If you’ve been searching for a tender, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings a festive twist to a classic cut of meat, this Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe is your new best friend. This dish perfectly marries the rich, hearty flavors of slow-cooked beef brisket with a vibrant, tangy-sweet cranberry glaze, creating a mouthwatering meal that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe promises comfort, sophistication, and a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color to make this Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket: Look for a well-marbled piece for maximum juiciness and tenderness during slow cooking.
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries: They add a vibrant tartness and beautiful ruby color that perfectly complements the savory meat.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens in the slow cooker, enhancing the base flavors.
- 1 cup beef broth: Essential for a rich, savory liquid that keeps the brisket moist and creates the base of the glaze.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tart cranberries and tangy vinegar.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Brings acidity and complexity to the glaze, cutting through the richness of the meat.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Provides umami depth and helps thicken the glaze for a luscious finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth and aromatic complexity throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or ½ teaspoon dried): Offers piney, herbaceous notes that complement both beef and cranberries beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the brisket perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing): Helps develop a flavorful crust on the brisket before slow cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe
Step 1: Season the Brisket
Start by generously seasoning your beef brisket with salt and black pepper on all sides. This is your foundation. Don’t be shy—seasoning early helps the flavors penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Brisket
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the brisket for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it develops a rich golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds an irresistible depth of flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This vibrant glaze is the heart of the Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe and will infuse the meat with delicious tang and sweetness.
Step 4: Layer the Onions
Place the thinly sliced onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. They act as a flavorful bed that keeps the brisket elevated and impart a mellow sweetness throughout the cooking process.
Step 5: Add the Brisket and Glaze
Set the seared brisket right on top of the onions, then pour your luscious cranberry glaze mixture over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated to soak in every bit of that amazing flavor.
Step 6: Add Cranberries and Rosemary
Scatter fresh or frozen cranberries and sprinkle rosemary around the brisket. The cranberries burst with tangy sweetness while the rosemary offers fragrant, herbal balance, creating a symphony of flavors as the dish slow cooks.
Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender and infused with all the zesty, savory goodness from the glaze and aromatics.
Step 8: Rest and Slice
Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making sure every slice stays moist and tender. Slice the brisket against the grain for the best texture.
Step 9: Serve with the Glaze
Finally, spoon the cranberry and onion glaze over the sliced brisket. This glossy, tangy topping complements the meat perfectly, making each bite a true delight.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe
Garnishes
Consider garnishing your Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe with fresh rosemary sprigs or a few whole cranberries for an elegant touch and added freshness. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This brisket pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that irresistible cranberry glaze. A crisp green salad or sautéed green beans provide a nice contrast, bringing brightness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also transform this Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe into mouthwatering sandwiches with crusty rolls and a smear of horseradish mayo, or serve it atop buttery egg noodles for a comforting, hearty dinner that will become an instant favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brisket and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious as when freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish for longer, freeze sliced brisket and glaze separately in freezer-safe bags. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prepping or quick future dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices with glaze in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven covered with foil until heated through, ensuring the brisket remains tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and are often more convenient. They’ll break down during cooking to create that lovely tangy glaze without any loss of flavor.
Is it necessary to sear the brisket first?
Searing is highly recommended because it develops a rich crust and adds depth of flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, and the slow cooker will still work its magic.
Can I make this recipe without balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar adds a distinctive tang and sweetness, but if you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be good substitutes to maintain acidity.
How do I know when the brisket is done?
The brisket should be fork-tender and easily shred or slice. Cooking on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours generally ensures perfect tenderness.
Can I double this Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure the meat cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe is like inviting warmth, rich flavor, and a little festive magic to your dinner table. It’s a dish that feels comforting yet special, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal. Give it a go—you’ll find this recipe quickly becoming one of your favorite staples, with every tender bite showcasing a beautiful harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Print
Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours on LOW or 5 to 6 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is a tender, flavorful beef dish cooked slowly to perfection. The brisket is seared to lock in juices, then slow-cooked with a tangy and sweet cranberry glaze made from fresh cranberries, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and aromatic herbs. The result is a juicy, fork-tender brisket infused with a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tart flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Brisket and Seasoning
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Glaze and Cooking Mixture
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or ½ teaspoon dried)
Instructions
- Season the Brisket: Pat the brisket dry and season it evenly on all sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Brisket: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it develops a rich brown crust, which helps to seal in juices and add depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Glaze Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, and minced garlic until smooth to create the flavorful glaze.
- Layer Onions in Slow Cooker: Spread the thinly sliced onions evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker to act as a flavor base and prevent the brisket from sticking.
- Place Brisket in Slow Cooker: Set the seared brisket on top of the onion layer for even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Add Glaze and Cranberries: Pour the prepared glaze mixture evenly over the brisket. Then, scatter fresh or frozen cranberries and rosemary around the meat to infuse the dish with tartness and aromatic notes.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours, until the brisket is fork-tender and infused with the glaze flavors.
- Rest the Brisket: Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the brisket against the grain into desired portions and spoon the cranberry-onion glaze over the slices before serving for a beautiful, flavorful presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-marbled brisket to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- Sealing the brisket by searing helps to lock in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries are an excellent substitute.
- You can substitute rosemary with thyme for a slightly different aromatic profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
- For a thicker glaze, remove the brisket after cooking and simmer the remaining juices on the stovetop until reduced.
