The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and, of course, indulge in a scrumptious feast. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone who only enters the kitchen once a year, Christmas dinner is a moment to shine. But what if you’re looking for some fresh ideas or a little inspiration to elevate your holiday spread this year? Christmas cooking shows offer the perfect opportunity to watch culinary experts whip up a variety of dishes while sharing valuable tips, tricks, and recipes you can try yourself.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best Christmas cooking shows that will have you preparing a feast your guests won’t soon forget. From holiday staples to unexpected twists on classic dishes, these shows will help you perfect your Christmas spread and make the most of your time in the kitchen.
1. The Great British Bake Off: Holidays
Why Watch It: When it comes to Christmas baking, there is no better show than The Great British Bake Off: Holidays. This beloved show gathers talented bakers from previous seasons of The Great British Bake Off to compete in holiday-themed challenges. What makes this series especially delightful is the focus on Christmas-specific treats like mince pies, yule logs, gingerbread houses, and a wide variety of traditional British bakes.
What You’ll Learn: Watching this show will give you ideas for creating mouthwatering festive bakes with a distinctly British touch. From the perfect dough for a festive fruitcake to the techniques for making a stunning gingerbread house, the show will teach you how to elevate your baking skills and impress your holiday guests. You’ll also get insights into traditional holiday desserts and how to add personal twists to your favorite recipes.
Holiday Dishes to Try:
- Classic British Christmas Pudding: Learn how to make this rich and spiced pudding, often served with brandy butter or custard.
- Yule Log (Bûche de Noël): A showstopper cake made from sponge, filled with rich buttercream, and decorated to resemble a log.
- Gingerbread House: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own gingerbread house, a fun and creative addition to your holiday décor.
2. Christmas Cookie Challenge
Why Watch It: If you’re a fan of cookies and want to make some incredible holiday treats, Christmas Cookie Challenge is a must-watch. In this festive competition, expert bakers face off to create the most impressive and delicious Christmas cookies. From classic sugar cookies decorated with intricate designs to unique flavor combinations, this show is packed with inspiration for every cookie lover.
What You’ll Learn: The show offers a plethora of creative ideas for cookies, including fun decorating techniques and how to make different doughs with ease. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys baking with family, especially with children. You’ll learn how to make cookies that are both visually appealing and absolutely delicious, so you can gift them to loved ones or have them as treats for your Christmas dinner table.
Holiday Dishes to Try:
- Decorated Sugar Cookies: Use royal icing and edible glitter to create beautifully decorated cookies that match your holiday theme.
- Peppermint Mocha Cookies: Combine two favorite holiday flavors—chocolate and peppermint—for a delicious twist.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies are perfect for decorating and leave your kitchen smelling amazing.
3. Rachael Ray’s Holiday Recipes
Why Watch It: Rachael Ray is known for her approachable cooking style, and her holiday episodes are no exception. On her Rachael Ray Show, she presents festive recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a small family gathering or a large holiday feast, you’ll find plenty of recipes that cater to every need. Rachael often includes shortcuts and time-saving tips, making her recipes ideal for busy holiday cooks.
What You’ll Learn: Rachael’s holiday recipes are practical and flavorful, with an emphasis on creating an impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll learn how to prepare hearty main dishes, sides, and desserts that will make your Christmas dinner complete. Rachael often features guest chefs and popular food experts, so you’ll also get a chance to learn from a variety of culinary professionals.
Holiday Dishes to Try:
- Holiday Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs: A simple, flavorful roast chicken recipe that’s perfect for smaller gatherings.
- Cranberry Sauce with a Twist: Learn how to add a twist to your traditional cranberry sauce with different fruits and spices.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: A festive dessert that blends the warmth of pumpkin with the creamy richness of cheesecake.
4. Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa: Holiday
Why Watch It: Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is known for her sophisticated yet simple cooking style, and her holiday episodes are nothing short of magical. Ina’s recipes are perfect for those who want to prepare delicious meals with minimal stress. She focuses on making elegant dishes that have a homemade feel but look impressive enough for a holiday celebration.
What You’ll Learn: Ina Garten’s holiday recipes focus on using high-quality ingredients to create memorable meals. From appetizers to desserts, her recipes are guaranteed to elevate any holiday spread. You’ll learn how to put together a beautiful holiday table with dishes that are both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.
Holiday Dishes to Try:
- Roast Beef with Garlic and Herb Butter: A decadent roast beef that’s perfect for a Christmas dinner.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with the added richness of garlic.
- Cranberry Orange Relish: A bright and refreshing side dish to complement rich holiday meats.
5. Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship
Why Watch It: The Holiday Baking Championship is one of the best shows for anyone who loves the magic of holiday desserts. Bakers compete against each other in a series of challenges where they create festive treats for the judges, and the show is full of incredible inspiration for your holiday sweets table. It’s a great place to find new ideas for both traditional and innovative Christmas desserts.
What You’ll Learn: This show is perfect for those who want to go beyond the basics and create some truly jaw-dropping desserts. You’ll learn how to decorate cakes, pies, cookies, and pastries with seasonal ingredients, and how to present them in an artistic and festive way.
Holiday Dishes to Try:
- Eggnog Cake: A rich, spiced cake that channels the flavors of eggnog in a fun and festive way.
- Gingerbread Trifle: Layer gingerbread, whipped cream, and fruit to create a decadent holiday dessert.
- Peppermint Brownies: Perfect for any peppermint lover, these brownies are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Conclusion:
This holiday season, transform your kitchen into a festive hub of deliciousness by watching these Christmas cooking shows. Whether you’re interested in baking intricate cookies, preparing savory holiday meals, or mastering stunning desserts, these shows offer a wealth of inspiration. They’ll teach you valuable techniques, introduce you to creative holiday dishes, and help you put together a scrumptious feast that will make this Christmas unforgettable. Gather your family, put on your apron, and enjoy cooking up a storm with these holiday cooking shows.
