If you’re looking for the ultimate Hanukkah brisket recipe to serve at your holiday table, this slow-braised, flavor-packed dish is exactly what you need. This Hanukkah brisket recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce — a true showstopper for your celebration. Whether you’re honoring tradition or discovering a new family favorite, this Hanukkah brisket recipe brings warmth, depth, and unforgettable flavor to every bite. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that make this Hanukkah brisket recipe a must-have for your festive menu.

Ingredients

• 4 to 5 lbs beef brisket (first or flat cut, well-trimmed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (or substitute with more broth if alcohol-free)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried thyme or 4–5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks, chopped for extra depth

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the brisket dry and season it generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Sear the meat in a large Dutch oven or heavy roasting pot with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned. Set aside.

• Cook the aromatics. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Build the sauce. Add tomato paste, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes. Deglaze the pot with wine, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits. Let simmer for 3 minutes.

• Add liquids. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a light simmer.
• Return the brisket. Nestle it into the sauce, fat side up. Add carrots and celery if using.

• Roast. Cover tightly and place in the oven. Cook for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until fork-tender.

• Rest and slice. Let brisket rest at least 30 minutes before slicing against the grain. Reheat slices in sauce before serving.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time when families gather to celebrate miracles, light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and enjoy comforting, traditional foods that have been passed down for generations. While crispy latkes and jelly-filled sufganiyot are staples of the holiday table, one dish often stands out as the centerpiece of a truly memorable Hanukkah meal: the brisket. This Hanukkah Brisket Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s an expression of heritage, love, and the joy of feeding those we care about most.

In Jewish cuisine, brisket is a cut that represents tradition and transformation. Once considered a humble, economical choice, brisket becomes tender and flavorful through the slow, loving process of braising. It’s a dish that rewards patience, fills the house with irresistible aromas, and brings everyone to the table with anticipation. This Hanukkah Brisket Recipe embraces that legacy and updates it with a rich, savory tomato and wine-based sauce that elevates every bite.

Whether you’re preparing your first Hanukkah meal or you’re a seasoned cook looking to perfect your brisket game, this guide will walk you through each step. From selecting the ideal cut to adding flavor with classic spices and creating a beautiful presentation, this article has everything you need to serve up a truly unforgettable Hanukkah Brisket Recipe.

Why This Hanukkah Brisket Recipe Deserves the Spotlight

• Time-honored tradition: Brisket has been a Jewish holiday staple for centuries.
• Incredible flavor: A rich, savory sauce infuses the meat during slow cooking.
• Crowd-pleasing: One cut of meat can feed a large family with generous leftovers.
• Make-ahead magic: The flavor improves after resting overnight in the sauce.
• Naturally gluten- and dairy-free: Ideal for accommodating various dietary needs.

Brisket is more than food—it’s memory in the making. Many people recall watching their grandparents or parents prepare it for special occasions. The crackle of onions in oil, the earthy scent of herbs, and the sight of a bubbling pot filling the kitchen with warmth all contribute to the emotional pull this dish has. This Hanukkah Brisket Recipe taps into that nostalgia while delivering a modern, deeply satisfying flavor profile.

Choosing the Right Cut

When shopping for brisket, look for the first cut (also called the flat cut). This portion is leaner, more uniform in shape, and easier to slice. While the second cut (point cut) is fattier and flavorful, it can be trickier to cook evenly. Ask your butcher for a well-trimmed, high-quality brisket—ideally around 4 to 5 pounds, which is perfect for feeding 6–8 people

Serving Suggestions

This Hanukkah Brisket Recipe pairs beautifully with:

• Crispy potato latkes topped with applesauce or sour cream
• Oven-roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes
• Matzo ball soup as a traditional starter
• Braised red cabbage for a tangy contrast
• Challah or gluten-free rolls to soak up the savory sauce

Garnish the platter with chopped parsley, fresh pomegranate seeds, or sprigs of thyme for a holiday-worthy presentation.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is easy to adapt to your family’s taste:

• Add spice: Include a dash of cayenne or a pinch of cinnamon and allspice for Moroccan flair.
• Make it sweeter: Add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of pomegranate molasses for a subtly sweet twist.
• Low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
• Vegetable-rich: Layer extra vegetables in the sauce like mushrooms, fennel, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

Brisket is one of the few holiday dishes that tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerate: Store cooled brisket in its sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Slice and freeze in portions with sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a covered pot at 300°F until heated through.

Use leftovers for brisket sandwiches, hash, or as a filling in gluten-free tacos or wraps.

FAQs About Hanukkah Brisket

Can I cook this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, brisket improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Just slice and reheat it in its sauce.

What if I don’t eat beef?
You can substitute with a boneless turkey breast or even jackfruit for a plant-based version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What wine works best?
Use a dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. For non-alcoholic versions, use pomegranate juice or additional broth.

Can I make this kosher for Passover?
Yes — ensure all ingredients are certified kosher for Passover and skip tomato paste if your customs don’t allow legumes.

A Dish That Brings Light to the Table

There’s something profoundly comforting about a recipe that brings generations together — and brisket is one of those recipes. This Hanukkah Brisket Recipe brings warmth to cold winter nights and fills your home with the kind of love and tradition that only food can offer.

Whether you’re honoring generations past or creating new memories with your children and grandchildren, this brisket will become part of your story. It’s food that nourishes the body and the spirit — the kind of meal that lingers long after the last bite is gone.

So this Hanukkah, gather your loved ones, light the menorah, and celebrate with a dish that reflects the richness of tradition and the warmth of the season. With this Hanukkah Brisket Recipe, you’re not just cooking — you’re keeping history alive and creating moments that matter

For generations, the Hanukkah brisket recipe has stood as the heart of festive Jewish holiday cooking. Deeply rooted in Ashkenazi culinary tradition, this cherished dish represents comfort, resilience, and celebration. Passed down through families and honored across continents, the Hanukkah brisket recipe is more than just a holiday meal — it’s a symbol of connection and warmth.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender cut of beef absorbs rich flavors from tomato, onion, garlic, and wine, making every bite a nostalgic return to tradition. Whether you’re preparing your very first Hanukkah brisket recipe or honoring a decades-old family version, the ritual of cooking and sharing brisket brings generations together around the holiday table. It’s no surprise that the Hanukkah brisket recipe continues to be one of the most searched, requested, and beloved Jewish dishes — especially during the Festival of Lights.

Don’t forget to browse our complete collection of dinner recipes — you’re going to love it!