How to Cook the Perfect Holiday Roast
The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. Spending time with family and loved ones is something we look forward to, but it can also be stressful. Preparing a holiday dinner for you and your guests is part of the season, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Snake River Farms is here to help from start to finish. Let’s get started!
What Type of Beef Roast is Best for a Holiday Dinner?
Snake River Farms has many options for your holiday roast. Factors to consider are beef variety (American Wagyu, USDA Prime, USDA Choice), bone-in or boneless, and weight/size. Each roast provides a different flavor profile and degree of tenderness. The two most popular types of cuts we sell for the holiday season are prime rib and tenderloin roast.
1. Prime Rib Roast
The prime rib roast is a classic choice for a holiday dinner. This roast is highly marbled, tender and will feed multiple people. The two main options are bone-in and boneless. A benefit of the boneless roast is how easy it is carved. Bone-in prime ribs have their own advantage. The bone insulates the meat closest to it and is exceptionally flavorful and tender. Either option will create a memorable dining experience at your holiday table.
2. Beef Tenderloin Roast
The beef tenderloin roast is very tender. In fact, it is where we cut the famously tender filet mignon. It has less marbling than a prime rib because of the difference between where it is sourced. If you prefer tender and mild beef flavors, a tenderloin roast is the perfect choice.
Are you a visual learner? See our short video on "How to Tie a Tenderloin Roast."
How to Cook a Holiday Beef Roast
Whether it’s your first holiday roast or a veteran looking for new inspiration, as the holidays inch closer, you’ll find yourself asking, "How do I cook a holiday roast?". There are various cooking methods and recipes that all yield great results. We like to keep it simple and let the flavor of Snake River Farms roasts speak for themselves.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to roast recipes and preparation methods. With so many options, choosing the best seasoning, preparation, etc. can be confusing and overwhelming. To make is easy, we selected three of our favorite recipes. Each one will create a memorable and divine Holiday dinner.
The most important aspect of successfully cooking a roast is monitoring the internal temperature. This is the best way to know when the roast is done to your preference. We always recommend using an accurate thermometer when checking roasts.
The Easiest Way to Cook a Great Holiday Beef Roast Involves the Following 5 Steps:
- Thaw the roast on a tray and thaw in the fridge
- Heat oven to 350°F and remove roast from packing
- Apply your favorite rub and cover all sides, including the ends
- Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook until the internal temperature is 120°F for medium rare
- Let the roast rest for a few minutes then slice, serve, and enjoy!
For more detailed instructions, see our full-length guide on how to cook a prime rib roast.
Are you a visual learner? See our short video "Prime Rib Tips and Tricks."
Smoked Holiday Roast
Smoking a beef roast is a longer process but will provide a truly captivating and mouthwatering result. The roast absorbs the smoke and creates robust flavor in every bite. We like to smoke at 225°F to slowly bring the roast to temperature and allow time to absorb the smoke. Plan for about 40 minutes per pound so it allows sufficient time for the cook. Apply your favorite seasoning or rub to the entire roast then place it directly in the smoker. Once the roast’s internal temperature reaches 120°F (medium rare), remove the roast and cover loosely with foil. Rest for 25 minutes, then set your oven to broil and sear the roast. Rotate the roast until all sides are the desirable golden brown. Rest for a few additional minutes, then slice, serve, and enjoy!
Check out the rest of our Beef Roast Recipes that are great around the holidays.
Reverse Sear Method
The reverse sear is our recommended method to cook your roast. It is simple and produces mouthwatering results.
- Heat the oven the 275°F and apply your favorite seasoning to all sides of the entire.
- Place the roast on a wire rack in a roasting pan and cook for 20 to 25 minutes per pound. We always recommend using a thermometer to know exactly when it’s done.
- Remove from the oven at 120°F internal temperature for medium rare. Rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, turn your oven to broil.
- Sear the roast with the broiler and rotate every 90 seconds until all sides are a beautiful golden brown.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Simple Prep Method
This is the easiest and most straightforward cooking method that will still produce awe inspiring results.
- Set the oven to 350°F and apply your favorite seasoning or rub to the roast (make sure to season the entire roast).
- Place the roast on a wire rack in a roasting pan and cook for 15 to 20 minutes per pound.
- Pull the roast at 120°F internal temperature for medium rare. Use a thermometer for accurate results.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the roast to absorb the mouthwatering juices and flavor.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Smoked Holiday Roast
Smoking a beef roast is a longer process but will provide a truly captivating and mouthwatering result. The roast absorbs the smoke and creates robust flavor in every bite.
- We like to smoke at 225°F to slowly bring the roast to temperature and allow time to absorb the smoke. Plan for about 40 minutes per pound to allow sufficient time for the cook.
- Apply your favorite seasoning or rub to the entire roast, then place it directly in the smoker.
- Once the roast reaches an internal temperature of 120°F (medium rare), remove the roast and cover loosely with foil.
- Rest for 25 minutes, then set your oven to broil and sear the roast. Rotate the roast until all sides are the desirable golden brown.
- Rest for a few additional minutes then slice, serve, and enjoy!
Check out our Beef Roast Recipes that are great around the holidays.
What Goes Well with a Holiday Roast Dinner?
Snake River Farms roasts pair beautifully with a wide array of dishes. We like to have at least one starch and one vegetable for a well-rounded meal. Additionally, you can check with your guests before and discover their preferences for side dishes.
Some of our Favorite Holiday Roast Side Dishes
- Dish 1: Potatoes - Most forms will pair well with beef roasts, but we recommend going with a classic crowd favorite. Ours is Pan-Fried Potatoes.
- Dish 2: Green Beans - Combine our Kurobuta bacon with fresh green beans for a dish that goes well beyond the old green bean casserole.
- Dish 3: Glazed Carrots - Honey-Glazed Carrots with Pistachios and Pomegranate make a perfect pairing with a holiday roast dinner.
American Wagyu Beef for the Perfect Holiday Roast Dinner
Dinner it is not complete without a Snake River Farms American Wagyu beef roast. Our roasts are meant to be the centerpiece of a holiday dinner. They transport your guests to a mouthwatering trance as the roast radiates its smell throughout the house. Order yours today for home delivery and enjoy a family holiday dinner with an American Wagyu Beef roast from Snake River Farms.
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