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Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket: A Cozy Festive Classic

This Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is a tender, savory-sweet dish perfect for festive gatherings, featuring a rich cranberry sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Brisket
  • 1 each Brisket Flat cut, adjust cooking time if substituting
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can replace with vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons Salt Kosher or sea salt recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is preferred
For the Aromatics
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Can use 3 times the amount of fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Fresh rosemary can be used instead
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Double the quantity if using fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted with fresh onion
  • 1 each Yellow Onion Substitute with red onion if desired
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 each Shallot Omit if unavailable
For the Sauce
  • 12 ounces Cranberry Jelly Can substitute with fresh cranberries and sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Gluten-free version if needed
  • 1 can Guinness Replace with beef broth or cola if preferred
For the Sides
  • 2 pounds Red Potatoes Cook alongside the brisket
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Optional for festive flair
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • roasting pan
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Prepare Brisket - Take the brisket out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. Rub the entire surface with olive oil, followed by an even coating of salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Step 2: Prep Aromatics - While the brisket sits, dice half of the yellow onion and thinly slice the other half. Mince the garlic and dice the shallot.
  3. Step 3: Make Sauce - In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, shallot, and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the cranberry jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat Oven - Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C).
  5. Step 5: Assemble Dish - Pour half of the sauce into a roasting pan, scatter the onion, and place the brisket fat side down. Pour the remaining sauce over it.
  6. Step 6: Add Sides - Arrange red potatoes around the brisket, sprinkle dried cranberries, and add fresh herbs. Cover tightly with foil.
  7. Step 7: Roast - Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 4 hours until fork-tender.
  8. Step 8: Rest and Serve - Let the brisket rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted potatoes and drizzle with sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the brisket to rest for 30 minutes after roasting to retain juices. Always slice against the grain for tender pieces.

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