Best Crown Roast of Lamb for Festive Holidays

Juicy, deeply browned crown roast of lamb cooking on a grill or oven rack, with the top of each rib bone covered in crinkled silver foil, perfect for a family dinner, Easter party, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner.
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Calories: 410
Description

This easy crown roast of lamb recipe serves eight and features tender, herb-crusted lamb rib chops shaped into a stunning crown, roasted until golden and juicy.

Ingredients
    For the Lamb
  • 2 racks of lamb (8 ribs each, Frenched and trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper
    • For the Mediterranean Herb Rub
  • 5 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
How to Cook a Crown Roast of Lamb (Step-By-Step Instructions)
  1. 1
    Prepare the Racks
    • Ask your butcher to French the lamb racks (cleaning the bones for presentation).
    • If you’re doing it yourself, use a sharp knife to scrape the rib bones clean and remove excess fat and silver skin.
  2. 2
    Shape the CrownThis lamb crown roast features raw, untrimmed lamb ribs tied with butcher's twine, showcasing the bright red meat and white fat cap before being seasoned and cooked.
    • Stand the two racks upright with the rib bones facing outward and the meaty sides touching.
    • On the meaty side of each rack, carefully cut small slits between the bones.
    • These will act as hinge points to allow the racks to bend without breaking.
    • Place a cylindrical object wrapped in foil, like a soup can, in the center of your workspace.
    • Gently bend each rack around the foil cylinder, aligning the bones to form a circle.
    • Use butcher’s twine to tie the base of the racks together tightly, keeping the crown stable.
    • Loop the twine around the top of the loin sections to maintain the circular form and ensure the racks hold their shape during cooking.
    • Wrap each rib bone tip with foil to prevent burning.
  3. 3
    Season the Lamb
    • Mix olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, ample salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
    • Rub this marinade all over the lamb, ensuring every crevice is coated.
    • Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor.
  4. 4
    Preheat the Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • If you have a convection setting, use it for even roasting.
  5. 5
    Roast the Lamb
    • Place the seasoned, foil-capped crown roast on the wire rack over the roasting pan.
    • Insert the probe of your digital thermometer into the thickest part of the lamb loin.
    • Roast uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium.
    • The total roasting time for a standard 4-pound lamb crown roast is typically around 30 to 45 minutes.
  6. 6
    Rest the Lamb Roast
    • Once cooked, transfer the crown roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil.
    • Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. 7
    Carve and ServeCaramelized crown lamb roast recipe featuring lamb chops tied with a butcher's twine on a black grill grate, with the rib bones individually wrapped in gold-tinged aluminum foil during cooking.
    • Remove the twine, unwrap the foil from the ribs.
    • Use a sharp chef's knife and slice straight down between each of the rib bones.
    • Serve the individual lamb chops immediately, garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 4 oz per person

Amount Per Serving
Calories 410kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g47%
Saturated Fat 13g65%
Cholesterol 125mg42%
Sodium 280mg12%
Potassium 520mg15%
Protein 42g84%
Calcium 25 mg
Iron 2.4 mg
Vitamin K 4 mcg
Vitamin B12 2.5 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Wrap the rib bones to keep them clean and prevent charring, and ensure the foil cap over the tips stays secure during roasting.
  • Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat to confirm the doneness with a quick instant-read thermometer.
  • Make sure the butcher's twine is tied tightly enough to prevent the crown from flattening or separating.
  • Place the pan on a wire rack to brown the bottom crust evenly; if it stays pale, move it closer to the heat or improve airflow.
Read it online: https://tinakitchen.com/recipe/crown-roast-of-lamb/

We hope you enjoy making this recipe.

Happy cooking!