The perfect centerpiece for your holiday table
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for Easter dinner. As spring blossoms outside, the dining room fills with familiar aromas that signal it’s time to celebrate. In my family, nothing says “Easter feast” quite like a perfectly roasted leg of lamb.
This herb-crusted lamb roast has become our traditional centerpiece, and for good reason. The aromatic herbs create a fragrant crust, while the meat remains tender and juicy inside. It’s impressive enough for a special occasion but surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why Lamb for Easter?
Lamb has been the traditional Easter meat for centuries. The tradition stems from religious symbolism, but even for those who celebrate Easter as a secular spring holiday, lamb represents the season perfectly. It’s a versatile, flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with spring’s first vegetables.
The bone-in leg cut I use provides excellent flavor and helps keep the meat moist during roasting. The herb crust not only adds wonderful flavor but creates a beautiful presentation when sliced.
The Perfect Herb Crust
The magic of this recipe lies in its herb crust. Fresh rosemary and thyme create an aromatic blanket that infuses the meat as it cooks. Garlic adds depth, while Dijon mustard acts as both a flavor enhancer and a binding agent for the herbs. A touch of lemon juice brightens everything up.
I strongly recommend using fresh herbs rather than dried for this recipe. The difference in flavor is remarkable, and during spring, fresh herbs are typically abundant and affordable.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-pound) leg of lamb, bone-in
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lamb
Begin by taking your lamb out of the refrigerator about an hour before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Create the Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should form a thick paste that will adhere nicely to the meat.
3. Season the Lamb
Pat the lamb dry with paper towels. Using your hands, massage the herb mixture all over the lamb, making sure to cover every surface. Don’t be shy – really work it into the meat. Let the seasoned lamb rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to begin penetrating the meat.
4. Roast to Perfection
Place the lamb in a roasting pan, preferably on a rack to allow air to circulate underneath. If you don’t have a rack, you can create a natural one by placing thick onion slices or carrot chunks under the lamb.
Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the bone):
- 125°F for rare
- 135°F for medium-rare (my recommendation)
- 145°F for medium
- 160°F for well done
5. Rest Before Serving
This step is crucial! Remove the lamb from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when you cut into it.
Serving Suggestions
Carve the lamb by slicing perpendicular to the bone. The bone-in presentation makes for a beautiful centerpiece, but you can have your butcher remove it if you prefer easier carving.
For the perfect Easter feast, serve your herb-crusted lamb with:
- Roasted baby potatoes with rosemary
- Fresh spring asparagus
- A bright spring salad with radishes and young greens
- A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Côtes du Rhône
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the herb rub up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. You can also season the lamb up to 24 hours before cooking – in fact, this extra marinating time will enhance the flavor! Just keep the seasoned lamb covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before roasting.
Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, thinly sliced lamb makes incredible sandwiches the next day. It’s also delicious in a Greek-inspired wrap with tzatziki sauce, or chopped and added to a spring vegetable soup.
This herb-crusted lamb roast isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of spring, family, and tradition. Whether you’re hosting a large Easter gathering or an intimate dinner, this recipe is sure to create lasting memories around your table.
What special dishes do you prepare for your Easter celebration? I’d love to hear about your traditions in the comments below!
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, Black and Stainless Steel (70730)
$54.99 (as of March 8, 2025 15:03 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hamilton Beach Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper for Slicing, Shredding, Mincing, and Puree, 10 Cups + Easy Clean Bowl Scraper, White and Stainless Steel (70733)
$54.99 (as of March 8, 2025 20:53 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
