7 Ways To Cook Lamb Chops For Christmas

Lamb chops are a popular choice for Christmas dinner, and for good reason. They're tender, flavorful, and can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit any taste. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, lamb chops are a great option for a special occasion like Christmas. In this article, we'll explore seven ways to cook lamb chops for Christmas, along with some tips and tricks to help you achieve perfection.

Lamb chops are a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from grilled to pan-seared to oven-roasted. They're also a great choice for Christmas because they're easy to cook in large quantities, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, they're relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of meat, making them a great value for the price.

One of the best things about lamb chops is their rich, gamey flavor. This makes them a great choice for Christmas, when you want to serve something special and memorable. Plus, they pair well with a variety of flavors, from traditional herbs like rosemary and thyme to more exotic spices like cumin and coriander.

1. Grilled Lamb Chops with Herb Butter

Grilling is a great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a quick and easy option. This method allows you to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. To make grilled lamb chops with herb butter, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix together some softened butter, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then brush them with the herb butter. Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Tips for Grilling Lamb Chops

• Make sure to oil the grates before grilling to prevent the lamb chops from sticking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don't press down on the lamb chops with your spatula, as this can squeeze out juices and make them tough.

2. Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Red Wine Reduction

Pan-searing is another great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a more tender and juicy result. This method allows you to achieve a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. To make pan-seared lamb chops with red wine reduction, start by heating some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Meanwhile, reduce some red wine in a saucepan until it's almost syrupy, then serve it over the lamb chops.

Tips for Pan-Seared Lamb Chops

• Use a hot skillet to achieve a nice crust on the lamb chops.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the lamb chops from cooking evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

3. Oven-Roasted Lamb Chops with Garlic and Lemon

Oven-roasting is a great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a hands-off option. This method allows you to achieve a tender and flavorful result with minimal effort. To make oven-roasted lamb chops with garlic and lemon, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, mix together some minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and rosemary. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then rub them with the garlic and lemon mixture. Roast the lamb chops in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Tips for Oven-Roasted Lamb Chops

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the lamb chops from cooking evenly.
• Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

4. Slow Cooker Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Potatoes

Slow cooking is a great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a hands-off option. This method allows you to achieve a tender and flavorful result with minimal effort. To make slow cooker lamb chops with rosemary and potatoes, start by seasoning the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then brown them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, chop some potatoes and onions, then add them to the slow cooker with some chicken broth and chopped fresh rosemary. Add the browned lamb chops to the slow cooker, then cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the lamb chops are tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

Tips for Slow Cooker Lamb Chops

• Use a slow cooker with a thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don't overcrowd the slow cooker, as this can prevent the lamb chops from cooking evenly.
• Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

5. Grilled Lamb Chops with Chimichurri Sauce

Grilling is a great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a quick and easy option. This method allows you to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. To make grilled lamb chops with chimichurri sauce, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix together some chopped fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then brush them with the chimichurri sauce. Grill the lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they're cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Tips for Grilled Lamb Chops with Chimichurri Sauce

• Make sure to oil the grates before grilling to prevent the lamb chops from sticking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don't press down on the lamb chops with your spatula, as this can squeeze out juices and make them tough.

6. Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Lemon and Capers

Pan-searing is another great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a more tender and juicy result. This method allows you to achieve a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. To make pan-seared lamb chops with lemon and capers, start by heating some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they're browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Meanwhile, mix together some lemon juice, chopped capers, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve the lamb chops with the lemon and caper sauce spooned over the top.

Tips for Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Lemon and Capers

• Use a hot skillet to achieve a nice crust on the lamb chops.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the lamb chops from cooking evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

7. Oven-Roasted Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary

Oven-roasting is a great way to cook lamb chops, especially if you're looking for a hands-off option. This method allows you to achieve a tender and flavorful result with minimal effort. To make oven-roasted lamb chops with garlic and rosemary, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, mix together some minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, and olive oil. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper, then rub them with the garlic and rosemary mixture. Roast the lamb chops in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they're cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Tips for Oven-Roasted Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the lamb chops from cooking evenly.
• Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

We hope these seven ways to cook lamb chops for Christmas have inspired you to try something new and delicious. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, lamb chops are a great choice for a special occasion like Christmas. With their rich, gamey flavor and tender texture, they're sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

We'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite way to cook lamb chops? Do you have a special recipe or technique that you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below!