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Close-up of a golden-brown herb-crusted rack of lamb, resting on a wooden board with fresh thyme.

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb recipe

Elegant and flavorful, this herb-crusted rack of lamb is roasted to perfection with garlic and rosemary—perfect for Easter, spring dinners, or holidays.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 396
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 rack lamb (about 1½ – 2 lbs), frenched
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • ½ tbs freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds a flavorful base before adding the herb mixture) (Optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and allow it to fully come to temperature for an even roast.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon of thyme, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Massage the herb mixture thoroughly over the entire rack of lamb, ensuring every crevice is coated with the fragrant blend.
  4. Transfer the lamb to a baking sheet, bone side down, and roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your preferred level of doneness.
  5. Once removed from the oven, tent the lamb loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to retain its juices and deepen the flavor.
  6. Slice into elegant chops and serve immediately for a stunning presentation.

Notes

  • 🌿 For best flavor, use fresh herbs—especially rosemary and thyme.
  • 🕒 You can prepare the herb mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it to deepen the flavor.
  • 🔪 Be sure to let the lamb rest after roasting—this helps retain its juices for tender, perfectly cooked meat.
  • 🍷 This dish pairs beautifully with red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
  • 🥦 Serve with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh spring salad for a complete meal.
  • ❄️ Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
  • For best results, we recommend using a quality roasting pan to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup. If you're looking for a dependable option, this roasting pan  is a favorite—it's sturdy, easy to handle, and ideal for dishes like this Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb. 🐑
  • For perfectly cooked lamb, a meat thermometer takes out the guesswork.
    👉 Try this instant-read thermometer for quick and accurate results.