Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket

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A warm, tender brisket coated in a rich, tangy cranberry glaze is the kind of comfort food that elevates any dinner table. This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an impressive centerpiece for holiday gatherings, Sunday suppers, or cozy evenings at home. The long, slow cooking process ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the bright cranberries and herbs infuse every slice with a burst of seasonal flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. A handful of ingredients and minimal prep work come together in the slow cooker, transforming a hearty cut of beef into a deeply flavorful roast. The sauce thickens into a glossy, ruby-red glaze that clings to the brisket, adding visual appeal and irresistible taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning leftovers, this recipe will earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket

This recipe delivers a rich, festive flavor profile without the stress of complicated steps or hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax or prep sides. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish, as the flavors deepen and improve after sitting, and leftovers are just as good—if not better—the next day. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even in sandwiches.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish a success, gather your essential tools first:

• Slow Cooker: The heart of this recipe. A 6-quart model is perfect for fitting the brisket and letting it cook low and slow to achieve fork-tender results.
• Searing Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: For browning the brisket before it goes into the slow cooker, adding depth of flavor.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping the brisket during searing and transferring it safely.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Needed for prepping ingredients and slicing the cooked brisket.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining your glaze ingredients before pouring over the brisket.

Each tool plays a key role in maximizing flavor, ensuring even cooking, and keeping prep efficient and mess-free.

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Preparation Tips

Choose a well-marbled cut of brisket for the juiciest results, ideally between 3 to 4 pounds. Searing the meat before placing it in the slow cooker is optional but highly recommended—it adds a caramelized crust that boosts the savory notes. For the glaze, use whole berry cranberry sauce rather than the jellied kind; it offers more texture and holds up better during the long cooking process. Don’t skip fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme—they add brightness and an earthy balance to the sweetness of the glaze. Finally, allow the brisket to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

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Ingredients for This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket

• 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• Optional garnish: extra cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or chopped parsley

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Brisket

Generously season the brisket on all sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until a deep brown crust forms. This adds a layer of flavor to the meat before slow cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Layer and Add Herbs

Place the seared brisket into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the cranberry glaze evenly over the meat. Nestle the rosemary and thyme sprigs around the brisket.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours. The brisket is ready when it is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker glaze, remove the brisket and transfer the liquid to a saucepan. Simmer on the stove over medium heat until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering liquid to speed up the process.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the brisket rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Pour some of the glaze over the top and garnish with additional cranberries, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of parsley for color. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

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Notes

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket improves in flavor over time, making it an excellent dish to prepare a day in advance. The glaze continues to soak into the meat, amplifying its sweet-tart richness. For the best results, use a brisket cut with a good fat cap, as the fat slowly renders during cooking and keeps the meat juicy. If using dried herbs instead of fresh, reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overpowering the glaze.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Skipping the sear – Browning the brisket beforehand adds deep flavor. Don’t skip this step unless you’re really short on time.
2. Using the wrong cranberry sauce – Whole berry sauce gives texture and richness. Jellied versions may dissolve too much and lose visual appeal.
3. Overcooking on HIGH – Cooking brisket on HIGH can lead to tougher meat. LOW and slow delivers the most tender, flavorful results.
4. Not resting the meat – Slicing the brisket too soon will result in dry meat. Always let it rest before cutting.
5. Too much liquid – Don’t add more liquid than the recipe requires. Brisket releases juices as it cooks.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover brisket in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the brisket and glaze in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also freeze the brisket, tightly wrapped in foil or a freezer-safe bag, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving – based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 450mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this brisket ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavor deepens after resting overnight. Simply reheat before serving.

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

It’s not recommended. Whole berry sauce offers better texture and visual appeal.

What can I serve with cranberry brisket?

Mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, polenta, or crusty bread all pair beautifully.

Can I skip searing the brisket?

While not mandatory, searing enhances the flavor significantly and helps develop a rich outer crust.

What’s the best way to slice brisket?

Always slice against the grain for the most tender results.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes. After searing, place in a Dutch oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours, covered.

How do I know when the brisket is done?

The brisket should be fork-tender and easily pull apart. Internal temp should be around 195–200°F.

Can I double the recipe?

If your slow cooker is large enough, yes. Just ensure the meat is mostly submerged or covered in glaze.

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Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Glazed Brisket is proof that minimal effort can still result in a showstopping meal. With its deep, savory richness complemented by the tart-sweet cranberry glaze, it’s perfect for both special occasions and comforting family dinners. The slow cooker handles the heavy lifting, leaving you with fork-tender meat and a flavorful glaze that begs to be sopped up with something delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or saving leftovers for the next day, this brisket is sure to impress.

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