Description
This Best Roasted Leg of Lamb is a show-stopping yet easy recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat with a golden garlic and herb crust. Perfect for a holiday dinner, Sunday family meal, or special gathering, this oven-roasted lamb is packed with fresh rosemary, thyme, and bright lemon flavor. If you are looking for impressive dinner ideas, comforting food ideas, or an easy recipe that feels elegant but simple to prepare, this roasted leg of lamb will quickly become your go-to centerpiece.
Ingredients
5 pound bone-in leg of lamb
6 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pat the 5 pound bone-in leg of lamb dry with paper towels and place it on a rack inside a roasting pan.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits all over the surface of the lamb to help the seasoning penetrate deeply.
3. In a bowl, combine 6 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to form a paste.
4. Rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the lamb, pressing some of the mixture into the slits.
5. Roast at 350°F for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130–135°F for medium-rare or 140–145°F for medium.
6. Remove the lamb from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
7. Carve against the grain and serve warm with pan juices spooned over the top.
Notes
Always use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and ensure perfect doneness.
Allowing the lamb to rest is essential for juicy slices.
For deeper flavor, season the lamb and refrigerate uncovered for up to 8 hours before roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 6-8 oz cooked lamb)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: best roasted leg of lamb, oven roasted lamb, holiday dinner ideas, easy lamb recipe, garlic herb lamb