As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but think about the comforting aromas wafting through the kitchen. Enter the Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket, a feast that transforms any gathering into a celebration. This one-pan wonder combines the mouthwatering tenderness of brisket with the delightful sweetness of cranberry sauce and a touch of Guinness, creating a dish that’s both easy to prepare and show-stopping. Not only does it save you time on clean-up, but it also serves as a hearty centerpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, with gluten-free options available, it’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to elevate their holiday menu. Ready to learn the secrets behind this scrumptious and festive dish? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket a must-try? Flavorful Fusion: The blend of sweet cranberry jelly and rich Guinness elevates traditional brisket to a new level of taste. Heavenly Aromas: Slow roasting fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent, making it impossible to resist! Effortless One-Pan Meal: Enjoy a stress-free cooking experience with minimal clean-up, perfect for busy holiday gatherings. Total Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with this show-stopping centerpiece that looks as amazing as it tastes. Versatile Variations: Easily adapt it to suit dietary needs, whether gluten-free or veggie-packed by adding extra root vegetables. For more delicious options, don’t miss my recipe for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas or finish off your meal with some elegant Poached Pears Elegant. Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Ingredients • Gather everything you need for this festive delight! For the Brisket Brisket – A flat cut brisket stays juicy and slices beautifully, perfect for a hearty meal. Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps seasonings adhere to the brisket. Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of your brisket. For the Seasoning Dried Thyme & Rosemary – These herbs provide savory depth and aroma that elevate the dish. Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds additional layers of savory flavor for a beautifully seasoned brisket. For the Aromatic Base Yellow Onion & Shallot – These aromatics form the flavorful base of your sauce. Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings a stronger flavor profile to the final dish. For the Sauce Cranberry Jelly – This sweet and tart element balances the richness of the brisket beautifully. Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Guinness – Contributes to flavor depth and makes the brisket tender; feel free to substitute with beef broth for a non-alcoholic option. For the Sides Red Potatoes – Petite potatoes absorb flavors while roasting, making them a delightful side. Dried Cranberries – These add a festive flair and chewy texture to the dish. For Garnish Fresh Rosemary & Thyme – Use these for garnish and added aroma to finish your festive dish. With this listing, preparing your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket will be a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Step 1: Bring Brisket to Room Temperature Remove the brisket from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking throughout the meat, allowing the fibers to relax. As you wait, you can enjoy the anticipation of the delicious meal coming together! Step 2: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to a low and slow 250°F (120°C). This gentle heat will ensure that your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket becomes perfectly tender while absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the accompanying sauces and seasonings. Step 3: Season the Brisket In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub olive oil generously over the entire surface of the brisket, ensuring that the seasonings stick beautifully. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the brisket for a flavorful crust. Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics Dice half of the yellow onion and place it in a medium saucepan with the shallots and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. This will create a wonderful base for your sauce while filling your kitchen with delightful aromas. Step 5: Prepare the Sauce Add cranberry jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness to the sautéed onion, shallot, and garlic in the saucepan. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well blended and thickened slightly. The result will be a rich and flavorful sauce perfect for marinating the brisket. Step 6: Assemble in the Roasting Pan Pour half of the sauce into a roasting pan and add the sliced onion for added flavor. Place the brisket fat side down on top of the sauce and onions, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the brisket. This will create a flavorful layer during the slow roasting process. Step 7: Add Vegetables and Cover Arrange the petite red potatoes and dried cranberries around the brisket in the roasting pan. These will soak up the delicious sauce while roasting. Next, cover the pan tightly with foil to trap moisture and ensure the brisket cooks evenly and remains juicy. Step 8: Roast and Rest Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and allow the brisket to roast for about 4 hours. After roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, succulent slices of your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket. How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Fridge: Store leftover brisket in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to include some of the sauce to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the brisket wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or cover the brisket with foil in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. This will help retain its juicy texture. Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the brisket a day in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Variations Feel free to add your own twist to this delicious dish and make it your own! Gluten-Free: Substitute Guinness with beef broth or a gluten-free beer for a tasty alternative. Colorful Veggies: Add chopped carrots or parsnips for extra sweetness and a pop of color. Fresh Twist: Use fresh cranberries instead of jelly; adjust sweetness to your taste for a tart and vibrant sauce! Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 8-9 hours in a slow cooker for tender brisket with minimum effort. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that complements the sweetness. Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or sage for a fragrant boost to the overall flavor. Savory Addition: Mix in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch that deepens the savory profile of the dish. Cranberry Glaze: Top with a spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce before serving for an extra festive flair. These suggestions allow for flexibility while keeping the essence of the dish intact. And if you’re looking to round out your festive meal, consider pairing this delectable brisket with my recipe for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas or delighting your guests with some elegant Poached Pears Elegant for dessert! Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can season and marinate the brisket up to 24 hours in advance, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors for an even more tender result. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce (sautéed aromatics and all) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply take the brisket out, let it come to room temperature, and follow the roasting instructions as normal. To maintain quality, use an airtight container for storing, and cover the brisket with foil while roasting to keep it juicy. You’ll be able to enjoy a show-stopping meal with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Resting Time: Letting the brisket rest for 30 minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender. Slice Correctly: Always slice against the grain to guarantee the most tender pieces, avoiding tough mouthfuls that can detract from the experience. Avoid Spillage: Use a roasting pan with high sides to catch the flavorful juices without overflow, making for easier clean-up and keeping your oven mess-free. Don’t Skip Cranberries: The dried cranberries contribute essential texture and festive flavor; they elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Temperature Matters: Be patient with the low cooking temperature; it ensures tenderness and allows flavors to deepen without drying out the brisket. What to Serve with Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket The perfect side dishes can elevate your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket into an extraordinary feast that your loved ones will rave about. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These ultra-smooth potatoes make a comforting pairing, soaking up the rich sauce from the brisket beautifully. Imagine each bite, warm and creamy, melting away with that festive flavor. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce, offering a delicious contrast. Roasting caramelizes their edges, adding depth to your holiday plate. Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes: With their buttery richness and golden crust, these potatoes make for a delightful side that complements the flavors of the brisket while adding a crispy texture. Buttery Green Beans: Their bright color and crisp texture add freshness to the meal, while tossing them in a touch of butter brings richness that mirrors the brisket’s hearty profile. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and earthy, these carrots bring a vibrant pop of color to your table while their natural sweetness plays wonderfully with the savory brisket. Fresh Cranberry Sauce: This zesty relish not only brightens up the meal but also enhances the flavor of the brisket, creating a lovely balance of sweet and savory. Red Wine or Apple Cider: A glass of robust red wine or a spiced apple cider can enhance the festive atmosphere while harmonizing with the dish’s flavors, making your gathering feel all the more special. Elevate your dining experience with these thoughtful pairings and watch as your holiday gathering turns into a memorable occasion around the table! Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe FAQs What type of brisket should I use for the Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket? Absolutely! A flat cut brisket is ideal for this recipe as it stays juicy and slices beautifully. Look for one that has a good amount of marbling, which will help keep the meat tender and flavorful during the slow roasting process. How can I store leftover Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket? Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to include some of the sauce to keep the meat moist and flavorful. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it! What is the best way to freeze Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket? For freezing, wrap the brisket tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Make sure to label it with the date, as it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight so it can gently defrost before reheating. How should I reheat leftover brisket without drying it out? To retain the juicy texture, reheat your brisket in the microwave or cover it with foil in a low oven set to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. This gentle reheating allows the meat to warm without losing its moisture, so every bite stays delicious. Can I modify the recipe to make it gluten-free? Very much! You can easily make this Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket gluten-free by substituting the Guinness with a gluten-free beer or beef broth. Additionally, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this festive dish without worry. What if my brisket turns out tough? How can I troubleshoot this? If your brisket turns out tough, it could be due to insufficient cooking time or not slicing against the grain. Make sure you roast it low and slow, as brisket requires time to become tender. Always slice against the grain to achieve the most tender pieces and keep their texture enjoyable. Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket: A Festive One-Pan Delight Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket combines tender brisket with cranberry sauce and Guinness, making it a perfect festive centerpiece. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 5 hours hrs Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brisket1 piece flat cut brisket stays juicy and slices beautifully2 tbsp olive oil adds richness1 tbsp salt1 tbsp pepperFor the Seasoning1 tsp dried thyme1 tsp dried rosemary1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp onion powderFor the Aromatic Base1 medium yellow onion diced1 medium shallot diced4 cloves garlic mincedFor the Sauce1 cup cranberry jelly sweet and tart2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 cup Guinness can substitute with beef brothFor the Sides1 lb red potatoes petite1 cup dried cranberries for festive flairFor Garnish2 sprigs fresh rosemary2 sprigs fresh thyme Equipment medium saucepanRoasting Pan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBring brisket to room temperature by letting it sit out for 30 minutes.Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).Mix salt, pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub olive oil over the brisket and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture.Sauté diced yellow onion, shallots, and minced garlic in a saucepan for about 5 minutes until softened.Mix in cranberry jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.Pour half of the sauce into a roasting pan, add sliced onion, place brisket fat side down on top, and pour the remaining sauce over.Arrange red potatoes and dried cranberries around brisket; cover with foil.Roast in the oven for about 4 hours; let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing against the grain. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesLetting the brisket rest for 30 minutes ensures juiciness. Slice against the grain for tenderness. Use a roasting pan with high sides to prevent spills. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
