Name: Best Roasted Leg of Lamb
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5–6 lbs bone-in leg of lamb; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 lbs baby potatoes (optional)

Juicy, flavorful, and impossibly tender, this Best Roasted Leg of Lamb is the centerpiece your table deserves. With a golden-brown crust of garlic, rosemary, and herbs, this dish is the perfect balance of rustic comfort and elegant celebration. Whether you’re preparing an Easter feast, a holiday dinner, or simply indulging in a weekend roast, this lamb will steal the spotlight.

What makes this leg of lamb stand out is the perfect seasoning crust and low-and-slow roasting that locks in flavor without drying the meat. Paired with roasted potatoes and a touch of pan juices, every bite is pure comfort. It’s a dish that brings people together and sparks compliments all night long.

What Kind of Lamb Should I Use?

For the juiciest results, choose a bone-in leg of lamb, preferably around 5 to 6 pounds. The bone adds incredible flavor and helps the meat cook evenly. Opt for lamb that’s well-marbled, and if possible, grass-fed for a richer taste.

Ingredients for the Best Roasted Leg of Lamb

Bone-in leg of lamb (5 to 6 lbs): The star of the show—choose quality lamb for the most tender result.
Fresh garlic cloves: Mashed into a paste, garlic forms the aromatic base of the herb crust.
Fresh rosemary and thyme: These herbs bring that signature woodsy, savory flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the herbs stick and creates a perfect roasting crust.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the deep, rich lamb flavor.
Lemon zest: Adds brightness and balance to the herb rub.
Baby potatoes (optional side): Roast them in the same pan to soak up the flavors.

How To Make the Best Roasted Leg of Lamb

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rub

Combine mashed garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until it forms a thick paste.

Step 2: Score and Season

Use a sharp knife to score the lamb lightly all over. Rub the herb paste thoroughly into all the crevices and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight in the fridge.

Step 3: Bring to Room Temperature

Before roasting, allow the lamb to come to room temperature for even cooking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Roast the Lamb

Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting pan. If adding potatoes, scatter them around the base with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning. Roast uncovered for about 1 hour and 45 minutes (about 20 minutes per pound) or until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing. This locks in juices and ensures tender slices.

Serving and Storing Roasted Leg of Lamb

This lamb is best served fresh out of the oven with the pan juices spooned over the top. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temp to retain moisture, or slice cold for sandwiches and salads.

What to Serve With Roasted Leg of Lamb?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and smooth—a classic pairing that soaks up the pan drippings perfectly.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

For a crisp, cheesy contrast. Try these Roasted Parmesan Green Beans to round out your plate.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

A decadent, cheesy side to please the crowd. Find the recipe here: Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re going all out, these indulgent Au Gratin Potatoes will elevate the feast.

Buttery Stuffed Artichokes

Add a Mediterranean flair to your meal with tender, breadcrumb-filled Buttery Stuffed Artichokes.

Simple Arugula Salad

Balance the richness with a peppery green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

Warm Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread

For mopping up the juices—non-negotiable!

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this roasted lamb, you’ll probably enjoy these hearty mains and cozy casseroles too:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for crispy-cheesy satisfaction.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy, indulgent twist.
Creamy Beef and Shells for a quick weeknight crowd-pleaser.
Italian Sausage Soup to cozy up your cold nights.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni if you’re craving a creamy pasta fix.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with classic sides or add your own twist? Did you go medium-rare or well-done?

I love hearing how others bring recipes to life. Drop your tips and questions below—let’s cook and learn together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to dinner favorites!

Best Roasted Leg of Lamb

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Bring elegance and comfort to your table with this Best Roasted Leg of Lamb. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest, then roasted to tender perfection, this dish is ideal for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or when you simply want to impress. Serve it alongside cozy sides like mashed potatoes or au gratin, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal at home. It’s a classic main dish for easy dinner ideas, special occasion meals, or your weekly food ideas rotation. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy recipe that delivers bold flavor and tenderness.