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Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb: The Perfect Centerpiece

Two slices of medium-rare Rosemary roasted leg of lamb, seasoned with herbs, served on a white plate.
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Learn how to roast a leg of lamb seasoned with garlic and rosemary for a traditional, impressive centerpiece dish perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in leg of lamb (about 6–7 pounds)
  • 10 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Take the leg of lamb out of the refrigerator 2 hours before cooking to let it come closer to room temperature.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Make small incisions all over the lamb using a sharp paring knife. Insert the sliced garlic pieces into these cuts.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. Rub this herb and oil mixture all over the surface of the lamb, pressing it into the crevices.
  6. Place the seasoned leg of lamb in a roasting pan. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan.
  7. Roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
  8. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
  9. For medium-rare, remove the lamb when the thermometer reads 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Transfer the roast to a carving board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This resting period is key for juicy meat.

Notes

  • For a rustic carving board aesthetic, serve the lamb directly on a large wooden board after resting.
  • The internal temperature will rise about 5 degrees while resting, so pull it out slightly early if you prefer a true medium-rare.
  • If you want a crispier crust, you can briefly increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 10 minutes of cooking, watching carefully.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/rosemary-roasted-leg-of-lamb/