Baked

Watch Baked

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

Baked is a show that premiered on the Food Network in 2014. It is a hybrid cooking competition and reality show that features amateur bakers from around the country who come to Los Angeles to compete against each other for a grand prize of $20,000. Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Papa, Baked has a relaxed and playful atmosphere that contrasts with the intensity of the competitions. Papa provides commentary and jokes throughout the show, often interacting with the contestants and the judges.

The format of Baked follows a familiar pattern for cooking competitions. Each episode features three contestants, who are introduced with bios and interviews explaining why they love baking and how they got into it. They then compete in two rounds, a "preheat" and a "main heat."

The preheat round is a quick challenge that tests the bakers' skills and creativity. The challenge is usually related to a specific theme or ingredient, and the contestants must come up with a baked good that fits the challenge in a limited amount of time. The judges evaluate the bakers based on taste, presentation, and creativity to determine a winner, who gets a small advantage going into the main heat.

The main heat is a longer challenge that requires the bakers to create an elaborate dessert based on a specific theme or requirement. This challenge often involves multiple elements and requires careful time management and technical skill. The bakers work frantically to complete their desserts on time, and the judges taste and evaluate each one before choosing a winner.

The judges on Baked are professional pastry chefs and bakers who provide expertise and feedback to the contestants. They evaluate the bakers based on taste, presentation, and execution, and offer critiques and advice throughout the competition. The judges also have the power to eliminate one of the contestants at the end of each episode, with the ultimate goal of finding the top amateur baker in the country.

One unique aspect of Baked is the emphasis on storytelling. Throughout the competition, the contestants share personal anecdotes and memories that are tied to their baking. These stories provide context and depth to the competition, and help viewers connect with the bakers on a personal level.

Another standout feature of Baked is the creativity and innovation of the contestants. Each episode features a new set of challenges that require the bakers to think outside the box and come up with unique and unexpected desserts. From savory desserts to unconventional flavor combinations, the bakers on Baked showcase their talent and ingenuity in each competition.

Overall, Baked is a fun and engaging cooking competition that offers a fresh take on the genre. With its emphasis on storytelling and creativity, it stands out from other baking shows on television, and provides a platform for talented amateur bakers to showcase their skills. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or just a casual viewer, Baked is a show that is sure to entertain and inspire.

Baked
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Seasons
New Orleans: Good Times Roll
8. New Orleans: Good Times Roll
February 4, 2019
Tom Papa bakes and eats his way through New Orleans, starting with towering Doberge cake and French bread for fried shrimp po' boys. He checks out beignets at SoBou and bananas Foster bread pudding with the kids at Cafe Reconcile.
Cleveland: Rock and Rolls
7. Cleveland: Rock and Rolls
February 18, 2019
Tom Papa heads to Cleveland for serious comfort food, like Old World-style rye bread for the city's favorite mile-high corned beef sandwich and a Sicilian cassata cake. Chef Jonathon Sawyer shows Tom how to make a dreamy pot pie.
New Jersey: Home Sweet Home
6. New Jersey: Home Sweet Home
February 18, 2019
Tom Papa heads home to New Jersey to bake flatbread at Frank Sinatra's favorite bakery. He also makes s'mores crumb cake, Portuguese puff pastries and an Italian rum cake that reminds him of his childhood.
It's Always Yummy in Philadelphia
5. It's Always Yummy in Philadelphia
September 17, 2018
Tom Papa takes a trip to Philadelphia, where traditional roots run deep at local bakeries. At Termini Brothers, he learns the secret of their creamy, crunchy cannoli, and at Sarcone's, fourth- and fifth-generation bakers show him how to make savory, Sicilian-style tomato pie in a giant brick oven. Tom stops by Reading Terminal Market for a juicy roast pork sandwich and ooey-gooey sticky buns. Finally, the folks at Federal Donuts take Tom to sweet and savory heaven with funky doughnuts paired with perfectly crispy fried chicken.
Los Angeles: A Toast to Tinseltown
4. Los Angeles: A Toast to Tinseltown
September 10, 2018
Tom Papa heads home to sunny Los Angeles to celebrate the city's baked gems. He stops by Vito's Pizza, where the crust is so special there's a bodyguard to protect the dough starter. At the legendary Canter's Deli, Tom makes a Monte Cristo sandwich stacked with ham, turkey and cheese griddled on fresh-baked challah French toast. At Creme Caramel LA, he samples the glitter-covered meringue known as unicorn poop and learns the secret behind their signature dessert, a psychedelic purple custard crowned in caramel. At East L.A.'s El Gallo Bakery, Tom helps bake Mexican sweet breads with chocolaty sugar crust, and he meets up with two of his baking heroes at Lodge Bread Company to make hearty, rustic bread and L.A.'s trendy treat, avocado toast.
Boston: The Baked Goods are Coming
3. Boston: The Baked Goods are Coming
September 10, 2018
Tom Papa visits the brash and brainy cities of Boston and Cambridge to find their best baked goods. Steps from Harvard, he learns how to make a lobster roll served on a jet black bun at Pagu, and he finds hamburgers and buns that are so decadent that only 18 can be made each night! At Maria's Pastry Shop, Tom helps bake massive, flaky, cream-filled pastries called lobster tails, and then he heads to Santarpio's Pizza to bake Italian bread and grill hot Italian sausage. Finally, Tom learns the secret to perfect pie crust from a Harvard-educated baker and helps her craft her take on everyone's favorite toaster pastry.
Detroit: Doughtown Delights
2. Detroit: Doughtown Delights
September 3, 2018
Tom Papa takes a trip to Detroit to visit chefs and bakers helping to revitalize Motor City and its food scene. At Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles, a former NFL player serves up decadent, cake-like, red velvet waffles with spicy fried chicken. Sister Pie, a sweet corner bakery, whips up roasted banana chess pie topped with mountains of meringue and crumbled cinnamon cookies. Tom heads to Dearborn, to make amazing Middle Eastern food like fresh-baked pitas filled with roasted lamb and a fine-spun pastry topped with gooey, melted, sweet cheese. At Chene Modern Bakery, Tom learns how to make paczki, the Polish take on a rich, buttery, filled doughnut.
New York: If You Can Bake It There
1. New York: If You Can Bake It There
September 3, 2018
Tom Papa heads to New York City to get a slice of the Big Apple's diverse food scene. At The Doughnut Project, he meets up with his friend, comedian Jim Gaffigan, to make the ultimate New York mashup: a glazed doughnut covered in everything bagel toppings. Then Tom visits Gian Piero Bakery for an Italian-American classic, rainbow cookies, which consist of colorful layers of cake and jam covered in chocolate. At Oda House, Tom falls in love with khachapuri, a boatload of bread brimming with bubbling cheese, eggs and tons of butter. Finally, Bien Cuit's Chef Zachary Golper gives Tom a master class in baking Old World bread and cheesy croissants.
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  • Premiere Date
    September 3, 2018