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Make the season more savory with the best Christmas lamb recipes. From simple roasted rack of lamb to lamb roasts, here you’ll be able to find just the right festive recipe for Christmas dinner.
There’s something undeniably festive about a perfectly cooked leg of lamb at Christmas. It’s rich, flavorful, and feels just a little more special than your usual holiday roast.
Whether you’re serving a classic roasted leg, braised shanks, or elegant rack of lamb, lamb is an impressive centerpiece to add to your holiday table (without being intimidating to cook). This roundup gathers the best lamb recipes, tips, and ideas to make your Christmas feast both delicious and stress-free.
Why Cook Lamb for Christmas?
Lamb has a way of making a holiday meal feel elevated! Its natural richness and tender texture create a sense of occasion that your usual slow roast chicken or turkey can’t quite match.
Plus, lamb pairs beautifully with bold herbs, winter vegetables, and festive sauces, giving you endless flavor possibilities. Cooking lamb for Christmas is a nod to tradition, a chance to wow your guests, and a fantastic way to make your holiday feast memorable.
our favorite christmas lamb recipes
BBQ Rack of Lamb
If you think that lamb recipes seem intimidating, this BBQ rack of lamb recipe will change your grilling game for good. Tender, juicy, and packed with an herbaceous kick, it balances a garlicky marinade with subtle honey sweetness and a tang from apple cider vinegar.
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Sauce
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Sauce is THE holiday meal you’ll serve year and year (and that the entire family will beg you for every single time). The herb mixture on the lamb brings out the delicious gamey flavor, and the red wine sauce is just the right savory, sultry sauce to top it all off with. It’s a dinner party hit, every single time!
Ancho Chili Rubbed Leg of Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce
What’s smoky, spicy and will make your Easter dinner more memorable than ever? Easy-to-make Ancho Chili Rubbed Leg of Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce, that’s what.
Herb Goat Cheese Stuffed Leg of Lamb
Herb Goat Cheese Stuffed Leg of Lamb is just the centerpiece for your upcoming Easter celebrations. A rich and creamy mixture of fresh herbs and goat cheese fills the tender lamb, making it a dinner to remember! Served alongside easy rosemary roasted root vegetables, your Easter dinner just got a whole heck of a lot easier.
Chipotle Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb
Chipotle Coffee Crusted Rack of Lamb is a smoky, savory stunner of an entree that’s doused in an easy red wine sauce. The crust locks in all the juiciness of the meat, and you’ll be shocked just how easy it is to create. It makes for an amazing Spring dinner, especially for Easter!
Lamb Marinade
An easy and delicious lamb marinade is the secret to turning a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience. No matter if you’re making lamb chops, a rack of lamb, or a leg of lamb, this easy marinade brings bold flavors that enhance the natural richness of the meat.
Walnut-Crusted Lamb Chops
Crisp, golden walnut-crusted lamb chops ready in under 30 minutes. Rich, flavorful, and cooked entirely on the stovetop, this dish makes a show-stopping holiday or weeknight dinner.
Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb
A juicy, flavorful boneless leg of lamb that steals the show on any holiday table. Pair it with roasted potatoes and mint chimichurri for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Slow Cooker Italian Lamb Shoulder
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfectly juicy every time, this Italian-inspired dish works for cozy weeknights, festive holidays, or casual dinners with friends.
Dutch Oven Braised Lamb Shanks
Fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shanks braised to perfection. Deeply flavorful, comforting, and ready with minimal prep, this dish is ideal for special dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Chinese Five-Spice Roasted Lamb
Juicy roasted lamb infused with a warm, aromatic blend of Chinese five-spice. A simple yet elegant recipe that elevates your holiday or dinner table with bold, balanced flavors.
Lamb Lollipops
Delicate and flavorful lamb lollipops, easy to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining. Marinated, seared, and served with a fresh herby yogurt sauce, they’re perfect for a fun appetizer or main dish.
Smoked Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops with a subtle smoky flavor and a perfect sear. Rich, savory, and satisfying, these smoked chops are a show-stopping dinner without the fuss.
Irish Lamb Stew
Hearty chunks of lamb simmered with bacon, vegetables, and herbs in a rich broth. This classic Irish stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days, offering layers of deep, savory flavor.
Roast Leg of Lamb
Oven-roasted to perfection, this leg of lamb is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, it’s a foolproof centerpiece for holidays or Sunday dinners.
Easy Lamb Roast
Simple, aromatic, and bursting with flavor, this easy lamb roast is a surefire way to impress at any holiday feast. Succulent meat that’s as stunning as it is effortless.
Roast Lamb Stuffed with Rosemary and Garlic
Juicy roast lamb infused with rosemary and garlic for maximum flavor. Perfect for special occasions, it pairs beautifully with buttered parsley potatoes and a festive table spread.
Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Lamb Shoulder
A rich, hearty shepherd’s pie made with tender roasted lamb shoulder. Savory, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner for family or friends.
Must-Haves for Making Lamb
There are a few tools that really help you nail the best lamb recipe. First, have a meat thermometer handy to make sure you know exactly when the lamb hits the right temperature/doneness.
For slicing, have a sharp chef’s knife or butcher’s knife ready. A cutting board as well, particularly one with a ridge to catch the juices.
What to Serve with Christmas Lamb
Lamb loves bold flavors and hearty sides. Roasted or mashed potatoes, winter root vegetables, or a red wine jus are natural companions. You can also play with seasonal greens like Brussels sprouts or green beans, creamy gratins, or even a vibrant citrus salad to balance the richness.
Need more inspiration for holiday cooking? Check out my holiday recipes page!
Feel free to drop questions below, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
