” for Prime Rib

Also called the closed-oven method, the 500 Rule is a simple way to cook prime rib:

• Preheat the oven to 500°F.
• Place your seasoned roast inside and close the door.
• Cook for 5 minutes per pound (e.g., 6 lb × 5 = 30 minutes).
• Turn off the oven and let the roast rest inside for about 2 hours.

This generally produces a medium-rare roast, but note:

• You can’t check internal temperature unless using a leave-in thermometer with an external readout.
• The high heat sears the exterior but can slightly overcook outer layers.

Pro Tip: If you prefer more control over doneness, the reverse sear method ensures a perfectly pink interior with a flavorful crust.

Internal Temperature Is Key: Use the prime rib temp chart below to cook to your preferred doneness.

Use the times below as a helpful reference, but let your thermometer have the final say. This approach ensures your prime rib turns out perfectly every time.

Always use a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on timing. Shop the SRF Super-Fast Thermometer and make perfect doneness effortless.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Cooking straight from frozen — thaw fully for even results.
• Skipping the rest period — resting lets juices redistribute.
• Under-seasoning — generous seasoning ensures a flavorful crust.

Want s fool-proof method for perfect prime rib? Explore tips and tricks from Chef Edward Higgins. 

Watch Prime Rib Tips and Tricks to make sure your holiday roast is flawless: 

Building Your Prime Rib Christmas Dinner Menu

Creating a memorable Christmas prime rib dinner is all about harmony — balancing rich, savory flavors with fresh, bright, and festive touches. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family meal or a full holiday gathering, a thoughtful menu brings the celebration to life. Start with light appetizers, build out hearty sides that complement the roast, and finish with a dessert that leaves everyone smiling.

Holiday Starters

Begin your prime rib Christmas dinner with something fresh and elegant. The goal is to whet your guests’ appetites without overshadowing the star of the show.

• Shrimp cocktail with a tangy horseradish sauce
• Smoked salmon served with lemon and dill
• Fresh arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a simple vinaigrette

These light bites bring a bright, refreshing contrast to the richness of your main course.

Holiday Sides

No prime rib dinner menu is complete without comforting sides that enhance the roast’s flavor and texture. Think creamy, savory, and beautifully seasoned.

• Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or Shrimp Louie Salad
• Creamy mashed or roasted Tallow potatoes for buttery depth
• Yorkshire pudding or fresh dinner rolls to soak up every drop of au jus

Each dish adds balance — from the earthy sweetness of roasted veggies to the silky texture of whipped potatoes.

Holiday Desserts

End your Christmas prime rib dinner with a touch of nostalgia. Traditional sweets with a seasonal twist create a perfect finale for a luxurious meal.

• Rich chocolate cake with ganache or peppermint glaze
• Spiced apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream
• Festive fruit tart topped with fresh berries and a hint of citrus

These desserts capture the essence of the holidays — indulgent, joyful, and just the right amount of sweet.

Our Favorite Holiday Prime Rib Recipes

Bring the full holiday menu together with these expertly crafted prime rib recipes:

• Porcini-Dusted Prime Rib with Mushroom-Shallot Reduction – Elevate your prime rib with a rich, savory reduction.
• Bone-In Holiday Prime Rib Roast with Au Jus – Classic flavors for an impressive holiday centerpiece.
• Bone-In Prime Rib with Shallot Red Wine Jam & Black Pepper Gravy – A bold, flavorful roast with a savory-sweet twist that delights every holiday table.
  

Serving and Carving Your Prime Rib

Proper serving and carving ensures your Christmas prime rib looks as impressive as it tastes.

Resting Your Prime Rib

• Allow the roast to rest for 10–15 minutes after slicing to let the juices redistribute. This keeps each slice tender and flavorful.

Prime Rib Carving Tips

• Use a long, thin-bladed knife for clean, even slices.
  
• Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick portions for optimal tenderness.
  
• For bone-in roasts, separate the ribs from the bones and return them to the oven briefly to crisp before serving.

Get Your Christmas Prime Rib Today

Make this holiday season unforgettable with a show-stopping prime rib centerpiece. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best Snake River Farms prime rib: