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Perfect Herb-Crusted Easter Lamb

herb-crusted Easter lamb - featured image

A tender, flavorful leg of lamb roasted with a fresh herb crust of rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, perfect for festive occasions like Easter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in leg of lamb, about 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, kosher or sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free alternative or omit)

Instructions

  1. Remove the leg of lamb from the fridge about an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Mix until paste-like. Stir in breadcrumbs if using.
  3. Season the lamb generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Spread the herb mixture evenly over the lamb, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place lamb on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  6. Roast uncovered until internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium, about 75 minutes.
  7. If crust browns too quickly, tent lamb with foil halfway through roasting.
  8. Remove lamb from oven and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Slice thinly against the grain and serve.

Notes

Bring lamb to room temperature before cooking for even roasting. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast. Save pan drippings for gravy. Rest meat before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb-crusted lamb, Easter lamb recipe, roasted leg of lamb, festive lamb, easy lamb recipe, herb crust, holiday dinner