A showstopping centerpiece for any special dinner, this Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast is rich, succulent, and packed with festive flavor. The deep, savory notes of the ribeye are perfectly complemented by a tangy-sweet glaze made from cranberries, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. Every bite bursts with the kind of bold, seasonal flavor that feels both rustic and elegant.

What makes this dish truly unforgettable is its glossy cranberry glaze that caramelizes slightly over the roast while it cooks, infusing the meat with richness and a touch of tartness. It’s hearty, flavorful, and makes for a stunning presentation on any holiday or celebration table.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast
This recipe is for those who crave both comfort and sophistication on one plate. The ribeye remains juicy and tender thanks to its marbling, while the balsamic-cranberry glaze creates a balanced contrast between acidity and sweetness. It’s:
- Ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinner
- Surprisingly easy to prepare
- A mouthwatering upgrade to traditional roast beef
- Naturally gluten-free
What Cut of Ribeye Roast Should I Use?
Look for a boneless ribeye roast, often labeled as a “ribeye roll roast” or “delmonico roast.” This cut is well-marbled, ensuring a juicy and flavorful finish. If you’re serving a crowd and want extra flair, a bone-in standing rib roast works beautifully too—just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Ingredients for the Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast
Every ingredient in this dish plays a delicious role. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ribeye Roast: The star of the show—rich, marbled, and ultra-tender.
- Fresh Cranberries: Offer natural tartness and beautiful color.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Deep, slightly sweet acidity that elevates the glaze.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the cranberries and vinegar.
- Garlic: Infuses savory depth.
- Fresh Rosemary: Earthy and aromatic, perfect with beef.
- Olive Oil: Helps the roast develop a crisp, golden crust.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat.
How To Make the Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast
Step 1: Prep the Ribeye
Pat the ribeye roast dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes). Set aside half for serving.
Step 3: Sear the Roast
In a hot oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, sear the ribeye on all sides until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side). This locks in the juices and builds flavor.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Brush the roast with the cranberry balsamic glaze. Add fresh rosemary sprigs. Roast in a preheated 375°F oven until it reaches your desired internal temperature (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). This usually takes 1-1.5 hours depending on size.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved cranberry glaze drizzled over the top.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast
This roast is best served warm, right after resting. It slices beautifully and pairs like a dream with seasonal sides. A 4-5 lb roast serves 6 to 8 people generously.
To store leftovers, wrap slices tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best flavor, reheat gently in the oven with a splash of broth or extra glaze.
What to Serve With Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and classic, perfect for soaking up all that cranberry glaze.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Their slight bitterness and crispy texture add balance.
Honey Glazed Carrots
A naturally sweet counterpart to the tangy beef glaze.
Yorkshire Puddings
A British favorite that’s made to hold juicy roast drippings.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Indulgent and comforting—a perfect holiday side.
Buttery Green Beans Almondine
Simple and elegant with toasted almonds.
Classic Caesar Salad
Brings a refreshing crunch to your plate.
Want More Dinner Ideas That Impress?
If you’re into hearty mains with elegant flavor, these delicious dishes from Nora Nosh are right up your alley:
- Best Ever Prime Rib for a classic crowd-pleaser.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a quicker but just as satisfying option.
- Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole when comfort food calls.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood spin on indulgence.
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni to keep the beef train rolling.
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Let me know how your Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast turned out! Did you go bone-in or boneless? Add a unique twist? Drop your experience in the comments—I love hearing how these dishes come to life in your kitchens.
Explore more seasonal mains and cozy dishes on Nora Nosh Recipes for daily cooking inspiration!
Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Description
This Cranberry Balsamic Ribeye Roast is your go-to for a bold, flavorful centerpiece that’s both elegant and festive. Juicy ribeye roast is glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry balsamic reduction, then roasted to perfection and topped with herbs. Whether you’re planning a cozy holiday meal or an upscale Sunday dinner, this easy recipe delivers big flavor and a stunning presentation. It’s ideal for anyone searching for easy dinner ideas, holiday mains, or hearty food ideas that feel special without the fuss.
Ingredients
4 to 5 lb Ribeye roast
2 cups Fresh cranberries
1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup Honey
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Olive oil
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Ground black pepper
3 sprigs Fresh rosemary
Instructions
1. Pat the ribeye roast dry and rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Reserve half for serving.
3. Sear the roast in a hot oven-safe skillet on all sides until browned (about 3 minutes per side).
4. Brush with cranberry glaze, add rosemary, and roast at 375°F until internal temp is 125°F (rare) to 145°F (medium), about 1–1.5 hours.
5. Rest for 15 minutes, slice, and drizzle with reserved glaze.
Notes
Letting the roast rest at room temperature before cooking helps ensure it roasts evenly.
Reserve half the glaze before brushing the meat to avoid cross-contamination and for a fresh drizzle at serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
