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
Video
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 tablespoon rosemary fresh, chopped
- 1 tablespoon 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.
Maria Richard says
I grew up on rack of lamb with mint jelly. On vacation in Bora Bora we had New Zealand lamb served with bernaise. Lamb pops are a favorite at our house but I prefer bernaise to mint jelly any day!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Maria! Mint jelly and bearnaise both sound lovely to us! But I think we agree, bearnaise would definitely be heavenly! Thanks so much for sharing and for the great review! That means the world to us! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley
tiffany says
I just made this last night for dinner and my husband and child thoroughly enjoyed it! Will be making this again in the near future! Its so easy and delicious. Thank you 🙂
Kris Longwell says
Hi Tiffany! Woo hoo! We are so so happy you and your family enjoyed the lamb lollipops! Aren’t they the best? So easy and so yummy! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the GREAT review. That means the world to us!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Stephanie says
I’m so grateful to you both for this recipe. It’s so easy and delicious and my family was impressed. My fiance asks for it all the time and says it’s better than some we’ve had at restaurants. Thanks for sharing it!
Kris Longwell says
Stephanie!! You have no idea how happy this makes us!! We are so so so thrilled that you and your fiance (congrats, by the way!) love the lamb lollipops!! We really love them so much, too!! Thank you so much for letting us know and for the wonderful review! We appreciate that very much!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Dennis says
Kris & Wesley so the big question what do you want for dinner instantly wife Sandy says “the Loons Lamb Pops” OMG can the 11th time I make them in 3 months still be good Hands down Absolutely . So glad we watched you two make them Hats off to a great couple Love you Guys
Kris Longwell says
Dennis!! We can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled this makes us!! We LOVE Sandy refers to them as “The Loon Lamb Pops!” I think I’m going to start calling Wesley my Lamb Pop!! Anyway…we are so happy you are loving the dish so much! And thank you a million times over for letting us know and for the amazing review! That means the world to us!! Please give our love to Sandy!! xoxo
Eric says
I used this recipe and grilled tonight. The lollipop lamb chops were outstanding, Thanks for this recipe!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Eric! That’s so awesome to hear! And we are so excited to hear you loved the lamb lollipops! And thanks so much for letting us know and for the awesome review! That means the world to us!! All the very best, Kris & Wesley
Daniel says
Thanks for the video! Entertaining with great instructions.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Daniel!! Of course!!! Hope you tried the lamb lollipops and loved them!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Matt Freund says
Lamb chops are my fave. These are easy and so tasty
Matt Freund says
I have made these about 2 times a month since I found this recipe.
Kris Longwell says
That is so awesome, Matt! We agree, they are so yummy! So so so glad you are enjoying them and always, we appreciate you letting us know and for the great reviews!!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Shaleth says
These were awesome. Great recipe. Thanks! Too bad I can barely afford them now without taking out a loan. Excellent recipe though and instructions were perfect.
Kris Longwell says
They really are sort of those “special occasion” treats! But so yummy!!!
Matt Freund says
These lamb lollipops are great. We make them often. My family loves them.
Kris Longwell says
Thank you as always, Matt!!! We truly appreciate that and the great review!! Kris & Wesley
Jim Teed says
I have made these three times and they turn out great every time. I’ve done them on the grill or in a cast iron pan. Either way is a great option. We had them on regular lamb chops as well and turned out just as great. The kids love them as well.
Kris Longwell says
HI Jim!! That is so fantastic to hear! We are so happy you are loving the lamb lollipops and lamb chops, too!!! Yum!! Thanks so very much for letting us know and for the GREAT review. That truly means so much to us!! All the very best, Kris & Wesley
Matt Freund says
These are really tasty. I enjoy them
Kris Longwell says
Hi Matt!! That is so awesome to hear! Glad you loved the lamb lollipops and thank you SO MUCH for letting us know and for the awesome review. Really means a lot to us! And we can hardly wait to dig into StuffMattyCooks! Looks amazing! Thanks again, Kris & Wesley
Sandy says
How many lamb lollipops in a serving size?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Sandy, one lollipop would be a single serving. Hope this helps!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Johnny Provolone says
Hi! Just curious where the nutrition info comes from? 1gram of protein can’t be right! Nor the sodium.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Johnny!! Thanks for pointing that out to us. We have a built in program that automatically provides the nutrional info based off of the ingredients and serving size. But you’re right, something’s not right with the protein. We’ll look into and let you know!! Thanks again and Happy Holidays!!
Matt Freund says
These are really good
Kris Longwell says
Thanks, Matt!! So so glad you liked the lamb lollipops…we agree…there’s just something so delicious about these little gems. Thanks for letting us and for the nice review. We truly appreciate that!! Best, Kris & Wesley
Matt Freund says
I love lamb chops. I am going to have to try this recipe.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Matt! They are so simple yet so deeply flavorful! Let us know if you make these lollipops and what you think of them! Best, Kris & Wesley
Lisa says
I never cared for lamb until I tried your recipe. These were out of this world T&T (tasty & tender)!! I changed one thing, I added lemon zest to the marinade. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Merry Christmas to you both!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Lisa!! Woo hoo!! So so happy you loved the lamb lollipops! The lemon zest sounds like a wonderful addition! Thank you for letting us know and for the wonderful review. That means the world to us! Merry Christmas!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
Suzy says
Made this recipe but broiled them. They were fantastic.