🍖🌿 Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb

Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb is a classic centerpiece dish featuring tender, juicy lamb infused with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and bright lemon flavors. Slow roasting creates a beautifully browned crust while keeping the inside succulent and flavorful—perfect for Easter, holidays, or a special family dinner.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Marinate: 2–24 hours (optional)
• Cook: 1½–2½ hours
• Rest: 20 minutes

Servings

8–10 servings

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Ingredients

Lamb

• 1 leg of lamb (5–7 lbs / 2.3–3.2 kg), bone-in or boneless
• 6 cloves garlic, sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Roasting Vegetables

• 2 lbs baby potatoes
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 onions, quartered
• 1 cup chicken or beef stock

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Lamb

1. Pat lamb dry with paper towels.
2. Make small cuts all over the lamb with a sharp knife.
3. Insert garlic slices and rosemary into the cuts.

2. Make the Herb Marinade

Mix together:

• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice and zest
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Rub the mixture generously all over the lamb.

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight.

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3. Roast the Lamb

1. Remove lamb from refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
3. Place lamb in a roasting pan with vegetables if using.
4. Roast for 20 minutes to create a golden crust.
5. Reduce heat to 325°F (165°C).

Continue roasting until desired doneness:

• Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
• Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
• Well done: 155°F+ (68°C+)

Approximate cooking time:

• About 20 minutes per pound after the initial high-heat roast.

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4. Rest & Serve

1. Remove lamb from oven.
2. Cover loosely with foil.
3. Rest for 20 minutes.
4. Slice against the grain.

Serve with pan juices or homemade gravy.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

🥔 Garlic mashed potatoes
🥕 Roasted vegetables
🥗 Greek salad
🍞 Crusty bread
🍷 Mint sauce or herb sauce

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Variations

🍋 Mediterranean Lamb

Add:

• Oregano
• Feta cheese
• Lemon potatoes

🌶 Moroccan-Inspired Lamb

Add:

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Paprika

🧄 Extra Garlic Herb Crust

Add:

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan
• Extra rosemary

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Tips for Perfect Roast Lamb

• Let the lamb come closer to room temperature before roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer for the best results.
• Resting is essential—it keeps the juices inside.
• Fresh rosemary and garlic create the signature flavor.

🍖🌿✨ A beautifully roasted leg of lamb is the perfect combination of herbaceous crust, tender meat, and rich savory flavor—a timeless centerpiece for any celebration.