Holiday Brisket
Updated Dec 01, 2025, Published Oct 18, 2021
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A Festive Main Dish for Christmas & Hanukkah
When the holidays arrive, you want a main dish that feels special and brings everyone together. Holiday Brisket delivers all that and more. Tender, slow-braised, and rich with flavor, this brisket is perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any winter gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a larger celebration, this dish is easy to prepare, gluten-free, and makes a stunning centerpiece on any holiday table.
Table of Contents
Why Holiday Brisket Works for the Holidays
Comforting and Flavorful: Slow-braising creates tender meat infused with savory flavors from onions, garlic, herbs, and a rich sauce.
Serves Small or Large Groups: Brisket scales beautifully, whether you’re feeding a small family or a full holiday crowd.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for guests with dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste or richness.
Kosher-Friendly Option: Using kosher ingredients makes this brisket equally suitable for Christmas or Hanukkah celebrations. One dish can work for multiple traditions.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- Beef brisket, ideally flat-cut with some marbling
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- Olive oil for searing
- Aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, garlic
- Liquid base: dry red wine, tomato sauce, or broth; optional dried fruit or herbs for extra flavor
Tools:
- Large roasting pan or oven-safe dish
- Foil or lid for slow cooking
- Sharp carving knife
- Serving platter
Tips for Perfect Holiday Brisket
- Choose brisket with good marbling for juicy, tender results.
- Sear first to lock in flavor.
- Cook low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Slice against the grain for tenderness.
Flavor & Style Variations
- Sweet-Savory: Add dried fruit, a touch of brown sugar, or a splash of wine.
- Herb-Forward: Include thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, or garlic.
- Wine-Based Sauce: Deepen the flavor with dry red wine.
- Vegetable-Packed: Carrots, celery, and onions enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Make-Ahead Comfort: Cook a day in advance; flavor improves after resting overnight.
- Hearty Sides Pairing: Roast potatoes, root vegetables, or gluten-free stuffing complement the dish.
When to Serve
- Holiday dinners for Christmas or Hanukkah
- Family gatherings or festive parties
- Make-ahead holiday meals for convenience and flavor
- Paired with roasted or seasonal sides for a complete winter feast
A Holiday Main Dish That Brings Everyone Together
Holiday Brisket is a dish that combines tradition, flavor, and versatility. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and impressive enough to serve as a centerpiece. By using kosher ingredients, it works beautifully for both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations — one dish, multiple holiday tables.
Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or celebrating a quiet holiday at home, this brisket will warm hearts and fill plates with rich, comforting flavor.
Holiday Brisket Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 pound) flat-cut brisket
- Kosher or fine sea salt, , to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, , to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, , sliced
- ½ pound (227 g) carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, , diced
- 6 cloves garlic, , sliced
- 1 cup (240 mL) dry red wine
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup (85 g) dried plums (prunes), roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons (5 g) fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) fish sauce
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Season the brisket all over with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the brisket on each side for 4-5 minutes until browned. Transfer the brisket to a plate.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 6-7 minutes.
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits.
- Add the tomato sauce, prunes, thyme, fish sauce, and bay leaves to the pan and stir until combined. Bring to a low simmer, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Pour the sauce into the bottom of a large roasting pan, then nestle in the brisket, fat side up. Tightly cover the pan with foil and transfer it to the oven.
- Braise the brisket for about 4 hours, or until it is completely fork tender. Transfer the brisket to a cutting board and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves from the roasting pan and skim any fat off the surface of the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Thinly slice the brisket against the grain and arrange it on a large platter. Spoon the sauce on top before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
