Frenched lamb chops grilled with a garlic-herb crust
Grilled Lamb Lollipops
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
8 min
Total Time
18 min
Servings
4
12 lollipops
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Premium
$$$
Grilled Lamb Lollipops
Frenched lamb chops grilled with a garlic-herb crust
★4.4(23)
Elegant frenched lamb rib chops grilled quickly over high heat and served with a mint-yogurt dipping sauce. The perfect impressive appetizer or main course.
10m
Prep Time
8m
Cook Time
18m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Premium $$$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Lamb lollipops are individual rib chops with the bone frenched for an elegant presentation. Their small size means they cook in minutes, making them ideal for entertaining.
Mediterranean cooking celebrates fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and bold flavors. This recipe embodies that philosophy with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Mediterranean cooking celebrates the connection between good food and good living. Grilled Lamb Lollipops embodies that spirit with bright, fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients that nourish as much as they satisfy. This recipe proves that eating well does not require complicated techniques — just quality ingredients and a little care.
Great appetizers set the tone for everything that follows. They should be bold enough to excite the palate but restrained enough to leave room for the main event. Focus on one or two strong flavors rather than trying to do too much, and your guests will be impressed.
Ingredients
- 12 frenched lamb rib chops
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Mix olive oil, garlic, and rosemary into a paste. Rub over lamb chops and season with salt and pepper.
- 2
Let chops sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while you preheat the grill to high.
- 3
Grill lamb chops 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F internal temp).
- 4
While lamb grills, stir together Greek yogurt, mint, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt.
- 5
Rest chops for 3 minutes, then serve with the mint-yogurt sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Substitutions
Lamb rib chopsLamb loin chops
Slightly larger and leaner but equally delicious
Greek yogurt sauceTzatziki
Adds cucumber for extra freshness
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Wrap the exposed bones in foil before grilling to prevent them from charring.
Ask your butcher to french the rack for you if buying a whole rack of lamb.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: These can be partially prepared up to a day ahead. Do the prep work in advance and the final assembly takes just minutes, which lets you actually enjoy your own party.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat2g
Fiber340mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does "frenched" mean?
- It means the meat and fat are cleaned off the end of the bone for an elegant presentation.
- How many per person?
- Plan 3 lollipops per person as a main, or 2 as an appetizer.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Most components can be prepared up to a day ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
- How many should I plan per guest?
- For a cocktail-style event, plan 8 to 12 pieces per person across all appetizers. For a pre-dinner course, 3 to 5 pieces per person is usually sufficient.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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