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Melt in Mouth Holiday Leg of Lamb

This Holiday Leg of Lamb recipe creates a tender, juicy centerpiece for any festive meal. With simple seasoning and slow roasting, it delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture and elegant flavor without stress.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lamb Preparation
  • 5 lb bone-in leg of lamb room temperature
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 45 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  2. Pat the lamb dry and place it fat-side up in a roasting pan.
  3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to make a paste. Rub all over the lamb.
  4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  5. Cover the lamb loosely with foil and roast for 2 to 2.5 hours, basting once halfway through.
  6. Uncover for the final 30 minutes to allow the outside to brown.
  7. Check for doneness with a thermometer — 135°F for medium rare.
  8. Remove the lamb from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
  9. Slice against the grain and serve warm.

Notes

You can season the lamb the night before and refrigerate it. Use pre-chopped herbs to save time. Rewarm gently before serving if roasting earlier in the day.