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Home » Recipes » Meat

Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Published: Feb 9, 2023 by Coley · This post may contain affiliate links.

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DIJON HERB CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB | Amazing easy baked lamb recipe with dijon mustard and herbed breadcrumbs! Perfect lamb chops recipe for holidays, Valentines Day, New Years Eve. #lamb #chops #recipe #winter #rackoflamb #dinner| ColeyCooks.com

This Dijon herb crusted rack of lamb is an easy, yet impressive dinner for two. Roasted to succulent, juicy perfection, this restaurant quality rack of lamb is perfect for a special dinner date night.

Top view of three Dijon crusted lamb chops set on a blue dinner plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Rack of lamb is a sophisticated cut of meat that's ideal for a fancy dinner at home. If you typically cook beef or steak for special occasions, switch it up and try lamb instead. It has a mild, slightly minerally flavor that's tamed by the herbed breadcrumbs and tangy Dijon mustard.

This recipe is not only easy to make, it's also really elegant and impressive to serve. It produces thick, meaty lamb chops that are incredibly juicy and flavorful thanks to a crunchy Dijon herb crust.

Serve this Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb for an anniversary, birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas or Easter!

Why this recipe works

  • Serves 2 so it's perfect for date night, but can be scaled up to serve more.
  • Roasting whole keeps it succulent, tender and juicy.
  • Relies on temperature - not time - to cook to perfection.
  • The lamb is seared first to add flavor and lock in moisture.
  • Dijon mustard and fresh rosemary are the perfect compliments to the meaty lamb.
Close up of three lamb chops set on their side on a dinner plate.

Essential Ingredients

  • Rack of Lamb - Purchase a small, high quality rack of lamb about 1 ½ - 2 pounds in size. Smaller racks of lamb tend to be more tender and less gamey. Look for lamb that's well marbled and has been "Frenched" (or ask your butcher to do it), which means that the meat, fat and gristle have been scraped away from the top rib bones. Look for USDA choice, Prime or Australian lamb.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs - It's important to use Panko bread crumbs and not regular bread crumbs, as they are much lighter and will produce a crispier crust.
  • Dijon Mustard - Use a high quality Dijon mustard such as Grey Poupon or Maille. Avoid generic or store brand mustards as they tend to be lower quality and lack in flavor.
  • Herbs and Seasonings - These lamb chops are seasoned with a combination of fresh rosemary, fresh mint and fresh flat leaf parsley as well as lemon zest and black pepper. You can use any combination of those herbs, but avoid using dry herbs. You can also add a few minced garlic cloves, parmesan cheese or any other seasonings you like.

Helpful Equipment

  • Meat Probe Instant-Read Thermometer - A good quality probe thermometer is essential for roasting a whole rack of lamb and one of my most valued kitchen gadgets. It tells you exactly when your meat is at the perfect temperature, eliminating any and all guess work. All you have to do is stick it in the meat, set the temperature, throw it in the oven and wait for it to beep.
DIjon and herb crusted lamb chops on a blue plate with a sprig of rosemary.

Step by step instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Trim the majority of the fat cap off the top of the lamb, then season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. 
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the lamb until browned on all sides.
  4. In the meantime, combine breadcrumbs, lemon zest, mint, parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper and olive oil in a small bowl, then mix until well combined.
  5. When the lamb is browned, remove it from the skillet and set on a roasting pan or baking sheet. 
  6. Spread the Dijon mustard over the top of the lamb in an even coating, then press the breadcrumb mixture on top. 
  7. Gently pat the breadcrumbs down so that they stick and form a crust. Let sit for about 10 minutes to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
  8. Roast on the top rack of the oven until the lamb reaches your desired internal temperature - use an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. 130 degrees F is perfect for medium-rare. 
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the lamb to rest for 10-15 minutes. 
  10. Carefully slice into double chops - you will lose some breadcrumbs in the process but that's okay.
  11. Arrange on plates and top with any remaining breadcrumbs. 

Meat Temperatures

Use these temperatures as a guideline for cooking a rack of lamb.

  • Rare: 120 degrees F
  • Medium-Rare: 130 degrees F (recommended)
  • Medium: 140 degrees F
  • Medium-Well to Well-Done: 145-150 degrees F - don't go any higher than this.
  • A rack of lamb coated with herb dijon and crusted in the oven.
  • A rack of lamb on a wood cutting board with several chops cut off.

Tips for success

  • Remove the rack of lamb from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking so it can come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
  • If using a larger rack of lamb or making more than one at a time, double the mustard and herb Panko breadcrumb mixture. 
  • Be sure to remove the fat cap on the top of the lamb of that there's not a thick layer of fat between the meat and crust.
  • Allow the lamb to sit for at least 10 minutes before roasting to help the crust adhere.
  • If the breadcrumbs are not browned by the time the meat is done, you can broil it until they turn golden. But watch closely - it can easily burn.
  • It's imperative to let the lamb rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so that it stays juicy.
  • While the lamb is resting, you can tent it with aluminum foil to keep it warm, but avoid creating a tight seal or it will steam and cause the breadcrumbs to get mushy.
  • I prefer cutting the lamb into double chops rather than single. It's easier, keeps the meat juicier and more of the crust intact.

Serving Suggestions

This succulent rack of lamb will be delicious with the following sides:

  • Spinach with Butter and Parmesan
  • Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes with Onions
  • Classic Potato Gratin
  • Warm Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Pancetta Vinaigrette
  • Crispy roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Easy Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Gratin
Lamb chops crusted with herbed Dijon cut off a rack and set on a blue dinner plate.

Faq about Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

How long should a rack of lamb take to cook in the oven?

A rack of lamb will take about 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on its size and the temperature you prefer. It's best to use a thermometer to determine the doneness rather than time since it leaves no room for error.

Can I prepare this lamb in advance?

Yes. You can sear the rack of lamb, rub it with mustard and top it with the herbed breadcrumbs, then store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before roasting. Allow it to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Related Recipes

  • Grilled Lamb Chops with Eggplant Puree, Tomatoes, Cucumbers + Crispy Chick Peas
  • Easy Oven Roasted Whole Beef Tenderloin
  • Grilled Lamb Meatballs with Tahini Sauce
  • Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Parsnip Celery Root Puree

Did you make this recipe and LOVE it? Please leave a star ⭐️ rating and/or comment to help other readers. I absolutely love hearing from you and do my best to answer all questions and comments. I love seeing when you make my recipes, so please tag me @ColeyCooks on Instagram and I will repost!

Print

Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Lamb chops crusted with herbed Dijon cut off a rack and set on a blue dinner plate.
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This Dijon herb crusted rack of lamb is an easy, yet impressive dinner for two. Roasted to succulent, juicy perfection, this restaurant quality rack of lamb is perfect for a special dinner date night.

  • Author: Nicole Gaffney (ColeyCooks.com)
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Category: meat
  • Method: roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 rack of lamb with 8 chops, about 1 ½ - 2 lbs
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Trim the majority of the fat cap off the top of the lamb, then season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the lamb until browned on all sides.
  4. In the meantime, combine breadcrumbs, lemon zest, mint, parsley, rosemary, salt, pepper and olive oil in a small bowl, then mix until well combined.
  5. When the lamb is browned, remove it from the skillet and set on a roasting pan or baking sheet.
  6. Spread the Dijon mustard over the top of the lamb in an even coating, then press the breadcrumb mixture on top.
  7. Gently pat the breadcrumbs down so that they stick and form a crust. Let sit for about 10 minutes to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
  8. Roast on the top rack of the oven until the lamb reaches your desired internal temperature - 130 degrees is perfect for medium-rare.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the lamb to rest for 10-15 minutes.
  10. Carefully slice into double chops - you will lose some breadcrumbs in the process but that's okay.
  11. Arrange on plates and top with any remaining breadcrumbs. 
  12. If using a larger rack of lamb or making more than one at a time, double the mustard and herb Panko breadcrumb mixture. 

    If the breadcrumbs are not browned by the time the meat is done, you can broil it until they turn golden. But watch closely - it can easily burn.

Notes

  • Remove the rack of lamb from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking so it can come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
  • If using a larger rack of lamb or making more than one at a time, double the mustard and herb Panko breadcrumb mixture. 
  • Be sure to remove the fat cap on the top of the lamb of that there's not a thick layer of fat between the meat and crust. 
  • Allow the lamb to sit for at least 10 minutes before roasting to help the crust adhere.
  • If the breadcrumbs are not browned by the time the meat is done, you can broil it until they turn golden. But watch closely - it can easily burn.
  • It's imperative to let the lamb rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so that it stays juicy. 
  • While the lamb is resting, you can tent it with foil to keep it warm, but avoid creating a tight seal or it will steam and cause the breadcrumbs to get mushy. 
  • I prefer cutting the lamb into double chops rather than single. It's easier, keeps the meat juicier and more of the crust intact.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 577
  • Sugar: 2.6 g
  • Sodium: 1905.2 mg
  • Fat: 37.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30.6 g
  • Protein: 29.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 73.6 mg

Keywords: lamb, rack of lamb, baked, roasted, herb crusted, Dijon, mustard, breadcrumbs, entertaining, holiday

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a review and star rating ⭐️ to help other cooks!

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  1. Sabrina

    February 12, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    This lamb is making my mouth water. It looks amazing, Coley!

    Reply
    • Coley

      February 14, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks, girl! It's an awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Stefanie N.

        April 05, 2021 at 11:43 am

        Been making this for my family and they have loved it. Made it for friends gir the first time yesterday. They said they were the best lamb chops they’re ever had!

        ★★★★★

        Reply
  2. Laurie D Siegmund

    March 21, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    I actually make this recipe with a lovely vermouth sauce. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Coley

      March 22, 2017 at 11:40 am

      nice! I'd love to see your recipe!

      Reply
  3. Brooke

    August 19, 2019 at 2:22 am

    DELICIOUS!! I added basil and minced garlic to the herb/pinko mixture.... so good! Served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Val

      August 29, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      It’s delicious! But can you please provide a cooking time in minutes? How long does it typically take to get to 130?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Coley

        September 02, 2021 at 10:17 am

        Hi Val - glad you liked the recipe! Unfortunately it's tough to give accurate cooking times for this because the size of a rack of lamb can vary greatly, and can also depend on how well you like it cooked. In addition, all ovens heat differently. 30 minutes is a good ballpark, but it's best to use a thermometer for best results.

        Reply
  4. Grace

    February 08, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    Do you estimate 20 minutes to cook the lamb? I saw you put 20 minutes for the cook time, but just looking at how much overall time I should budget to cook this meal.

    Reply
    • Coley

      February 09, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      It takes about 20 minutes in the oven, depending on how large your chops are, how done you like your lamb and how hard you seared it in the first step. I would budget about 90 minutes total from the time you start pulling things out of the fridge to serving - this includes trimming, searing, making the breadcrumb mixture, roasting, resting, slicing and doing a few dishes. Hope this is helpful!

      Reply
  5. Chris David

    August 16, 2021 at 6:59 am

    This article is worthy of recognition and comment. I found this material attention-grabbing and engrossing. This is well-scripted and highly informative. These views appeal to me. This is how real writing is done. Thank you.
    Visit Us: https://www.beckandbulow.com

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Holtz

    November 28, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    I have cooked this several times for just the two of us. We both love it. The best lamb chops ever. He always makes sure he restocks the freezer with another rack of lamb. Just in case !!

    Reply
    • Coley

      January 11, 2022 at 9:21 am

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  7. Jordan

    April 18, 2022 at 3:34 pm

    Made this for Easter yesterday and it was DELICIOUS!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Coley

      April 19, 2022 at 4:12 pm

      so glad, thanks!

      Reply

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I'm Nicole Gaffney, but my friends all call me Coley. You should, too! I'm a chef and recipe developer specializing in coastal Italian cooking. Welcome to Coley Cooks! About Nicole Gaffney

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