Name: Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ Pounds brisket (flat cut); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 Teaspoon salt; 1 Teaspoon black pepper; 1 Teaspoon dried thyme; 1 Teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 Teaspoon garlic powder; 1 Teaspoon onion powder; 1 yellow onion; 5 Cloves garlic (minced); 1 shallot (diced); 1 Pound red potatoes (petite); 14 Ounces cranberry jelly; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 Cup dried cranberries; 3 Sprigs fresh rosemary; 3 Sprigs fresh thyme

If you’re looking to wow your family and friends this season, the Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe is your new best friend. This stunning dish combines tender, slow-roasted beef brisket with the vibrant tartness of cranberries, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The mix of fresh herbs and rich seasonings infuses every bite with comfort and festive cheer, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any holiday table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A raw large piece of red meat with white fat marbling lies center on a light carved wooden board with texture, surrounded by small white bowls with dark sauces, various dry spices in shades of beige, black and green, a small cup with light yellow liquid, and an open can with dark red sauce. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed to the right of the meat. Around the board, there are whole vegetables, including a golden-brown onion, a smaller tan shallot, a white garlic bulb, and fresh thyme sprigs. A dark bowl of red and purple small potatoes sits at the bottom right. The surface is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in crafting a deep, rich flavor profile and adding texture and visual appeal. The fresh herbs brighten the dish, the cranberries add that holiday tang, and the spices create a warm, aromatic base that makes every mouthful a delight.

3 ½ Pounds brisket (flat cut): Choose a good quality flat cut for even cooking and tenderness.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps to create a flavorful crust and keep the meat juicy.
1 Teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the meat’s natural flavor.
1 Teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
1 Teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements beef beautifully.
1 Teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers earthy, piney undertones to the seasoning.
1 Teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without overpowering.
1 Teaspoon onion powder: Gives a gentle sweetness and rounds out the spice mix.
1 yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and texture when diced and sliced.
5 Cloves garlic (minced): Intensifies flavor with its aromatic punch.
1 shallot (diced): Delivers a delicate onion-garlic blend to the sauce.
14 Ounces cranberry jelly: The star ingredient that introduces the classic tart and sweet cranberry flavor.
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami richness and a hint of tang.
1 Pound red potatoes (petite): Perfect for roasting alongside the brisket, absorbing all those delicious juices.
1 Cup dried cranberries: Adds chewy bursts of sweetness to the dish and a lovely contrast.
3 Sprigs rosemary (fresh): Fresh herbs to infuse the roast with their fragrant aroma.
3 Sprigs thyme (fresh): Enhances the savory herbal elements throughout the cooking process.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe

Step 1: Season the Brisket

Start by removing your brisket from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking. Mix together your salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub olive oil onto the brisket before generously applying your seasoning blend. This combination not only builds a flavorful crust but also locks in the moisture, so every slice stays juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

Dice half of your yellow onion into small pieces and thinly slice the other half. These textures will serve different purposes during cooking, with diced onions contributing to the sauce’s body and sliced onions resting beneath the brisket to render sweetness.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce Base

Heat a saucepan on medium and add a little olive oil. Toss in the diced onions, diced shallot, and minced garlic cloves. Let them soften for about five minutes, releasing those irresistible aromas. Stir in the cranberry jelly and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer for 10 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors together. This luscious sauce will coat your brisket and elevate it to festive perfection.

Step 4: Oven Prep and Assembly

Preheat your oven to a low and slow 250°F, perfect for tenderizing the brisket over time. Pour half of your cranberry sauce into a roasting pan, then spread out your sliced onions evenly. Place the brisket fat side down on top to baste the meat during roasting. Pour the remaining sauce over the brisket, ensuring it is well coated for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 5: Add Potatoes, Herbs, and Cranberries

Arrange your petite red potatoes around the brisket along with dried cranberries and fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme. These additions soak up fantastic flavors during roasting while adding texture and visual appeal. Finally, cover the entire roasting pan tightly with foil to trap moisture.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Pop the covered roasting pan into the center rack of your oven and patiently roast for about 4 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in brisket that is meltingly tender and infused throughout with that delightful cranberry and herb aroma.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe finishes roasting, let it rest for a few minutes. Then carefully slice it against the grain for tender, juicy pieces. Serve alongside the roasted potatoes, and generously spoon the reduced cranberry sauce over the top for a show-stopping holiday meal that’s both elegant and cozy.

How to Serve Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two thick slices of brown, cooked meat topped with small bits of herbs, onions, and red cranberries scattered on top, resting in a light brown sauce that covers the bottom of the plate. To the right, there is a cluster of small, round red potatoes with a shiny texture and little green herb leaves on them. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish of fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs works beautifully, adding a fresh aroma and a pop of green to brighten the platter. A few extra dried cranberries scattered around lend a festive splash of red and a chewy burst of sweetness that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This brisket pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted root vegetables to complement the tart cranberry flavors. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate, balancing the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve sliced brisket on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and bowls of cranberry sauce and horseradish cream. You can also build elegant individual plates by layering brisket slices over mashed potatoes and drizzling with warm sauce – it’s the ultimate festive presentation guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find the next-day taste even better! Keep the sauce separated if possible to preserve texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked brisket for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the sauce separately for easier reheating later. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm slices of brisket in a covered dish with a little cranberry sauce over low heat to prevent drying out. Use the oven or stovetop, avoiding the microwave for the best texture. Reheated leftovers pair perfectly with fresh side dishes for a cozy meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While brisket is ideal for slow roasting and absorbing flavors, you could substitute with a chuck roast. Just adjust cooking time accordingly for tenderness.

Is cranberry jelly essential, or can I use fresh cranberries?

Cranberry jelly creates a smooth, sweet-tart sauce base, but you can use fresh cranberries with a bit of added sugar; just cook them down longer to soften.

Can I make this recipe without fresh herbs?

Fresh rosemary and thyme add brightness, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket should be fork-tender and easily sliceable after 4 hours at 250°F. If it still feels tough, give it extra time; slow cooking is key.

Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?

Absolutely! Season and make the sauce the day before, and assemble before roasting. This makes your holiday cooking stress-free and efficient.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket Recipe that brings warmth and celebration to the table. Its rich flavors, tender texture, and festive cranberry touch are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. I can’t wait for you to make this dish your own and experience the joy it brings to your holiday gatherings. Happy cooking and even happier feasting!