Smoked Garlic Butter Prime Rib

December 15, 2025

Christmas has a way of slowing everything down, inviting longer conversations, shared meals, and moments that feel unhurried. Smoked Garlic Butter Prime Rib offers a holiday dish meant to be enjoyed over time, surrounded by people who matter most. Built for December gatherings that stretch well past sunset, this recipe suits celebrations where the table stays full and the evening unfolds at a comfortable pace.

Holiday cooking often works best when preparation supports the flow of the day. Prime rib prepared outdoors relies on steady heat and gentle smoke, reducing the need for hands-on attention once it's underway. Garlic butter melts gradually across the surface, layering rich flavor while the roast cooks evenly. That approach keeps hosts present with guests instead of tied to the kitchen, making the experience feel relaxed from start to finish.

Outdoor cooking during winter brings its own kind of charm. Crisp air, glowing fire features, and well-defined spaces turn patios into places where people naturally gather. Prime rib fits this environment because it rewards patience rather than constant adjustments, offering reliable results with minimal interruption. Served alongside seasonal sides, each slice reflects the care taken without demanding constant oversight.

Great holiday meals are remembered not only for their taste but also for the setting in which they're shared. Outdoor spaces designed for winter use support that memory-making, creating room to cook, serve, and linger comfortably through the evening. Pavers guide movement, fireplaces add warmth, and outdoor dining areas keep everyone connected as the night goes on. Christmas feels richer when celebrations extend beyond the inside of the home to the outdoors.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor spaces? Nicolock Paving Stones has everything from pavers to fireplaces for outdoor living at its best. Whether you need a new grill or an outdoor kitchen refresh, explore Nicolock’s outdoor dining products and discover more seasonal inspiration in our growing collection of recipes.

Serves 4

Smoked Garlic Butter Prime Rib Ingredients

• 1 8-10 pound bone-in prime rib roast

Garlic Herb Butter

• 16 ounces of butter, softened
• 8 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper

Smoked Garlic Butter Prime Rib Directions

1. Preheat. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F for indirect cooking. I recommend oak or hickory for this recipe.
2. Prep the prime rib. While the grill is warming up, prepare your roast. Trim any excess fat from the top of the roast down to 1/4 inch thick. Season on all sides with an even sprinkling of salt and pepper.
3. Slather in garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Slather the entire roast with the garlic butter.
4. Smoke. Place the roast on a flat rack elevated above a baking sheet on the smoker. Close the lid, and smoke the roast until the internal temperature reaches 120 degrees F for Rare or 128 degrees F for Medium. For a rare, bone-in roast, plan on 35 minutes per pound of prime rib.
5. Rest. Remove the roast to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. Strain the butter and drippings from the baking sheet into a separate bowl and set aside. While the roast is resting, increase the grill temperature to 400 degrees F.
6. Sear the roast. Once the grill is up to temperature, return the roast to the grill and sear until you reach your desired internal temperature. Pull the roast off at 130 degrees F for rare, 135 degrees F for medium rare, or 140 degrees F for medium. This process should go quickly, so keep a close eye on your temperature.
7. Rest, slice, and serve. Remove the prime rib to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle the reserved butter and drippings over the roast for an extra decadent finish.

Taken from heygrillhey.com