Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Charoset Glaze

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

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder seasoned with fresh herbs and finished with a sweet and tangy charoset glaze, inspired by traditional Passover flavors. This middle eastern-inspired passover ready in about 200 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a herb paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the herb paste all over the 3 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder, massaging it into the meat thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb shoulder on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush 1/2 cup charoset evenly over the lamb shoulder and return to the oven to caramelize the glaze.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Charoset Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Charoset Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Charoset Glaze?

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 Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Charoset Glaze 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 Herb-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Charoset Glaze?

Middle Eastern passover 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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