These gems just might be the most delicious appetizer ever served at a fabulous party.
They are incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and they look wonderful when served. And who doesn’t love a good lollipop? Perfect for the holidays or a fun dinner party.
How to Make Lamb Lollipops
Lollipop lamb chops are so simple to prepare. They cook quickly either on a hot grill or a smoking hot skillet.
Just delicious.
Watch us show you how to make these finger-licking good chops.
Also Called Scottadito
The Italian name for these lamb chops is “scottadito” which means “scorches the finger.” Quite literally, they are so tempting and so delicious that you can’t wait to pick them up to eat them, even when they are piping hot!
Ask your butcher for 3 racks of lamb and have them frenched and cut into chops or lollipops. Learn more about the various cuts of lamb here.
Then be sure to trim all but a very thin layer of fat.
The Best Way to Cook Lamb
These chops are so delicious, you could just simply season them with salt and pepper, and they would be great.
But we love to up the flavor even more with garlic and fresh herbs.
Whatever you happen to have on hand will most likely be all you need.
Lamb Pops are the Perfect Party Appetizer
We absolutely love grilled lamb lollipops, but a good hot cast-iron skillet works perfectly, too.
They only need a total of about 5 minutes on the heat to cook to a perfect medium temperature.
They are lovely when served by themselves with a wedge of lemon, but they also pair nicely with sauteed greens, such as kale or collard greens.
The Loon wasn’t sure he would like these when I told him I was making these gems.
After one bite, that uncertainty faded into pure delight as he couldn’t stop with just one, or two, or three chops.
Now, go ahead and make these awesome chops. Another great party appetizer is our Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip.
Lamb Lollipops
Ingredients
- 3 racks lamb frenched and cut into chops and trimmed of all but thin layer of fat
- Coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper or Kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp rosemary fresh, chopped
- 1 tbsp thyme fresh, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Liberally sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper all over.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and salt. Add the oil and whisk until combined.
- Pour the marinade all over the chops and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, or turn your grill on medium-high heat for direct heat grilling.
- Sear the chops (in batches if using a hot skillet) until browned on both sides, about a total of 4 to 5 minutes for medium to medium-rare.
- Transfer to a platter and squeeze a lemon wedge over the top. Sprinkle with a little more sea salt, if desired. Serve at once.
These lamb lollipops look great. I cannot wait to try them. Yummy food.
Thanks, Matt! We think they’re pretty awesome! Let us know if you make them and what you think! Best, Kris & Wesley
Wow! I had no idea you could make lamb lollipops in only 25 minutes! What an amazing recipe and gorgeous too!
This is so fun, fancy, and *different*! It adds so much presentation-wise and really, they do look simple enough to prepare. When you consider what can sometimes go into stuffing and folding dozens of phyllo pastries or topping what feels like hundreds of crostini, this is a cinch. I love how this can act as both a pass-it-around party app and an app to kick off a meal.
We love lamb and this recipe is calling my name. Well, I’m Italian and I love the name — Hubby would certainly love to grill them. The photos are stunning and the presentation is spectacular. With my brood, I don’t know if I could make enough of them to satisfy. What I do know is that once grilling weather arrives we’ll be making this recipe.
I love lamb, especially when it’s been marinated with fresh herbs and garlic. The fact that these are such adorable little lollipops of meat does make it a perfect way to serve as an appetizer for a party. Saving this one!
I lovvvvve lamb lollipops any time, any day! This is a gorgeous recipe and those pics are making me crazy! I could do some serious damage to a helping of those beauties. Your recipe is well done and so easy to follow. Why should I ever be intimidated? Not anymore! Thanks for the great recipe!
I will gladly scorch my fingers to get at one of these lamb lollipops. The lemon and thyme with them sounds like such a flavorful way to eat them that works well in any season. I feel like this is the ultimate way to get fancy for Christmas or New Years. And maybe I can convince my kids to be fancy too by telling them it’s a meat lollipops! 😉 Either way, this is my new favorite recipe!
Bring on the scorched fingers for these lollipops! Wow they look perfect. I think my favorite butcher in town is closed until after Christmas, so I think we’ll need to make these for NYE!!
LOL, I’ve definitely scorched a finger more than once trying to eat one right away. Funny how that translated! I don’t usually eat lamb but this is one of my favourite cuts for when I do. Such a great recipe and combination of flavour!
You’re spot on with the garlic. Simple addition, yet adds so much flavor. Great idea for New Years. Guests always appreciate something tasty that they can just pick right up. Love how esy this looks to make.
Such an elegant appetizer for a Christmas dinner or a holiday party! Especially since they are so easy to make! And I agree with you; a bit of garlic and chopped herbs just takes lamb lollipops to a whole new level. I love to serve mine with some tzatziki and pita. Yum!
I need an invitation to your next get together! Promise I’ll bring the wine. These lamb chops look so succulent and juicy — the fresh herbs and garlic add just the right balance. I love the idea of a “lollipop” too. That sounds like festive party fare, you know? I could eat this for dinner, but what a wowza if you’re serving as an appetizer! Can’t wait to see what’s on the menu for the main course.
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These photos are absolutely gorgeous!! I love lamb, but don’t make it nearly enough… My 4-year-old nephews are obsessed with lamb lollipops (in part because of the name/how fun they are to eat and in part because of the taste), so I’ll have to bookmark this for the next time they visit!
Hubby and I both love lamb. What a great party dish. I would just eat a bunch for dinner!! Love the presentation, and the flavour profile is delicious too. I know the guests would love these.
Thank you, Gloria! They really are so delicious and great at a party! Happy Holidays!!
I think perhaps the thyme and olive oil were left out of the marinade at step 2?
Thanks for the catch! Recipe has been updated. Thanks again!