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Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket for Effortless Festive Feasts

Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket is a must-try festive dish that combines tradition with easy preparation for holiday gatherings.
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
  • 3.5 lbs Brisket (flat cut) The star of the show, providing a rich flavor and tender texture when cooked right.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Adds richness and helps blend the spices; can be swapped with vegetable oil if necessary.
  • 1 tsp Salt A must for enhancing the overall flavor.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Infuses a delightful spice that balances the dish.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Imparts earthy undertones; feel free to use fresh thyme for extra zest.
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary Offers an aromatic note; fresh rosemary has a more robust flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adds depth; fresh minced garlic can be used instead for more intensity.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Elevates the flavor profile further.
For the Aromatic Base
  • 1 Yellow Onion Creates a fragrant base for your savory sauce.
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced) Brings a robust flavor that complements the brisket beautifully.
  • 1 Shallot (diced) Adds a gentle sweetness that enhances the dish.
For the Sauce
  • 14 oz Cranberry Jelly Balances sweetness and tartness, essential for the festive theme.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Contributes a savory umami boost that pairs wonderfully with the meat.
  • 0.5 cup Guinness Deepens flavor and tenderizes the brisket; substitute with beef broth or cola for a non-alcoholic twist.
For the Sides
  • 1 lb Red Potatoes (petite) Cook alongside the brisket, soaking up all that delightful flavor.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Provide a chewy texture and bursts of flavor that enhance the dish.
For Garnish
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Spruces up your presentation with an aromatic touch; it’s visually delightful too!
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme Adds a refreshing pop to your festive platter.

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • Roasting pan
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

A Preparation for Roasting
  1. Remove the brisket from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Rub the meat with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with a mix of salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
  2. Dice the yellow onion and shallot, then slice the garlic cloves. In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the prepared onions, shallots, and minced garlic, sautéing them for 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the cranberry jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Guinness, mixing thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking helps to meld the flavors together, resulting in a rich sauce perfect for drenching the brisket.
  4. Preheat your oven to 250°F. In a high-sided roasting pan, pour half of the prepared sauce to create a flavorful base. Add the sautéed onion mixture evenly in the pan, then place the brisket fat side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the brisket, ensuring it is well coated.
  5. Scatter the red potatoes and dried cranberries around the brisket in the pan, allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors as they cook. Garnish the dish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, then cover the pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture during roasting.
  6. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for 4 hours. The brisket is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart, filling your kitchen with irresistible holiday aromas that hint at the delightful meal to come.
  7. Once cooked, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes, covered with foil to keep it warm. This resting period is crucial for ensuring juiciness. After resting, slice the brisket against the grain and serve it with the potatoes and sauce for a festive presentation of your Cranberry Holiday Beef Brisket.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 12mg

Notes

For the best results, ensure to rest the brisket and slice against the grain.

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