Plenty of British TV has taken America by storm. There’s been Sherlock, Doctor Who, Downton Abbey and more. But one overseas import is bit more uplifting than those dramas, though—and that’s The Great British Bake Off (called The Great British Baking Show, in the US).
If you’re not familiar with Great British Baking Show, it’s like other baking competitions in that contestants are pitted against each other in a series of challenges; think cakes, tarts, breads and desserts. It’s gained a sizable overseas following due to its likable contestants and cheerful rather than stressful atmosphere, so it’s an especially good program for 2020.
Don’t forget to bookmark our list of British baking translations.
When Do the New Episodes Start Streaming?
Do you have your calendar ready? Season 11 will start streaming on Netflix on September 25. That’s right—it’s SOON! Unlike other Netflix shows, however, Great British Baking Show will add new episodes every Friday after they air in the UK, so they won’t be dropped all at once.
This season took extra work to film, since the pandemic made filming at the show’s traditional location impossible. The crew and cast were quarantined for six weeks in order to complete the show.
You can check out the trailer below, which showcases new additions to the team (like comedian Matt Lucas as cohost) as well as this year’s contestants. Even in this brief clip, there are some splendid—and a few seemingly catastrophic!—kitchen creations.
Have you seen Great British Baking Show’s Beginnings?
What Should I Eat While I Watch?
You can’t tune into this beloved program on an empty stomach. Fortunately, we have just the list for you: here’s a look at recipes inspired by Baking Show, including rich and creamy tiramisu, beef Wellington appetizers and hot cross buns.
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Inspired by the Great British Baking Show Credits
Before we dive into dozens of Mary Berry-approved copycats, let's start with a cake inspired by the show's iconic opening credits. Topped with fresh raspberries and a rich ganache, this cake might just be tastier than its British cousin.
Inspired by Martha's Lemon and Thyme Mini Cakes
Season 1: Cake Week
For Americans, this was the first we ever saw of the Great British Baking Show (or Bake Off for the Brits). Fan-favorite Martha whipped up dozens of miniature lemon and thyme cakes for the first Showstopper Challenge. Simple and elegant, we were hooked!
Inspired by the Tiramisu Technical Challenge
Season 1: Desserts Week
Everyone loves a good Technical Challenge. But don't worry if you're not a tiramisu expert, we've got a how-to to walk you through the process step by step—no Paul Hollywood spying over your shoulder!
Inspired by Nancy's Apple Galette
Season 1: Pies & Tarts Week
During this episode, bakers were challenged to build a three-tiered pie. We aren't going to suggest you try that at home, but we do recommend a tasty apple galette, much like the one Nancy topped off her tower with!
Inspired by Martha's Mini Beef Wellingtons
Season 1: Pastry Week
Pastries can be pretty finicky, but when you get them right, they are so worth it. These mini beef wellingtons, just like the one's Martha made, are sure to impress at your next party.
Inspired by Richard's Fruit Swedish Tea Ring
Season 1: Advanced Dough Week
This recipe is packed with fruity spread and twisted just like Richard's stellar bake. Best of all—it's all topped off with beautiful icing, making it worthy of the highest praise.
Inspired by Richard's Double Nut Baklava
Season 1: Patisserie Week
Who can resist flaky, sticky, nutty baklava? This recipe is packed with macadamia nuts and pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor. We think a beautiful bake like this is likely to earn you a rare Paul Hollywood handshake.
Inspired by the Schichttorte Technical Challenge
Season 1: Patisserie Week
We all know that our favorite judges like to find the most obscure and difficult recipes for the weekly technical challenges. Schichttorte is essentially a layered crepe cake. This one looks impressive (and is super tasty to boot!).
Inspired by the Citrus Tart Technical Challenge
Season 1: Final Week
The tart au citron (or simply a lemon tart) was a component of the final's three-part technical. This dessert is tart and sweet (just like our favorite lemon meringue recipes).
Inspired by the Scone Technical Challenge
Season 1: Final Week
Another part of the final very British Technical Challenge was to whip up a batch of simple scones. Normally served with tea, scones are an English classic, much like these commonly misunderstood dishes!
Inspired by Glenn's Strawberries and Cream Cake
Season 2: Cake Week
Known for his giant desserts, Glenn started off the second season with a beautiful (and massive) strawberries and cream cake. We like this version with a few blueberries and raspberries mixed in!
Inspired by the Angel Food Cake Technical Challenge
Season 2: Cake Week
Presented with this challenge, the bakers were pretty confused, but in the end they made lovely cakes filled with lemon curd. If you're curious how to make an angel food cake on your own, we break it down with this video.
Inspired by the English Muffin Technical Challenge
Season 2: Bread Week
A certain satisfaction comes from knowing how to make foods that you'd typically buy pre-made. The bakers mastered English muffins on their second week (and we think you can manage too, with this recipe).
Inspired by Floating Islands Technical Challenge
Season 2: Dessert Week
We love the Great British Baking Show because it shows us new-to-us recipes, like this one for delicate meringue on a bed of creamy custard.
Inspired by Christine's Brandy Snap Ninety-Niners
Season 2: Dessert Week
In the Showstopper Challenge, bakers were asked to make dozens of beautiful petit fours—or bite-sized desserts. Christine whipped up delicate brandy snaps filled with cream. If you're craving more mini treats, try these on for size.
Inspired by the Apricot Curonne Technical Challenge
Season 2: Sweet Dough Week
One of Paul's trademark extra-difficult technicals, an apricot curonne, is filled with apricot preserves, almond paste and topped with flaked almonds. This one takes a little extra time, but it turns out beautifully. Mary Berry would be proud if you tried this one at home!
Inspired by Frances's Hot Cross Buns
Season 2: Sweet Dough Week
Sweet dough is notoriously difficult to work with. (Getting that perfect rise? Impossible—if you don't follow these tips.) But Frances knocked it out of the park with her showstopper hot cross buns. Now you can too!
Inspired by Frances's Kolaches
Season 2: Sweet Dough Week
In addition to those tasty hot cross buns, Frances whipped up a batch of tasty Bohemian style kolaches. She filled hers with custard and rhubarb, but feel free to substitute your favorite fruit filling for this tasty pastry.
Inspired by Frances's Palmiers
Season 2: Sweet Dough Week
Made of flaky puff pastry filled with cinnamon and sugar, palmiers are certainly a show-stopping treat. While Frances made her puff from scratch, it never hurts to use frozen pastry to speed up the process. We'll show you how.
Inspired by Ruby's Carrot Cake
Season 2: Unconventional Ingredients Week
Ruby stunned the judges with her adorable garden-inspired cake. The real star of that bake, though, was the delicious and moist carrot cake much like this one!
Inspired by the Pretzel Technical Challenge
Season 2: Final Week
In the last week of this season, the bakers were challenged to make salty homemade pretzels. Getting that perfect twist can be tricky, but once you've got the hang of it, you won't want to stop! Try them alongside some of our favorite beer garden-inspired recipes.
Inspired by the Frosted Walnut Cake Technical Challenge
Season 3: Cake Week
The Great British Baking Show starts every season off with Cake Week. In this season, bakers were challenged to make the perfect walnut cake. Lucky for you, we found a winning recipe right here!
Inspired by Mat's Pistachio and Cranberry Biscotti
Season 3: Biscuit Week
We Americans would consider biscotti more of a cookie than a biscuit, but we'll let those differences go for the sake of this scrumptious biscotti. Packed with nuts and fruit, it's a great coffee companion.
Inspired by the Baguette Technical Challenge
Season 3: Bread Week
Bread week is where the best bakers always seem to rise to the top. Try this baguette recipe at home and you'll earn the title of Star Baker!
Inspired by Ian's Pomegranate Creme Brulee
Season 3: Desserts Week
Take this special occasion dessert to the next level by incorporating pomegranate flavor, just like Ian (who took home Star Baker this week!).
Inspired by the Chocolate Souffle Challenge
Season 3: Chocolate Week
Souffles are notoriously difficult to master, but when made just right, they are absolute heaven! Give this recipe a go in your own kitchen and then try a few of our other French favorites!
Inspired by Tamal's Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake
Season 3: Final Week
You can't have a British baking show without a good sticky toffee pudding! Tamal turned this classic English dessert into a multi-tiered masterpiece, but you can make this simple (but still delicious) version at home.
Inspired by Nadiya's Big Fat British Wedding Cake
Season 3: Final Week
Nadiya took home the crown (or should I say cake plate) with a stunning tiered lemon cake. This version lacks the elegant jewels and sparkle of her finale showstopper, but it still has those amazing citrus flavors.
Inspired by Benjamina's Pistachio and Cardamom Cake
Season 4: Cake Week
Benjamina kicked off this season with a beautiful cardamom drizzle cake. While this isn't an exact copycat, this cheesecake still features all those amazing flavors.
Inspired by Kate's Lavender Shortbread
Season 4: Biscuit Week
Leave it to the Brits to incorporate a hint of lavender into their shortbread. When used sparingly, this floral flavor can be lovely and delicate.
Inspired by Tom's Frappelatteccino Shortbread
Season 4: Biscuit Week
In the biscuit challenge, baker Tom packed a lot of ingredients into one small shortbread. We love the idea of cappuccino and shortbread, though! It goes without saying that these cookies are a great match for your morning cuppa.
Inspired by Candice's Sticky Ginger Pub
Season 4: Biscuit Week
In a gingerbread house challenge, baker Candice went the extra mile and set her cookie pub atop a sticky ginger cake, much like this one.
Inspired by Jane's Coconut Meringue Pie
Season 4: Botanical Week
Who can resist a delicate meringue-topped pie? We love this coconut recipe. Take it up to Jane's level and incorporate just a little lime zest for more tropical flavor.
Inspired by Selasi's Summer Picnic Roulade
Season 4: Desserts Week
With a combination like strawberries and cream, who can go wrong? This beautiful cake roll, inspired by Selasi, would be a stunning addition to any picnic or party.
Inspired by Candice's Mushroom Palmiers
Season 4: Patisserie Week
We've already seen sweet palmiers from our British bakers, but the flaky treat can also be savory. Packed with mushrooms, these make an elegant appetizer.
Inspired by Jane's Pistachio Fancies
Season 4: Patisserie Week
For the Patisserie Week Showstopper Challenge, bakers were challenged to make petite cakes, or fancies. Jane got great reviews from Mary and Paul on the flavor of her pistachio cake. Pair this with fresh raspberries and cream to mimic Jane's flavor combinations exactly.
Inspired by Jane's Red, White and Blue Pavlova
Season 4: Final Week
In the last Signature Bake of the season, bakers were tasked with making picture-perfect meringue desserts. Jane made a beautiful, berry-filled pavlova much like this one.
Inspired by Candice's Mini Asparagus Quiches
Season 4: Final Week
In the final challenge of the season, the bakers were asked to make a picnic fit for the queen herself—a major challenge! Candice included miniature asparagus quiches in here royal picnic spread, and you can make the full-size version at home with this copycat.
Inspired by Candice's Rhubarb Tart
Season 4: Final Week
As a part of that same queenly challenge, Candice baked up beautiful rhubarb tartlets. When not entertaining the queen, this rustic version is a great substitute.The post Here’s When the Next Season of ‘Great British Baking Show’ Will Be on Netflix appeared first on Taste of Home.
Emily Hannemann