A bone-in rib roast, also known as prime rib, is one of those show-stopping dishes that makes any occasion feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a special dinner, or just to wow your family, this recipe delivers a crusty, flavorful exterior and melt-in-your-mouth tender center every single time.

This oven-roasted method keeps things simple and classic. We’ll dry rub it, roast it low and slow, and then finish with a high-heat blast to get that perfect crust. No complicated steps—just delicious results every time.
🛒 What You’ll Need
For the Roast:

- 1 bone-in rib roast (5–7 pounds, 2 to 3 ribs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika
👨🍳 Pro Tips for a Perfect Rib Roast
- Room Temp is Key – Let the roast sit out for 2 hours before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer – It’s the best way to get your preferred doneness spot-on.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time – Letting it rest after roasting allows juices to redistribute.
- Keep it Simple – The meat is so flavorful, you don’t need a complicated rub.
- Save the Bones! – They’re great for making rich, homemade beef broth.
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer (digital preferred)
- Sharp carving knife
- Small bowl & spoon for rub
- Aluminum foil (for resting)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No fresh herbs? Use 1 tsp each dried rosemary and thyme.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the rub for a tangy twist.
- Want a smoky flavor? Add smoked paprika to the rub.
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- You can season the roast and refrigerate it up to 24 hours ahead—this dry brine method enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Bring to room temp for 2 hours before roasting if pre-seasoned.
🔥 How to Make Bone-In Rib Roast in the Oven
1️⃣ Prep the Roast & Rub
- Pat roast dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and any optional spices.
- Rub this mixture all over the roast, especially into the crevices around the bone.

2️⃣ Let It Come to Room Temp
- Let the roast sit out for 2 hours, loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap.

3️⃣ Preheat Oven & Start Roasting
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place roast bone-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast uncovered for about 25–30 minutes per pound, or until internal temp reaches:
- 120°F for rare
- 130°F for medium-rare
- 135°F for medium

4️⃣ Rest, Then Crank the Heat
- Remove roast from oven. Tent loosely with foil.
- Let rest for 30–40 minutes—it will continue cooking a bit.
- Increase oven temp to 500°F (260°C).
- Return roast for 10–12 minutes to crisp and brown the crust.

5️⃣ Carve & Serve
- Let rest for 10 minutes after the final sear.
- Carve between the bones for thick, juicy slices.
- Serve with your favorite sides (mashed potatoes, horseradish sauce, roasted veggies).

🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in foil and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently at 300°F covered in foil to retain moisture.
🎉 Bring the WOW Factor to Your Table
A bone-in rib roast is simple to make and unforgettable to eat. It’s tender, flavorful, and the kind of dish that makes people gather around the table with excitement. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a cozy Sunday roast, this recipe guarantees big smiles and full bellies.
Tried it out? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out – or ask any questions if you’re roasting for the first time! 🍷🍽️
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