Name: Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 1 Leg of Lamb, cleaned, boned and tied (about 4-5 lbs); 1/2 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, minced; 2 teaspoons Table Salt; 2 teaspoons Cracked Black Pepper; 2 tablespoons Good Olive Oil; 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest; 2 Garlic Cloves, peeled and cut into 8 slivers; 1 Large Garlic Clove, peeled and minced; 2 tablespoons Hewitt’s Honey (local Alabama honey recommended); 1 cup Water; 1 tablespoon Flour (for gravy thickening)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

If you are craving a dish that is both irresistibly tender and bursting with bold, comforting flavors, then the Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy is exactly what you need to try next. This recipe brings together succulent lamb roasted to perfection with a beautifully aromatic rosemary honey gravy that elevates every bite. The harmony of savory herbs, sweet honey, and a hint of lemon zest creates a memorable experience that will impress family and friends alike. Trust me, once you try this Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy, it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component is essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, and even color, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

Leg of Lamb, Cleaned, Boned, and Tied: Choose a fresh leg for tender meat and ease of carving; removing excess fat ensures a cleaner flavor.
Fresh Rosemary, Minced: This herb adds a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the richness of lamb beautifully.
Garlic Cloves: Used both as slivers and minced, garlic infuses the lamb with pungent warmth and depth.
Table Salt: Essential for seasoning; it enhances the natural flavors and helps to create a savory crust.
Cracked Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and texture, balancing the sweet notes in the gravy.
Good Olive Oil: Helps to lock in moisture and ensures an even crust during roasting.
Lemon Zest: A bright, citrusy twist that cuts through the richness of the lamb and honey.
Hewitt’s Honey (or any good local honey): This adds a luscious, natural sweetness that melds with rosemary in the gravy.
Water: Used to create the base for the rosemary honey gravy and to keep the lamb moist during roasting.

How to Make Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy

Step 1: Trim the Lamb

Start by carefully trimming off any excess fat or silver skin from the leg of lamb. This step is crucial—it prevents greasy flavors and helps the seasoning penetrate the meat more effectively, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Season the Lamb

In a small bowl, combine the minced rosemary, table salt, and cracked black pepper. Rub this fragrant mixture all over the lamb with your hands—don’t be shy, getting your hands dirty here is part of the magic! Then drizzle and coat the lamb evenly with olive oil to lock in moisture as it roasts.

Step 3: Marinate

Wrap the seasoned lamb tightly in plastic wrap. If you have the time, refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld deeply into the meat. If you’re short on time, one hour will still allow the seasoning to shine through beautifully.

Step 4: Insert Garlic Slivers

Remove the lamb from the refrigerator and make eight small slits evenly spaced around the leg. Insert a garlic sliver into each slit. Let the lamb sit for 30 minutes at room temperature—this step ensures even roasting and lets that garlic flavor permeate the meat subtly.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While the lamb rests, preheat your oven to a smoking hot 450 degrees. This high heat at the start helps create a savory crust that seals in all those delicious juices.

Step 6: Roast the Lamb

Place your lamb in a Dutch oven and roast at 450 degrees for 15 minutes to beautifully sear the outside. Then, lower the temperature to 350 degrees and continue cooking the lamb for approximately 25 minutes per pound. Aim for medium-rare doneness (120 degrees on a meat thermometer) for the juiciest result.

Step 7: Prepare the Rosemary Honey Gravy

When the lamb’s internal temperature is about 30 degrees shy of your target, remove it from the oven. Drain off any excess fat from the pan, then add the large minced garlic clove, lemon zest, honey, and water. Pour these fragrant elements into the drippings, then return the lamb to the oven to finish cooking, allowing those flavors to meld.

Step 8: Rest the Lamb

Once your lamb is about 10 degrees below your perfect temperature, take it out of the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Loosely tent with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. Resting is key—it lets the juices redistribute and makes slicing the lamb much easier and mess-free!

Step 9: Make the Gravy

Back on the stovetop, add flour to the juices left in the Dutch oven. Stir constantly over medium heat with a whisk until the gravy thickens to a silky consistency. This luscious gravy is what makes this Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy so unforgettable.

Step 10: Serve

Strain the gravy into a serving dish for a smooth finish. Slice the rested lamb and generously smother with the rosemary honey gravy. This is the moment where the sweet, savory, and herbal notes come together in every bite to delight your palate.

How to Serve Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary sprigs and a few lemon wedges make perfect garnishes, adding a pop of green and an aroma that heightens the sensory experience. A light drizzle of extra honey on top of the gravy can also add a subtle sweetness to the presentation.

Side Dishes

Roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs, or creamy mashed potatoes, are classic companions that soak up the rosemary honey gravy beautifully. Steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette offer fresh contrast to this rich dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the lamb over a bed of fluffy couscous or alongside roasted root vegetables for a rustic, colorful plate. For special occasions, arrange thinly sliced lamb on a large wooden board with small bowls of gravy and seasonal garnishes for a communal feast vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover lamb tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for next-day sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

Leftover lamb slices can be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Freeze the rosemary honey gravy separately in small containers to maintain its texture and flavor when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat lamb gently in the oven at 300 degrees, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm the gravy on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, and pour over the meat just before serving to revive that luscious flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for a leg of lamb due to its size and tenderness, you can use a shoulder roast as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, since shoulder takes longer to become tender.

What if I don’t have local honey like Hewitt’s Honey?

Any good-quality honey will work wonderfully. The key is to use raw or natural honey if possible, as it offers richer flavor notes that complement the rosemary perfectly.

How can I make sure the lamb doesn’t dry out?

Trimming excess fat, marinating properly, and not overcooking the lamb are critical steps. Using a meat thermometer to reach the ideal internal temperature ensures juiciness.

Can I prepare this dish for a large group?

Absolutely! You can roast multiple legs of lamb or even a larger roast, just remember to adjust your roasting time and use a thermometer for perfect results every time.

Is there a vegetarian alternative with a similar flavor profile?

If you want the flavors without meat, try roasting hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant with rosemary, garlic, and honey glaze. While it won’t replicate the lamb exactly, the gravy and seasonings will deliver familiar, warm flavors.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Roasted Lamb with Rosemary Honey Gravy a try because it promises a wonderful combination of rustic charm and gourmet delight. It’s the sort of dish that brings people together, fills the kitchen with incredible aromas, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a special holiday or a weekend indulgence, this recipe will warm your heart and your taste buds alike.