Gluten-Free Baked Corned Beef Brisket

Prep: 5 minCook: 2 hr 15 min8 servingsmediumIrish
Baked Corned Beef Brisket with Sweet Mustard Crust

This tender baked corned beef features a flavorful crust made from honey mustard, whole grain Dijon, and brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The foil-wrapping method keeps the meat moist during the long bake, while a quick broil at the end creates a golden, bubbly surface. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, Sunday dinners, or any time you want an impressive yet simple main dish. The optional salt-reduction step makes it suitable for those watching sodium intake, and slicing against the grain ensures maximum tenderness.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 3 lb corned beef brisket
  • ¼ cup honey mustard
    regular yellow mustard + 1 tsp honey1:1basic

    works well but less complex flavor

  • ¼ cup whole grain dijon mustard
    regular dijon mustard1:1basic

    smoother texture

  • 2 TBS light brown sugar
    white sugar1:1basic

    less molasses flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F

  2. 2

    Drain liquid from corned beef package and pat dry with paper towels

  3. 3

    Optionally reduce salt by placing corned beef fat side up in pot, covering with water, bringing to boil, then discarding water

  4. 4

    Lay corned beef fat side up on large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil

  5. 5

    Sprinkle peppercorns from package over corned beef if desired

  6. 6

    Whisk together both mustards in small bowl

  7. 7

    Spread half of mustard mixture over top of corned beef and reserve remaining

  8. 8

    Sprinkle brown sugar over mustard-covered corned beef

  9. 9

    Wrap corned beef with foil leaving space between meat and foil on top

  10. 10

    Place foil-wrapped corned beef in shallow roasting pan and bake for 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 190°F

  11. 11

    Open foil wrapping and broil for 2-3 minutes until top is bubbly and lightly browned

  12. 12

    Let corned beef rest for 5 to 10 minutes

  13. 13

    Place on cutting board and cut diagonally across grain into half-inch thick slices

  14. 14

    Serve with reserved mustard on side

Tips

Tip 1

Cut against the grain at a diagonal for maximum tenderness and better presentation

Tip 2

Leave space between the foil and meat during baking to allow steam circulation while keeping moisture in

Tip 3

Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer - 190°F ensures the tough connective tissues have broken down

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can be prepped and wrapped in foil up to 1 day ahead, then baked when ready

Serve With

Slice and serve warm with reserved mustard, pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the resting period to avoid losing juices when slicing

Watch

Avoid overcooking past 190°F internal temperature as meat will become dry

Watch

Cut with the grain instead of against it and meat will be tough

Substitutions

honey mustard
regular yellow mustard + 1 tsp honey1:1basic

works well but less complex flavor

whole grain dijon
regular dijon mustard1:1basic

smoother texture

brown sugar
white sugar1:1basic

less molasses flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of corned beef brisket?

This recipe is specifically designed for corned beef brisket which is already cured and seasoned. Regular beef brisket would need different preparation and seasoning.

What if I don't have whole grain mustard?

Regular Dijon mustard works fine, though you'll lose some texture. You could also mix regular mustard with a few whole mustard seeds.

How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Properly stored leftover corned beef will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.