Mary Berry's Highland Christmas: Recipes, guest stars and where to watch

The Queen of Baking is back for the festive season, and viewers want to know more about the Mary Berry's Highland Christmas recipes and guest stars.

Now that the Christmas TV schedule has been released, families across the UK are planning their viewing schedule meticulously in the lead up to the big day and beyond. For many, a bit of festive TV time is a family Christmas tradition, and one show that's sure to be popular with many is Mary Berry's Highland Christmas.

The popular British cook is heading up to Scotland to whip up some indulgent Christmas foods, from show-stopping desserts and warming festive drinks to Christmas buffet ideas too. It promises to make for a wholesome watch, but you might just get inspired for your own family Christmas dinner too, which is why we've taken a look at the recipes and guests you can expect to appear on the show.

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas: Recipes

Mary Berry recipes that will be making an appearance in her Christmas special include a spectacular Cranachan wreath (a twist on a classic pavlova), indulgent cheese fondue and her classic Buche de Noel (also known as a Yule Log).

Other recipes that viewers can expect to see in Mary Berry's Highland Christmas include breakfast dish Kedgeree, smoked salmon and guacamole canapes, fennel and red onion tarte tatin, and her ‘Happy Christmas Pie’ with Aberdeen Angus beef and pickled walnuts.

There'll also be a mulled wine recipe for viewers to attempt at home and, inspired by her years spent working in the Alps as a chalet girl, Mary will make her festive stollen too.

As she has travelled up to the Highlands for the festivities, the beloved British cook will be creating many of the classic dishes with a Scottish twist. Scotland is an extra special place for Dame Mary Berry because it's her mother's homeland.

Ahead of the special, she said, "Christmas in Scotland is the biggest treat, my mother and her family were Scottish so it is a special place for me. The festive holidays are all about sharing special times with friends and family and so what better way than cooking some of my favourite dishes with a traditional Scottish twist."

Along with the festive recipes that Mary Berry will be sharing, she will also reflect on her heritage with fascinating anecdotes about her Scottish roots and embarking on magical days out with friends - from reindeer herding to Christmas carolers and a traditional ceilidh.

Viewers can also expect plenty of Mary’s hints and hacks for the busy Christmas period for how to wow guests with a minimum of fuss, making a feast go further and her ingeniously simple kitchen tricks.

Christmas recipes to try this year

Christmas turkey recipe

Serves: 8-10 | Total cooking time: 3 hours

Gordon Ramsay's roast turkey recipe will help you cook your Christmas bird like a pro. It's easy and utterly delicious.

Roast potatoes recipe

Serves: 6 | Total cooking time: 55 minutes

These roast potatoes are golden and crunchy on the outside, perfectly fluffy in the middle, and are sure to be the star of your roast dinner or Christmas lunch.

Honey glazed carrots and parsnips recipe

Serves: 8 | Total cooking time: 30 minutes

This honey-glazed carrots and parsnips recipe features golden parsnips and bright carrots, tossed with aromatic spices and sweet honey for a moreish side dish.

Christmas red cabbage recipe

Serves: 8 | Total cooking time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Christmas red cabbage is a delicious way to cook cabbage with a festive twist. We've added port and cranberries for a simple but delicious sweet and sour edge.

Sage and onion stuffing recipe

Serves: 6 | Total cooking time: 40 minutes

A classic accompaniment to a roast chicken dinner, stuffing can also be crumbled into sandwiches or pie fillings - and this recipe is easy to scale up if you’re catering for more. 

Classic gravy recipe

Serves: 6 | Total cooking time: 55 minutes

Turkey gravy is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas dinner. It's so easy to make and a great way of using up the leftover juices too!

Brussels sprouts with pancetta recipe

Serves: 10 | Total cooking time: 15 minutes

These Brussels sprouts with pancetta can be blanched the night before and finished in just 10 minutes on the day. Minimal effort for maximum flavour! 

Mary Berry’s Christmas pudding recipe

Serves: 6 | Total cooking time: 55 minutes

Mary Berry's Christmas pudding is a rich and decadent classic - it can also be made three months early and served up on the day!

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas guest stars

Mary Berry will be joined by Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sandé for her Highland Christmas special. Her Scottish celebrity guests will join her on festive days out and sampling Christmas food.

Tennis champion Andy Murray recently shared the news of his involvement on Instagram, posting a photo of himself with Dame Mary and his gran. In the caption, he wrote, "Cooking is definitely not my superpower, but think we managed to pull off something edible when I was joined in the @cromlixhotel kitchen with the best cook in my family, my Gran, and Dame Mary Berry."

Meanwhile, comedian and TV presenter Iain Stirling will be joining Mary for a festive reindeer sleigh ride, and singer-songwriter Emily Sandé will surpise her with a a carol singing choir, after helping make a classic Buche de Noel.

Where to watch Mary Berry's Highland Christmas

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas will air on BBC One on Wednesday 13 December at 9pm. Following this, it will be available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Meanwhile, in the US, the 60-minute special will air on PBS on Monday 18 December.

For more TV picks over the festive season, we've rounded up the best Christmas films on Netflix and shared where Love Actually was filmed and where The Holiday was filmed too.

If you're looking for more Christmas food inspiration, check out these easy canapes and buffet food ideas.