Chopped Holiday: A Festive Culinary Showdown Recap
In this thrilling episode of Chopped, chefs faced a delightful yet daunting challenge as they whipped up holiday-inspired dishes using surprise ingredients. With the clock ticking and creativity at a premium, our culinary contenders brought their A-game to the Chopping Block in hopes of impressing the expert judges.
Round One: Appetizers
The competition kicked off with the chefs creating appetizers from a unique basket that combined classic holiday elements. Each chef found baby mustard greens, spiral ham, pizzelle cookies, and kugel—a delicious nod to traditional Jewish cuisine.
- Spiral Ham: This holiday favorite became the centerpiece for many dishes, offering a smoky flavor and tender texture.
- Pizzelle Cookies: These crisp Italian cookies brought both sweetness and an artistic touch, as chefs crafted unexpected combinations.
- Kugel: This versatile dish, typically made from egg noodles or potatoes, provided a comforting element to the appetizers.
The chefs showcased their innovation by combining flavors and textures, transforming this eclectic mix into beautiful bites.
Round Two: Entrées
Moving to the entrée round, the challenge intensified with ingredients that included roasted chestnuts, stone crabs, beef tenderloin, and Santa Claus melon.
- Beef Tenderloin: This classic cut of beef required expert cooking techniques, as the chefs aimed for a perfectly seared and juicy result.
- Stone Crabs: Known for their sweet, tender meat, these delicacies challenged the chefs to highlight their unique flavor while incorporating festive flair.
- Santa Claus Melon: The bright and juicy melon added a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the beef and chestnuts, pushing the chefs to think outside the box.
With little time to spare, the chefs created entrées that were not only visually stunning but also bursting with festive flavors.
Round Three: Desserts
In the final round, dessert took center stage as the chefs tackled a basket filled with egg nog, panettone, pomegranate molasses, and Hanukkah gelt.
- Egg Nog: This creamy holiday drink became a rich base for enchanting desserts, with its nutmeg and vanilla notes complementing the other ingredients.
- Panettone: The Italian sweet bread introduced flavors of citrus and raisins, perfect for crafting indulgent treats.
- Pomegranate Molasses: This tangy-sweet ingredient provided a unique flavor profile that elevated the desserts, while Hanukkah gelt added a playful touch.
The chefs rose to the occasion, showcasing their skills by transforming these eclectic elements into delectable desserts that captured the essence of the holiday season.
Conclusion
As the competition wrapped up, only one chef would emerge victorious, showcasing their culinary prowess against time and unexpected ingredients. Each dish crafted throughout Chopped Holiday was a testament to the creativity and skill of the chefs, offering viewers a festive blend of holiday spirit and culinary artistry. For those who love cooking and festive flavors, this episode is a must-watch, filled with inspiration for your own holiday gatherings.
So, roll up your sleeves, and let the spirit of competition inspire your next holiday cooking adventure!
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Chopped Holiday: Spiral Ham, Pizzelle Cookies, Kugel | Full Episode Recap | S11 E7 | Food Network” was uploaded on 08/19/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network