Is there a turkey-hater in your family? Believe it or not, some people out there just aren't turkey fans. If you or someone attending your holiday dinner is one of them, consider serving an alternative instead. Switch it up this year with one main dish that never, ever disappoints and make it a Prime Rib Thanksgiving feast.
While not everyone may be glad the turkey is gone, there's still something to be said for having an amazing, perfectly prepared meal. If you want your holiday drinks, apps, sides, and dessert to be just as prime as your rib, this list is for you. From your first sip to your last forkful, we've got everything you need to make before, during, and after serving prime rib.
Cocktails
Bourbon Mint Iced Tea
This cocktail is a refreshing take on a classic that will keep your palate cleansed throughout dinner. Just be careful how much you drink, this one disappears from the table quickly.
Luckily, it's best made in big batches so fill up a pitcher and let your guests enjoy every last drop before, during, and after your Prime Rib Thanksgiving dinner.
Appetizers
Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Having a heavy appetizer before a fat slab of the perfect prime rib is often too bold, so, in this case, fortune favors the seafaring.
Turn standard chilled shrimp with store-bought cocktail sauce into an aromatic homemade delight by trying out the Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp with Homemade Cocktail sauce recipe.
It will leave your palette ready for umami-packed red meat while also leaving plenty of room.
Brandade de Morue
Morue, French for cod, on its own may sound unappealing before eating a standing rib roast. When whipped with potatoes, milk, olive oil, and garlic, though, things certainly get interesting.
If you read the previous caption and were into the idea of seafood pre-prime rib but against the motif of keeping it light, this one's for you. Bon appétit, nos amis!
Main Course
The Best Prime Rib Ever
No matter where you are, you should be grilling your holiday prime rib because that smoky flavor is unlike any other. Serve this coked prime rib medium rare with a touch of creamy horseradish sauce to make this meal complete. We highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer (like this one) to check the internal temperature of the roast.
And like always, let the meat rest before carving.
Sides
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds
Prime rib is done justice by a side of green veggies. While serving creamed spinach may be familiar territory, we suggest going a little lighter with these Roasted Green Beans with Almonds. We love dressing this side dish with a bit of ground black pepper and kosher salt to finish.
Not only is the recipe heart-healthy, but it's also delicious and a great addition to beef.
Olive Oil and Sea Salt Oven-Roasted Crispy Potato Rounds
You can't mention great additions to beef without mentioning the time-tested side of the potato. Yes, we also love a standard baked potato and mashed potatoes, but we also love to experiment.
Salty, savory, roasted potato rounds will enhance your holiday dinner menu while additionally leaving you the option to snack sparingly or indulge, well, indulgently.
Desserts
Fresh Fruit Tart with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream
Managed to save enough room (or at least convince yourself that you have room) for dessert? Follow your salty, umami-based entree with a light, sweet, tart to end your perfectly planned prime rib experience.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
So this is both a dessert and a drink, but it is so rich, you will want to end your dinner with it. The red wine adds depth to the hot chocolate, and the spicy seasoning packs a palate-cleansing heat.
Oh, and did we mention red wine goes excellent with red meat?
This article was originally published on December 8, 2019.
