This garlic rosemary roast leg of lamb is the perfect holiday dinner. Full of garlic and fresh herb flavor and roasted to perfection.

Are you craving the most delicious roasted leg of lamb recipe?

Well, I’ve got you covered with this tasty lamb recipe, which is paired with lots of fresh herbs and garlic.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s great for holiday dinners (Hello, Easter, and Thanksgiving!) or a simple weekend family meal. It’s the perfect all-year recipe!

For my spice rub on top, I used lots of grated garlic and minced fresh herbs. This combination is easy and affordable, and I grow both herbs in my herb garden, which is a plus!

I placed full heads of garlic and whole sprigs of rosemary around the lamb for extra aromatics and flavor while roasting.

Plus, you’ll be left with roasted garlic, which is delicious to have on hand! Try it on my Roasted Garlic Chicken Pizza!

Need more roasted meat recipes? Try my Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin, Garlic Herb Maple Roast Turkey, Roasted Cornish Hens, or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.

Do you have a different cut of lamb in mind? Try this succulent lamb breast recipe!

Ingredients for roast leg of lamb

• Boneless leg of lamb – I’m using a 6-pound boneless leg of lamb for this recipe.
• Fresh garlic – I use grated fresh cloves and whole heads of garlic.
• Olive oil – This helps coat the lamb.
• Fresh mint – Just a touch for herby flavor.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs – I love the intense flavors of rosemary with lamb.
• Ground pepper – Just a pinch!
• Kosher salt – Gotta love salt for perfectly flavored meat!

How to cook lamb in the oven

Making lamb might feel intimidating, but I swear it’s easy!

1. Preheat your oven and add lamb to a large roasting pan with high sides.
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
3. Rub your mixture over the outside of the lamb.
4. Add the garlic bulbs and extra rosemary to the roasting pan surrounding the lamb.
5. Roast your lamb until it is done and at the desired internal temperature.

You can use a large, high-sided roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Cast iron leg of lamb is delicious and homey!

Adaptations and changes

If you want to make a few changes, you can adapt this recipe in a few tasty ways.

• Zest a lemon and add the lemon zest to the olive oil mixture.
• Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
• Use other fresh herbs like fresh thyme or oregano.
• Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the zip.
• Serve with jarred mint sauce near the jams and jellies in the grocery store.
• You can use bone-in leg of lamb but must adjust the cooking time.

What to serve with lamb

Carb side dishes

• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
• The Best Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad
• Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
• Instant Pot Mashed Butternut Squash
• Moroccan Couscous with Chickpeas

Veggie side dishes

• Roasted Asparagus
• Grilled Zucchini
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Simple Roasted Cabbage

How to serve leg of lamb

You can serve lamb in various ways, but here are a few of my favorites!

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, try stuffing sliced lamb in pita bread (it’s excellent with tzatziki sauce!) or putting it between a soft sandwich bun.

Are you craving it plain? Serve your lamb slices with any of the side dishes I link above!

Chop it up and cook it with potatoes and vegetables to make a breakfast hash. It’s extra delicious if you serve a fried or poached egg on top.

Internal temperature of cooked lamb

This handy chart shows exactly what you need to roast your lamb perfectly. Now, whatever doneness you desire, you will have the perfect internal temperature!

Tips for buying lamb

I like to get my lamb from butcher stores or smaller meat markets. They often have fresher lamb and more selection.

Never buy lamb labeled “mutton,” as it refers to older lambs so that the meat may be tough or gamey.

Tips and tricks to make lamb perfectly

Here a few tips to making the BEST roast lamb recipe!

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the lamb. This ensures perfectly cooked meat every single time!
• Line the bottom of your roasting pan with foil to help collect the fat that will cook off the lamb roast.
• Buy fresh, young lamb, as it’s less gamey and more robust in flavor. If you see mutton, do not buy it, as it’s an older lamb and will be tough.
• DO NOT cut the netting off the lamb before it is fully cooked. If you do, the lamb will unroll and not hold its roast shape.

Storage and leftovers

Store any leftover lamb in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If properly stored, leftover lamb can be frozen for up to three months. To properly store lamb meat in the freezer, add it to a freezer-safe ziptop baggie, remove the air from the bag, and place it in the freezer.

More delicious lamb recipes

• Love grilled lamb chops? Try my Grilled Lamb Chops with Pistachio Mint Pesto.
• Craving soup? Try my Lamb Meatball Couscous Soup.
• Do you love a one-pot meal? Try my Moroccan Lamb Couscous.
• Want a twist to a classic Italian dish? Try my Lamb Bolognese.
• Need an easy and filling appetizer or dinner? Try my Greek Topped Hummus.