Easter Garlic Butter Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe
Introduction
This Easter Garlic Butter Roasted Leg of Lamb is a succulent, flavorful centerpiece perfect for your holiday table. Infused with fresh garlic, rosemary, and lemon, it’s tender and aromatic, sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in leg of lamb
- 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic and chopped rosemary to form a fragrant paste.
- Step 3: Season the leg of lamb generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Step 4: Rub the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the lamb.
- Step 5: Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the lamb before placing it on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Step 6: Roast the lamb for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Step 7: Let the lamb rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense rosemary flavor, insert slivers of garlic and small rosemary sprigs directly into shallow cuts in the lamb before roasting.
- If you prefer your lamb more well done, roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) or higher.
- Add a splash of red wine or broth to the roasting pan to create a flavorful jus for serving.
Storage
Store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the meat. Leftover lamb also makes great sandwiches or salads.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter paste up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before spreading on the lamb.
What side dishes go well with roasted leg of lamb?
Classic sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad. These complement the rich flavors of the lamb nicely.
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Easter Garlic Butter Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easter Garlic Butter Roasted Leg of Lamb recipe features tender, juicy leg of lamb infused with a fragrant garlic and rosemary butter. Roasted to perfection with a hint of lemon juice, this classic dish is perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 bone-in leg of lamb
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the leg of lamb evenly.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary to create a flavorful and aromatic paste.
- Season Lamb: Generously season the bone-in leg of lamb with salt and pepper all over to enhance its natural flavors.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Evenly rub the garlic butter mixture all over the lamb, making sure every surface is coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lamb to add a bright, tangy layer of flavor before roasting.
- Roast Lamb: Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness.
- Rest: Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.
- Serve: Carve the lamb and serve it alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete Easter meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Letting the lamb rest is crucial to maintain juiciness.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the lamb with the garlic butter mixture a few hours or overnight before roasting.
- If preferred, adjust roasting time for desired doneness: 125°F for rare, 145°F for medium.
- Leftover lamb makes great sandwiches or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: leg of lamb, garlic butter, roasted lamb, Easter recipe, rosemary lamb, oven roasted lamb
