By a Chef Who Takes Brisket Very Seriously (and also jokes about it)
If your Christmas menu still revolves around ham and turkey like it’s the 1950s, it’s time for an upgrade.
Christmas beef brisket is the holiday hero nobody warned you about – rich, tender, boldly seasoned, and guaranteed to make guests loosen their belts and ask for the recipe before dessert lands.
Brisket is comfort food royalty. It’s the cut that says, “I’ve been cooking low and slow for hours. You’re welcome.” And during Christmas? It brings big flavor energy to the table.
Whether smoked, oven-braised, slow-cooked, crust-blasted, or spiced up for an international twist – brisket can flex.
As a pitmaster-turned-holiday-enthusiast, I’ve gathered 17 Christmas beef brisket dishes that will make your holiday feast unforgettable. These dishes aren’t just delicious – they’re pure gift-giving in edible form.
Grab your carving knife. Let’s make Christmas dinner epic.
The 17 Best Christmas Beef Brisket Dishes
Each dish below includes:
- Why it works for Christmas
- Unexpected flavor wins
- How to serve it like a pro
And yes – leftovers count as another celebration.
1. Classic Slow-Braised Christmas Brisket
The original. The legend. Soft as butter, soaked in a savory herb gravy.
Why it shines: It’s “set it and forget it,” and the aroma announces Christmas louder than carolers.
Pro twist: Add fresh thyme and red wine to deepen the flavor.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, 2 cups beef broth, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper
Method: Rub brisket with salt, pepper, and garlic. Place in oven-safe pan with broth and rosemary. Cover and braise at 275°F for 4–5 hours until tender. Slice against the grain. Serve with pan juices and roasted vegetables.
2. Smoked Texas-Style Brisket
This one has bark – the good kind – that massive, smoky crust.
Why it shines: The smoky aroma lingers longer than your relative’s bad holiday jokes.
Flavor boost: Hickory + black pepper + patience = greatness.
Ingredients: 3 lb brisket, salt, black pepper, paprika, wood chips
Method: Coat brisket with salt, pepper, paprika. Smoke at 225–250°F for 8–12 hours with hickory wood until internal temp reaches 200°F. Rest 30 mins, slice, and serve smoky goodness with BBQ sauce.
3. Honey-Glazed Holiday Brisket
Sweet meets savory and love happens under mistletoe.
Why it shines: Feels festive without being dessert-level sugary.
Ace move: Add orange zest to the glaze for Christmas sparkle.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, honey, Dijon, garlic, soy sauce
Method: Mix honey, Dijon, garlic, and soy sauce. Brush over brisket, roast at 300°F for 4 hours, basting every hour. Slice and drizzle remaining glaze. Sweet, festive, and sticky.
4. Red Wine & Rosemary Brisket
Classy. Elegant. The brisket version of a tuxedo.
Why it shines: The deep, bold sauce could win flavor awards.
Serve with: Creamy mashed potatoes – they’ll need a spoon for the sauce anyway.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, 2 cups red wine, beef broth, rosemary, shallots
Method: Sear brisket, transfer to roasting pan with wine, broth, rosemary, and shallots. Roast covered at 275°F for 4–5 hours. Serve sliced with rich red wine sauce.
5. BBQ Brisket with Cranberry Sauce
Traditional BBQ meets holiday fruit flair.
Why it shines: It tastes like the holidays ran into a backyard cookout and became best friends.
Key pairing: Freshly baked rolls for brisket sliders.
Ingredients: 3 lb brisket, BBQ rub, 1 cup cranberry sauce
Method: Rub brisket with BBQ seasoning, roast or smoke until tender. Heat cranberry sauce and brush over sliced brisket. Serve with extra sauce for dipping – tart + smoky magic.
6. Garlic-Rubbed Brisket Roast
Bold garlic perfume – but in a good way, not a “did you eat the bulb?” way.
Why it shines: Simple ingredients, massive payoff.
Presentation: Carve against the grain for picture-perfect slices.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
Method: Rub brisket with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper. Roast at 300°F, covered, 4–5 hours. Slice thin against the grain. Aromatic and simple.
7. Espresso-Crusted Brisket
Coffee isn’t just for staying awake through gift unwrapping.
Why it shines: Bitterness meets beef richness – a chef’s favorite power couple.
Pro tip: Don’t tell guests the secret until after they ask why it’s so good.
Ingredients: 3 lb brisket, espresso powder, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder
Method: Mix espresso, sugar, pepper, and garlic. Coat brisket and roast at 275°F for 4–5 hours. Rest, slice, and enjoy deep, roasted flavor with caramelized edges.
8. Maple-Mustard Brisket
Sweet and tangy holiday vibes in every bite.
Why it shines: The glossy finish looks like a magazine cover centerpiece.
Serve with: Roasted carrots and parsnips – color explosion on the plate.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon, salt, pepper
Method: Whisk maple and mustard, rub over brisket. Roast at 300°F 4 hours, basting occasionally. Sweet, tangy glaze gives glossy, festive finish.
9. Korean-Style Gochujang Brisket
A little spice. A little sweet. A whole lot of “WOW.”
Why it shines: It wakes up the table – and maybe Uncle Bob.
Garnish: Sesame + green onions = chef-level finishing touch.
Ingredients: 3 lb brisket, 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil
Method: Mix sauce, coat brisket, roast at 275°F for 4–5 hours. Slice, drizzle with leftover sauce, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for umami punch.
10. Jewish Holiday Brisket with Caramelized Onions
A cultural tradition that deserves more spotlight at Christmas too.
Why it shines: Fork-tender beef plus onions turned into sweet flavor candy.
Make ahead: Even better the next day (holiday cooking hack unlocked).
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, onions, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic
Method: Caramelize onions with sugar and garlic. Sear brisket, then braise with onions and broth at 275°F 4–5 hours. Slice thin and serve with sweet onion sauce.
11. Bourbon & Brown Sugar Brisket
Holiday spirit? Yes. Actual spirits? Also yes.
Why it shines: Bourbon + beef = festive depth with a hint of caramel warmth.
Extra step: Reduce the pan sauce into a glaze that slaps (chef term).
Ingredients: 3 lb brisket, ½ cup bourbon, 2 tbsp brown sugar, garlic, salt, pepper
Method: Rub brisket with seasoning. Roast at 275°F, 4–5 hours. Reduce bourbon and sugar in pan to glaze sliced brisket. Smoky, sweet, celebratory.
12. Pomegranate Molasses Brisket
A fancy twist without the fancy difficulty.
Why it shines: Tangy sweet glaze that practically decorates itself.
Holiday bonus: The red color screams Christmas cheer.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, ¼ cup pomegranate molasses, 2 tbsp honey, garlic, salt, pepper
Method: Mix molasses, honey, garlic. Rub on brisket, roast 4–5 hours at 275°F. Slice and drizzle extra glaze. Tangy, sweet, Christmas-ready.
13. Chili-Chocolate Brisket
Chocolate in savory food? The ancient chefs approve.
Why it shines: Subtle cocoa richness makes flavors deeper and mysterious.
Sell it politely: Call it “mole-inspired.” Everybody nods and pretends to know.
Ingredients: 3 lb brisket, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp chili powder, salt, pepper
Method: Coat brisket with cocoa, chili, and salt. Roast covered at 275°F 4–5 hours. Slice and serve — deep, warming flavors perfect for festive meals.
14. Polish-Style Brisket with Root Vegetables
Rustic. Earthy. Hug-you-from-the-inside food.
Why it shines: A whole meal in one dish – less stress, more merriment.
Serving idea: Crusty bread to mop the plate clean.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, carrots, parsnips, onion, garlic, beef broth
Method: Layer root veggies in pan, place brisket on top, add broth. Roast 4–5 hours at 275°F until meat and veggies are tender. Comfort food in one dish.
15. Citrus & Herb Christmas Brisket
Bright, refreshing, and still hearty.
Why it shines: Cuts through the holiday heaviness with zing.
Pro move: Add a squeeze of lemon at the table – boosts the aromatics beautifully.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, zest of 1 orange, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper
Method: Rub brisket with herbs and citrus zest. Roast at 275°F 4–5 hours. Bright, fresh flavor cuts richness, perfect for Christmas dinner.
16. Brisket Shepherd’s Pie
Leftovers? Nope – holiday innovation.
Why it shines: Comfort food stacked on comfort food.
Serving method: Bake it in individual ramekins so everyone feels special.
Ingredients: Leftover brisket, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, gravy
Method: Dice brisket, mix with gravy and veggies, top with mashed potatoes. Bake 20–25 minutes at 375°F until golden. Comfort food stacked on comfort food.
17. Brisket au Poivre
Pepper-crusted like steakhouse royalty.
Why it shines: Luxurious and bold – perfect for the main event.
Pair with: Cognac cream sauce to officially flex on the turkey.
Ingredients: 2–3 lb brisket, crushed black pepper, salt, cream, cognac (optional)
Method: Coat brisket with pepper and salt. Roast at 275°F 4–5 hours. Slice, serve with cognac cream sauce for a luxurious holiday twist.
Why Brisket Is the Christmas MVP
Christmas beef brisket offers what other holiday mains can’t:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Rich flavor | Feels like a celebration in every bite |
| Tender results | Low-and-slow cooking means melt-in-your-mouth magic |
| Huge versatility | It wears any flavor profile like a tailored suit |
| Crowd-pleasing | Carnivores cheer. Even picky eaters convert. |
| Amazing leftovers | Brisket tacos are the “day after” miracle |
It’s comfort and celebration wrapped into one glorious cut.
Expert Cooking Tips from the Pitmaster
Want brisket that brings applause? Follow these:
- Low and slow – anything under 300°F is ideal.
- Rest the meat – at least 20–30 mins before slicing.
- Slice against the grain – tenderness insurance.
- Keep moisture in play – broth, foil, or covered pan.
- Season generously – brisket is thick, not timid.
Little adjustments make big holiday magic.
Serving Suggestions That Impress
Because we’re going for festive fabulous, not buffet beige:
- Fresh herbs add brightness (parsley, chives, dill)
- Pop of acidity – citrus wedges or pickle garnish
- Colorful sides – roasted beets, green beans, pomegranate seeds
- Sauce on the side – let guests sauce like artists
The plate should look like Christmas – loud, joyful, irresistible.
Storage & Leftovers: The Brisket Bonus Round
Store: Up to 4 days in the fridge
Freeze: Up to 3 months (slice first for easy thawing)
Holiday leftover ideas:
- Brisket grilled cheese (don’t walk, run)
- Breakfast hash with eggs on top
- Sliders for family game night
- Brisket tacos – because happiness exists
Christmas lasts longer when brisket is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best cut of beef for Christmas brisket?
For tender results, go with the whole brisket – point cut for more marbling and flavor, flat cut for leaner, even slices. Both work well for oven, smoker, or slow-cooker methods.
2. How long should I cook a Christmas beef brisket?
Low and slow is key. Most briskets need 4–6 hours at 275°F (135°C) in the oven or 8–12 hours on a smoker. Slow cooking ensures it’s fork-tender and juicy.
3. Can I prepare brisket ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook a day in advance – flavors improve overnight. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently in the oven with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
4. How do I slice brisket properly?
Always slice against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers and guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices. Cutting with the grain can result in chewy bites.
5. What sides pair best with Christmas beef brisket?
Traditional sides: mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream, or cranberry sauce. Bright or acidic elements help balance the rich meat.
6. Can I make brisket spicy or flavored differently?
Yes! Brisket is a versatile canvas. Try spices like paprika, coffee rubs, gochujang, or cranberry glaze for festive flavor twists.
7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep meat and any sauce separately. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat low and slow, covered, to prevent dryness – leftover brisket tacos or sandwiches are a bonus.
Warm Up Your Christmas with these Brisket Dishes
This Christmas, give your diners something to talk about besides politics and who forgot to buy batteries again.
Christmas beef brisket steals the show:
- Big flavor ✔
- Tender and comforting ✔
- Versatile and holiday-worthy ✔
- Guaranteed applause ✔✔✔
If you serve one of these 17 brisket masterpieces, your dinner becomes legendary. Guests might still argue, but it’ll be about who gets the last slice – which is a battle worth fighting.
So preheat that oven. Fire up that smoker.
And make this the year brisket becomes the New Christmas Tradition.
Happy cooking – and Merry Brisk-mas.
Featured image credit: @kemuribbq.sg
