Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Herb Crust

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

A succulent leg of lamb slow-roasted with a savory garlic and herb crust, perfect for festive dinners or holiday gatherings. This Mediterranean-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs bone-in leg of lamb, garlic cloves, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 120 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest to form a paste.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry a 5-pound bone-in leg of lamb and rub the garlic-herb paste all over the surface, pressing firmly to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Place the lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare is reached.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lamb from the oven and tent with foil; let rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  5. Step 5: Slice the lamb thinly against the grain and serve with pan juices or your favorite sides.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Herb Crust?

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 leg of lamb from drying out.

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

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 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Herb Crust 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 Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Herb Crust?

Mediterranean 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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