Holiday Baking Championship Season 11 episode 1: Cheese balls and holiday bark

Food Network opens the kitchen to all the holly, jolly, and merry deliciousness. On Holiday Baking Championship Season 11 episode 1, the bakers learn some big changes to the competition. This holiday season is going to be even more festive for the winning bakers.

Before the bakers start sifting the flour, they learn a new advantage for this new Holiday Baking Championship season. Each baker who wins the Pre-heat will receive a $1,000 cash advantage. That monetary bonus had everyone cheering. Even though an advantage for the Main Heat could keep them in the competition longer, a little extra money in their pocket is always a good idea.

For the first Pre-heat of Holiday Baking Championship Season 11, the bakers had to create a cheese ball inspired dessert. While it was not necessarily a savory bite, the cheese and fruit or nut requirement kept the flavor combination interesting.

More importantly, these festive holiday open house cheese ball inspired desserts were well-executed. For a first round, there were very few mistakes. The Food Network bakers definitely set a high bar for their first impression with the judges.

One dessert earned the $1,000 Pre-heat win. For food television competition fans, they might have thought it was a repeat of Carla Hall’s appearance on last season’s Top Chef episode. It was all about the croquette.

After having a little mis-step, Andre pivoted to a smaller croquette size and it proved quite successful. His farmer’s cheese with dried cherries dessert was a home run. It was the first dessert presented and it instantly wowed the judges. It had a creamy, crumbly center with the perfectly crunchy, tender crust. It was a creative take on a hush puppies. Andre won the $1,000 Pre-heat prize.

For the Main Heat, the bakers had to transform traditional holiday bark flavors into an innovative dessert. The creativity in those desserts was tremendous. While there were cakes and tarts, there were other desserts that typically do not show up in the first round. It was a big win for Food Network fans looking for innovation and creativity in the long running baking competition.

While holiday bark is a popular seasonal food gift, the flavors can be seen in all types of desserts. The reality is that the bakers who brought creativity and flavor earned high praise.

One top baker was Courtney. Although some of her décor could have been neater, the judges had high praise for her tart. The pate sucre was tender and the inside had perfect layers. Duff Goldman noted how the mango flavor brings together all the macadamia praline, coconut mousse and sweetness.

The first Holiday Baking Championship Season 11 Main Heat winner was Rafi. As soon as he presented his entremets, it was clear. The visually stunning dessert is Christmas card worthy.

More importantly, the dessert was equally as beautiful inside as it was on the outside. The combination of chocolate, raspberry coulis, and vanilla yogurt mousse was divine. Perfectly balanced in flavor and presentation, it was clearly a winner.

Unfortunately, three bakers were in the bottom. Everyone assumed, even prior to the judging, that Johnathan would be in danger of going home. His last minute to pivot from cake to trifle ensured something was on the plate. But, it was not successful.

The flavors were fine. The addition of dark chocolate to balance the sweetness of the white chocolate and peppermint was smart. Still, it was not a trifle or cake. It was a bowl of sweet mush.

Delna had issues, too. While the judges appreciated the flavors in her babka, the center was underbaked. She was too ambitious in her dessert choice. The risk was not worth the reward.

The worst dessert of Holiday Baking Championship Season 11 episode 1 was Julian’s matcha cherry tart. The décor could have been neater. It was a sea of green, but it did not capture the holiday vibe.

As the judges tried to cut into the dessert, the errors continued. The tart shell crust was too dense. It was almost impossible to cut through. Additionally, the matcha flavor was too astringent. It needed more cherry for balance.

Failing in flavor, execution and décor, Julian was the first baker eliminated in Holiday Baking Championship Season 11. There were too many mistakes to overlook.

Based on the first episode, this new season could be the best one yet. Given all the creative flavors and desserts, Food Network fans will be unwrapping a new treat every week.

New episodes of Holiday Baking Championship Season 11 air on Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.