Celebrate Easter with a show-stopping main dish! This Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb is tender, juicy, and bursting with fresh flavors of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon. Perfect for a festive family dinner, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a refreshing mint sauce. Even if it’s your first time roasting a leg of lamb, this recipe is simple enough to follow and will impress everyone at the table.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins – 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins – 2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 whole leg of lamb

Ingredients

  • 1 whole leg of lamb (5–6 lbs), bone-in or boneless
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1–2 cups chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for pan sauce)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven: to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare herb rub: In a small bowl, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Season the lamb: Pat lamb dry. Rub herb mixture evenly all over the meat, pressing it into any crevices.
  4. Roast at high heat: Place lamb on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes to create a flavorful crust.
  5. Lower heat and continue roasting: Reduce oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Medium-rare: roast 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min (internal temp 130–135°F).
    • Medium: roast 1 hr 45 min (140–145°F).
    • Well-done: roast 2 hrs or more (150–160°F).
  6. Rest the meat: Remove from oven and let the lamb rest 15–20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  7. Optional pan sauce: Deglaze the roasting pan with chicken broth or wine, simmer for 5–7 minutes, and serve alongside the lamb.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 370mg

Conclusion

This Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb is the ultimate centerpiece for your Easter table. With a crisp herb crust and tender, juicy meat, it’s a dish that combines elegance with comfort. Serve with seasonal vegetables, potatoes, and your favorite sauce for a memorable holiday feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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