Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Thyme

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

Succulent leg of lamb roasted with fresh garlic, thyme, and rosemary, delivering a fragrant and tender centerpiece for any occasion. This french-inspired lamb ready in about 110 minutes pairs pounds bone-in leg of lamb, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 8 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, 6 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to create a herb paste.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 pounds bone-in leg of lamb with paper towels, then rub the herb paste evenly all over the surface of the lamb.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb on a roasting rack set inside a shallow roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare is reached.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and tent with foil. Let rest 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute for a tender, flavorful roast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Thyme?

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 pounds bone-in leg of lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Thyme?

French lamb 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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