How to Make a Juicy Prime Rib for Holiday Gatherings with Dutch Parmesan Potatoes and Green Beans

Holiday meals call for dishes that impress and satisfy. A traditional prime rib roast, cooked to juicy perfection and bursting with flavor, fits the bill every time. Pair it with crispy Dutch Parmesan potatoes and tender green beans for a festive plate that will delight your guests. This guide walks you through each step to create a memorable holiday feast that’s both classic and full of taste.

Choosing the Right Prime Rib

Start with a high-quality prime rib roast. Look for a cut with good marbling, which means streaks of fat running through the meat. This fat melts during cooking, keeping the roast juicy and flavorful. For a holiday gathering, a 5 to 7-pound roast usually serves 8 to 10 people comfortably.

Ask your butcher for a bone-in prime rib. The bones add flavor and help the meat cook evenly. If you prefer boneless, that works too, but bones are traditional and enhance the taste.

Preparing the Prime Rib

Preparation is key to a juicy prime rib. Begin by bringing the roast to room temperature for about two hours before cooking. This step ensures even cooking throughout the meat.

Create a simple but flavorful rub using:

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Fresh rosemary and thyme, finely chopped

• Olive oil

  
  

Generously coat the roast with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mix all over the meat. Don’t forget the sides and the ends. Let the seasoned roast rest uncovered in the fridge overnight if possible. This dry-aging step helps develop a crust and intensifies flavor.

Cooking the Prime Rib

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. The rack allows air to circulate and helps the roast cook evenly.

Roast at the high temperature for 20 minutes to form a crust. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue cooking. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature:

• 120°F (49°C) for rare

• 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare

• 140°F (60°C) for medium

  
  

For the juiciest results, aim for medium-rare. The roast will continue to cook slightly while resting.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the roast from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and tender.

Making Dutch Parmesan Potatoes

Dutch potatoes are small, waxy potatoes that hold their shape well. For this dish, roast them with Parmesan cheese for a crispy, cheesy crust.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Dutch potatoes, halved

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

4. Roast for 25 minutes, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes.

5. Roast for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

   
   

These potatoes offer a crunchy, cheesy contrast to the tender prime rib.

Preparing Green Beans

Green beans add a fresh, vibrant touch to the meal. Keep them simple to balance the richness of the prime rib and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lemon zest (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

2. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop cooking and preserve color.

3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Add the green beans, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

5. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness if desired.

   
   

This simple preparation keeps the beans crisp and flavorful.

Serving Your Holiday Feast

Slice the prime rib against the grain into thick, juicy pieces. Arrange the slices on a platter with the Dutch Parmesan potatoes and green beans on the side. Consider adding a rich horseradish sauce or au jus for dipping.

For drinks, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec pairs beautifully with the beef. A sparkling water with lemon can refresh the palate between bites.