Picture this: fall-apart tender brisket with a glossy, sweet-and-savory crust, ready to make any dinner unforgettable. That’s what you get with Glazed Corned Beef, a truly show-stopping dish that turns a classic into something extra special. This recipe takes all the comforting, familiar flavors of traditional corned beef and gives them a delicious upgrade with a tangy mustard and brown sugar glaze. Whether you’re cooking for St. Patrick’s Day, a Sunday gathering, or just craving an irresistible main course, this is one dish sure to be requested again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Corned Beef:
- 3–4 pound corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
- Water (enough to cover beef)
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
How to Make Glazed Corned Beef
Step 1: Simmer the Corned Beef
First, let’s get that brisket meltingly tender. Place your corned beef in a large pot, sprinkle in the spice packet, and cover everything with water. Bring it all up to a bubbling boil, then drop the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it work its magic for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow simmer draws out flavors from the spices and gives you a brisket that truly falls apart when prodded with a fork.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
While the beef simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This blast of heat is what helps the glaze caramelize. Take a sturdy baking sheet, line it with foil for stress-free clean-up, and set a wire rack on top. The rack ensures air circulation, so your glaze gets gorgeously sticky without steaming the beef.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. This blend is the secret weapon for Glazed Corned Beef, layering sweet, sharp, and aromatic notes that wake up your tastebuds with every bite.
Step 4: Prep the Beef for Glazing
Carefully remove the corned beef from its aromatic bath and place it on your prepared rack. Pat it dry with paper towels—removing extra moisture means the glaze will cling and caramelize perfectly, rather than sliding off or steaming.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake
Brush the glaze all over the top and sides of the beef until it’s generously coated. Slide it into the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. About halfway through, brush on a second layer of glaze for double the flavor. The brisket will emerge shiny and golden, with an irresistibly sticky crust.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Don’t skip the resting! Let your Glazed Corned Beef cool for about 10 minutes—it allows all those savory juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every slice stays moist. To serve, cut the beef against the grain into neat slices and get ready for applause at the table.
How to Serve Glazed Corned Beef

Garnishes
Give your Glazed Corned Beef that finishing chef’s touch with simple, eye-catching garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a scattering of thinly sliced green onions will provide lovely pops of color and freshness. For something zippy, try a few capers or a little extra grainy mustard dolloped alongside the slices.
Side Dishes
For a meal to remember, pair this corned beef with creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant roasted carrots, or butter-braised cabbage. The naturally salty, tangy notes of the beef play beautifully with earthy root veggies and simple starches. If you’re feeling festive, some soda bread or garlic-roasted new potatoes make delicious accompaniments as well.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try slicing your Glazed Corned Beef thin and piling it onto a platter ringed with colorful vegetables for a stunning centerpiece. For sandwiches, serve slices on rye with Swiss cheese and a touch of the leftover glaze as a spread. Or create open-faced toasts with horseradish cream and pickled red onions for an appetizer that’ll disappear in minutes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Glazed Corned Beef keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Refrigerating actually seems to intensify the flavors, making those next-day sandwiches and hash even more special. Be sure to slice only what you need, storing the rest as a chunk to stay juicy.
Freezing
If you’re making this for a smaller crowd or want to prep ahead, don’t hesitate to freeze extra portions. Wrap cooled slices or whole chunks tightly in foil, then seal in a freezer bag. Glazed Corned Beef will keep in the freezer for up to two months, ready for a last-minute comfort food fix any time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in a covered baking dish with a splash of beef broth or a little reserved cooking liquid to keep them moist. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in short bursts at medium power. If you want to refresh the glaze, brush a thin layer on top before reheating in the oven.
FAQs
What’s the best way to know when my corned beef is done?
Your brisket is ready when a fork slides in effortlessly, usually after 2.5 to 3 hours of simmering. If in doubt, let it cook a little longer for maximum tenderness.
Can I make the glaze less sweet?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the brown sugar to two tablespoons and add a little more vinegar or mustard for extra tang. Adjust to suit your family’s tastes.
Is Glazed Corned Beef gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free, as long as your mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re serving someone with food sensitivities.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Corned beef brisket is ideal here, but you can use a corned beef round if that’s what you find. The brisket offers more marbling and flavor, but both will work with the delicious glaze.
What can I do with leftover Glazed Corned Beef?
Leftovers are amazing in hash with potatoes and eggs, sliced into sandwiches, or diced into salads. You can also fold it into omelets or bake into savory pies for a flavor-packed lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine or wow your guests on a special occasion, Glazed Corned Beef is that standout recipe you’ll be proud to serve. The irresistible sweet-savory crust, paired with succulent slices, is pure comfort food magic. Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you just might find it becomes your new family favorite!
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Glazed Corned Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful twist on classic corned beef with this recipe for Glazed Corned Beef. Tender beef brisket gets a sweet and tangy makeover with a brown sugar and mustard glaze, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Corned Beef:
- 3–4 pound corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
- Water (enough to cover beef)
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Cook the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef in a large pot, cover with water, add spice packet, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2.5-3 hours until fork-tender.
- Prepare Glaze: Preheat oven to 400°F, line baking sheet with foil and wire rack. Mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cloves in a bowl.
- Glaze and Bake: Pat dry cooked beef, brush with glaze, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until caramelized, brushing with glaze halfway through.
- Rest and Serve: Let beef rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, reduce remaining cooking liquid and drizzle over sliced meat.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg