Familiar Face Returns to Food Network for Holiday Baking Championship

A familiar face is returning to the Food Network. Tarek Husseini, a finalist from Kids Baking Championship, will compete in the new season of Holiday Baking Championship. The season premieres on November 3.

The network revealed the news in a sneak peek video. This marks Husseini’s return to competitive baking on the channel after six years.

From Teenage Baker to Grown-Up Competitor

Husseini first appeared on television at just 13 years old. He was a finalist on season seven of Kids Baking Championship but did not win the title.

“When I was 13 years old, I was a finalist on Kids Baking Championship, but I did not win,” Husseini said in the preview. “I was a hot mess. But now, I’m better. I promise.”

Now 19, he is one of 12 bakers vying for the holiday crown. His growth was immediately noticeable to the judges.

“You’re like a foot taller,” judge Duff Goldman told him upon his return. His age presented a unique challenge during one bake.

Husseini had to ask another contestant to taste champagne for a mimosa-inspired dessert. He is not yet legally old enough to consume alcohol.

Judge Nancy Fuller pointed this out directly. Husseini had a quick and clever reply ready for the judges.

“You know, nothing’s naughtier than underage drinking,” he quipped. This was a nod to the new “naughty or nice” team format for the season.

A Second Chance at Food Network Glory

Husseini announced his participation on his personal Instagram. He expressed clear excitement about this new opportunity.

“Excited to announce that I am competing on @foodnetwork Holiday Baking Championship season 12,” he wrote. Fellow competitor Jean Carlos commented supportively on the post.

According to details from his original season, Husseini tied for second place. He consistently stayed safe from elimination throughout that competition.

He ultimately tied with another baker, Sophie Tate. The winner was an 11-year-old named Trevin Alford.

The new season offers a major prize. The winner gets $25,000 and a feature in Food Network Magazine.

The Holiday Baking Championship returns with a compelling storyline. Fans can watch Tarek Husseini’s journey for redemption starting November 3 on Food Network.

Info at your fingertips

When does the new Holiday Baking Championship season start?

The new season premieres on November 3. It will air at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Food Network.

Who is the returning contestant?

Tarek Husseini is returning to Food Network. He was a runner-up on season seven of Kids Baking Championship six years ago.

What is the prize for winning the show?

The winner receives $25,000. They also get their recipe featured in Food Network Magazine.

What is the new team format?

Contestants are split into two teams. They will compete as “team naughty” and “team nice” throughout the season.

How old is Tarek Husseini now?

He is now 19 years old. He was 13 during his first appearance on Kids Baking Championship.