Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, is a luxurious and flavorful cut of beef that’s often the centerpiece of a festive Christmas dinner. Its rich marbling and tender meat make it a favorite for holiday celebrations. However, to create a memorable meal, it’s essential to complement the prime rib with a variety of side dishes, sauces, and desserts that enhance its flavor and create a well-rounded dining experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to make with prime rib for your Christmas dinner.
Starters and Appetizers
1. Shrimp Cocktail
A classic shrimp cocktail is a light and elegant starter that won’t overshadow the main course. The crisp, chilled shrimp paired with a tangy cocktail sauce awakens the palate without being too heavy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Boil the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Chill the shrimp in ice water immediately to stop the cooking process.
- Serve the shrimp on a platter with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a savory appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with a variety of fillings such as cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 20 large mushroom caps
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove stems from the mushroom caps and chop them finely.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped stems and onions until soft.
- Mix the sautéed mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap with the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
- Side Dishes
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pair perfectly with prime rib. Adding roasted garlic enhances the flavor, making them even more delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup roasted garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add roasted garlic, heavy cream, and butter.
- Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is a traditional British side dish often served with prime rib. These light and airy popovers are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the roast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup beef drippings or vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, and salt until smooth.
- Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Pour beef drippings or oil into a muffin tin and heat in the oven until very hot.
- Pour the batter into the hot muffin tin, filling each cup halfway.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
5. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish featuring fresh green beans and toasted almonds. It adds a nice crunch and a burst of color to the dinner plate.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and toast the almonds until golden brown.
- Add the green beans and lemon juice to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavor of prime rib. It’s also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and chop.
- In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauces and Condiments
SEE ALSO: What is Considered Christmas Food?
7. Horseradish Cream Sauce
A tangy horseradish cream sauce is a traditional accompaniment to prime rib, adding a zesty contrast to the rich meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together sour cream, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Au Jus
Au jus is a simple beef sauce made from the drippings of the roast. It’s perfect for dipping slices of prime rib and adds extra moisture and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- Pan drippings from the prime rib
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- After roasting the prime rib, pour off most of the fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat and add the flour, stirring to make a roux.
- Gradually add the beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Desserts
9. Classic Christmas Pudding
A traditional Christmas pudding is a rich and fruity dessert that’s often served with brandy butter or custard. Its deep flavors and moist texture make it a festive favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup suet or butter, grated
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together raisins, currants, candied peel, suet or butter, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, and flour.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the brandy and spices.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased pudding basin, cover with parchment paper and foil, and steam for 6 hours.
- Allow the pudding to cool, then store in a cool, dry place until Christmas.
- Reheat by steaming for 2 hours before serving.
10. Buche de Noel (Yule Log)
The Buche de Noel is a traditional French Christmas dessert that resembles a Yule log. It’s a sponge cake filled with cream and covered in chocolate ganache, often decorated with meringue mushrooms.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate ganache
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
- Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder, then fold into the egg mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lined jelly roll pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then turn out onto a clean tea towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Roll up the cake in the towel and let it cool.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake, spread with whipped cream, and roll it up again.
- Cover the cake with chocolate ganache and decorate as desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prime rib is a luxurious and flavorful choice for Christmas dinner, offering a variety of cooking methods and serving options to suit every palate. Whether you stick to tradition or explore new flavor combinations, your Christmas feast is sure to be a memorable and delicious occasion with prime rib as the star attraction.
Related Topics:
