Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce – Easy Holiday Recipe

Introduction

If you are looking for an elegant centerpiece that will impress your guests without overwhelming your schedule, this Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce is the answer. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish combines tender lamb, aromatic garlic, and a rich butter sauce to create a holiday-worthy meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 rack of lamb, frenched (approx. 8 ribs)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon instant chicken stock powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 10 cloves garlic, skin on
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 cup butter dipping sauce (see below)

Sub-recipe: Butter Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method: Melt butter in a small pan, add garlic, lemon juice, thyme, and seasoning. Keep warm until serving.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Season rack of lamb with salt, pepper, chicken stock, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let rest 20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Place garlic cloves in roasting pan. Put lamb on top, scatter thyme, and add diced butter over the meat.
3. Roast for 25 minutes until thermometer reads 135ºF (60ºC) for medium-rare.
4. Remove from oven, cover with foil, and rest for 10 minutes.
5. Slice between ribs and serve with roasted garlic and butter dipping sauce.

Prep, Cook, Total Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Resting time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
• Add a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for balance.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the butter sauce.
• Enjoy with a bold red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare the rack of lamb in advance?
Yes, you can season the lamb up to 12 hours before cooking. Bring to room temperature before roasting.

Q: How do I know if my lamb is cooked properly?
Use a meat thermometer. 135ºF for medium-rare, 145ºF for medium.

Q: Can I substitute herbs?
Yes, rosemary or oregano are great alternatives to thyme.

Q: What if I don’t have chicken stock powder?
You can skip it or replace with vegetable stock powder.

Conclusion

This Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce is more than just a recipe – it’s an experience. With a short prep time and simple ingredients, you can serve a dish that feels luxurious and celebratory. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or romantic dinners at home, this lamb recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s called the most elegant family dinner ever!