Garlic-Butter Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy prime rib infused with garlic butter and served alongside a tangy horseradish cream sauce for a balanced and festive meal. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 110 minutes blends prime rib roast, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 95 min Serves 6 American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F. In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter with 5 minced garlic cloves over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 lbs prime rib roast, then season all over with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 tablespoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the entire surface of the roast.
  4. Step 4: Place the roast on a roasting rack in a pan and roast in the oven for 20 minutes to sear.
  5. Step 5: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium rare.
  6. Step 6: Remove the roast from the oven and tent with foil; let rest for 15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup sour cream with 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a bowl; mix well.
  8. Step 8: Slice the rested prime rib and serve with the horseradish cream sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Butter Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (15 min prep + 95 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Butter Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Butter Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Butter Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic-Butter Prime Rib with Horseradish Cream Sauce?

American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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