Delicious Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket Recipe!

The holidays are here, and with them comes the joy of festive meals – and sometimes, a little kitchen anxiety! But what if we told you that your most impressive Christmas centerpiece could also be your easiest? Forget slaving away for hours; get ready to meet the star of your holiday table that practically cooks itself. This isn’t just any brisket; this is the show-stopping, melt-in-your-mouth, incredibly flavorful Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket! Get ready to wow your guests and reclaim your holiday cheer with a recipe designed for deliciousness AND convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your secret weapon for a stress-free, scrumptious Christmas. Here are four irresistible reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket!:

• Effortless Elegance: Don’t let the sophisticated flavors fool you – this dish is surprisingly simple to put together. Most of the magic happens in the oven, allowing you to enjoy your holiday festivities instead of being chained to the stove.
• Flavor Explosion: A symphony of savory spices, tangy cranberry, and rich Guinness (or broth) creates a sauce that’s utterly divine. Paired with tender, fall-apart brisket, every bite is a celebration of festive flavors that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.
• Stress-Free Hosting: With minimal hands-on time and an impressive result, this recipe frees you up to mingle with guests, wrap last-minute gifts, or simply relax. It’s the ultimate make-ahead-friendly meal that tastes even better the next day!
• Hearty & Satisfying: Brisket is a classic comfort food, and when paired with tender red potatoes and a rich, sweet-savory sauce, it creates a truly satisfying and wholesome meal perfect for a chilly winter evening. It’s a complete meal in one pan!

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your festive ingredients and let’s get cooking! Here’s everything you’ll need for your delicious Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket!:

• 🥩 3.5 pounds beef 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
• 🍎 14 ounces cranberry sauce (or jelly)
• 🥣 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 🍺 0.5 cup Guinness beer (or beef broth for an alcohol-free option)
• 🥔 1 pound petite red potatoes
• 🍒 1 cup dried cranberries
• 🌿 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 🌿 3 sprigs fresh thyme

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions on How to Make the Recipe

Ready to create some holiday magic? Follow these simple steps to bring your Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket! to life:

1. Prepare the Brisket: Take your brisket out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly for that perfect tender texture.
2. Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. This aromatic blend is the secret to a flavorful crust!
3. Season the Brisket: Rub the olive oil all over the brisket, then sprinkle your spice mix generously, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
4. Chop Aromatics: Dice half of your yellow onion and thinly slice the remaining half. Mince the garlic and dice the shallot. These will form the flavorful base of your incredible sauce.
5. Build the Sauce: In a saucepan, warm a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, shallot, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Stir in the cranberry sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness (or beef broth). Let this flavorful sauce simmer for 10 minutes to meld all the tastes together beautifully.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). This low and slow cooking ensures a super tender brisket that practically melts in your mouth.
7. Assemble the Roasting Pan: Pour half of your prepared sauce into a large roasting pan. Layer the thinly sliced onions over the sauce, then carefully place the brisket (fat side down) on top. Pour the rest of the sauce generously over the brisket.
8. Add Your Sides: Arrange the petite red potatoes, dried cranberries, and fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs around the brisket in the pan. These will soak up all the wonderful juices and become incredibly flavorful.
9. Slow Roast: Cover the entire roasting pan tightly with foil. Carefully place the covered pan in the center of your preheated oven and slow roast for 4 hours until the brisket is incredibly tender and fork-tender. Patience is a virtue here!
10. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the brisket rest, still covered, for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This is a crucial step that helps keep the meat juicy. Then, slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve with the tender potatoes and rich pan sauce. Enjoy this easy and hearty holiday meal!

Detailed Different Ways You Can Present the Recipe and How to Serve It

Your Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket! is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! Here are some ideas to make your presentation as stunning as the flavor:

• Classic Platter Presentation: Slice the brisket against the grain into thick, even pieces and arrange them elegantly on a large serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of the pan sauce over the brisket, ensuring each slice is coated. Arrange the tender potatoes artfully around the brisket. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dried cranberries and a few fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a vibrant, festive touch.
• Rustic Family Style: For a more relaxed, communal feel, bring the entire roasting pan straight to the table (on a heat-safe trivet, of course!). Guests can serve themselves, scooping out slices of brisket, potatoes, and plenty of that delicious sauce. It’s warm, inviting, and minimizes serving fuss.
• Individual Servings: For a more formal dinner, plate individual servings. Place a few slices of brisket on each plate, alongside a portion of potatoes. Drizzle generously with the pan sauce and garnish with a single fresh herb sprig and a few dried cranberries for a restaurant-quality look.
• Pair with Perfect Sides: While the potatoes are cooked in the pan, consider adding more vibrant sides to complement the richness. Think roasted green beans with slivered almonds, glazed carrots, creamy mashed parsnips, or a simple crisp green salad to balance the flavors. Don’t forget some warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to sop up every last drop of that incredible sauce!

How You Can Store It and How Long Does It Last

Good news! Your Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket! is just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day, making it perfect for holiday leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the leftover brisket slices, potatoes, and all the glorious pan sauce into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more delectable meal!
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven. Place the brisket and potatoes in an oven-safe dish with a little extra sauce or beef broth to prevent drying out. Cover tightly with foil and heat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also gently reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven method yields a more tender result.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this brisket! For optimal quality, separate the brisket slices from the potatoes and sauce. Store the brisket in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag, ideally submerged in some of the sauce to prevent freezer burn. The potatoes can be frozen separately or discarded if you prefer fresh ones upon reheating. The sauce can also be frozen on its own. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

A1: While canned cranberry sauce (jelly or whole berry) is recommended for its convenience and consistent sweetness/texture, you *can* use fresh cranberries. You’ll need to cook them down with a bit of sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency, otherwise, they’ll be too tart and firm. This will add extra prep time.

Q2: Is a flat cut brisket essential, or can I use a point cut?

A2: A flat cut is generally leaner and easier to slice uniformly, which is ideal for presentation. A point cut has more fat and connective tissue, which can result in an even more tender, “shreddable” brisket, but it might be harder to slice neatly. Either will work, but expect a slightly different texture.

Q3: What if I don’t want to use Guinness beer?

A3: No problem at all! The recipe explicitly states that beef broth is a fantastic alcohol-free substitute. It will still provide depth of flavor to the sauce without the beer.

Q4: Do I need to sear the brisket first?

A4: This recipe focuses on ease and a low-and-slow braise, so searing is not required. The long cooking time ensures flavor development and tenderness without the extra step. If you prefer a darker crust, you could quickly sear it on all sides before adding it to the roasting pan, but it’s entirely optional.

Q5: Can I prepare this brisket a day in advance?

A5: Absolutely! This Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket! is one of those magical dishes that often tastes even better the next day. Cook it as directed, let it cool completely, then refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

Q6: My brisket isn’t fork-tender after 4 hours. What should I do?

A6: Brisket tenderness can vary based on the cut and your oven. If it’s not fork-tender, simply cover it again and continue roasting for another 30-60 minutes, checking periodically. Low and slow is key, and sometimes it just needs a little extra time.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables to the roasting pan?

A7: Yes! Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes (cut into similar sizes as the red potatoes) would be delicious additions. Add them in step 8 alongside the potatoes to ensure they cook through.

Q8: Should I trim the fat cap off the brisket?

A8: The recipe calls for placing the brisket fat side down, allowing the fat to slowly render and baste the meat, adding moisture and flavor. You can trim off any excessively thick areas (more than 1/4 inch) if you prefer, but don’t remove it all, as it contributes significantly to the tenderness and taste of the Easy Christmas Cranberry Brisket!.

Q9: What kind of roasting pan should I use?

A9: A large, heavy-bottomed roasting pan with high sides is ideal. It should be large enough to comfortably fit the brisket and potatoes without overcrowding. A disposable aluminum roasting pan works too, for easy cleanup.

Q10: Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?

A10: Yes, you can double the recipe. You’ll likely need a larger roasting pan (or two pans) to ensure the briskets cook evenly without being too crowded. You might also need to slightly increase the cooking time or rotate the pans if using two.