Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
Auditions #1
Auditions #1 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Show guide
MasterChef (US)
- Fox
- United States
- 2010 to present
- 16 seasons
- Returning series
About MasterChef (US)
Fox's flagship cooking competition hands amateur home cooks a professional kitchen, a mystery box, and a panel of judges led by Gordon Ramsay, then asks them to cook like their lives depend on it. It is a savory show first, but the pastry rounds, dessert pressure tests, and plating standards give baking fans plenty to chew on. The scale of it, big prize, big kitchen, big personalities, makes it the loudest sibling in this whole genre.
The format
Home cooks battle through mystery box challenges, invention tests, team challenges, and pressure tests, with eliminations narrowing the field each week until a finale cook-off crowns the MasterChef. The winner takes the title, the trophy, and a $250,000 prize.
The prize
$250,000 plus a cookbook deal
Hosts & judges
Judges
- Gordon Ramsay2010 to present
- Graham Elliot2010 to 2015
- Joe Bastianich2010 to 2014, returning from 2018
- Christina Tosi2015 to 2017
- Aaron Sanchez2017 to 2024
- Tiffany Derry2025 to present
Where to stream
Fox and Hulu in the US, CTV in Canada, U in the UK.
USFoxHuluTubi
CACTVCrave
UKU
Verified July 2026. Streaming availability changes often, so check the platform before you subscribe.
Seasons
Sixteen seasons of the pass, every one archived below.
Season 1Jul 27, 2010 to Sep 15, 201013 episodes
- Episodes
- 13
- Premiere
- Jul 27, 2010
- Finale
- Sep 15, 2010
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 1 spans 13 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 2 · Auditions Round 2
Auditions #2
Auditions #2 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Skills Test Part 1
Top 14 Chefs Revealed
Top 14 Chefs Revealed moves from onion knife-skills test to egg skills dish.
Skills Test Part 1
Onion knife-skills test
The skills round tested onion knife-skills test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Skills Test Part 2
Egg skills dish
The skills round tested egg skills dish, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 4 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 1
Top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 1 moves from top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 1 Mystery Box to mandarin oranges dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 1 Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 1 Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Mandarin oranges dish
The elimination brief called for mandarin oranges dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 5 · Team Challenge
Top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 2
Top 14 Chefs Compete, Part 2 moves from service for 100 marines to chili identification test.
Team Challenge
Service for 100 marines
Teams handled service for 100 marines, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Chili identification test
The pressure test focused on chili identification test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 compete, Part 1
Top 11 compete, Part 1 moves from cupcakes to truffled halibut dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Cupcakes
The Mystery Box brief centered on cupcakes; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Special Challenge/Elimination Test
Truffled halibut dish
The elimination brief called for truffled halibut dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Top 11 compete, Part 2
Top 11 compete, Part 2 moves from hamburgers for 100 truckers to ingredient identification test.
Team Challenge
Hamburgers for 100 truckers
Teams handled hamburgers for 100 truckers, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Ingredient identification test
The pressure test focused on ingredient identification test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 8 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 9 compete, Part 1
Top 9 compete, Part 1 moves from live Dungeness crab to passion fruit dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Live Dungeness crab
The Mystery Box brief centered on live Dungeness crab; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Passion fruit dish
The elimination brief called for passion fruit dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge
Top 9 compete, Part 2
Top 9 compete, Part 2 moves from service for 230 guests at a wedding reception to pasta dish.
Team Challenge
Service for 230 guests at a wedding reception
Teams handled service for 230 guests at a wedding reception, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Pasta dish
The pressure test focused on pasta dish, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 10 · Mystery Box
Top 6 Compete, Part 1
Top 6 Compete, Part 1 moves from venison to vanilla dessert.
Mystery Box
Venison
The Mystery Box brief centered on venison; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Vanilla dessert
The elimination brief called for vanilla dessert; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 11 · Individual Challenge
Top 6 Compete, Part 2
Top 6 Compete, Part 2 moves from dish for three professional food critics to chocolate soufflé.
Individual Challenge
Dish for three professional food critics
The documented challenge centered on dish for three professional food critics.
Pressure Test
Chocolate soufflé
The pressure test focused on chocolate soufflé, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 12 · Semi-Final 1
Winner Revealed, Part 1
Winner Revealed, Part 1 moves from judge-assigned semifinal dishes to judge-assigned semifinal dishes.
Semi-Final 1
Judge-assigned semifinal dishes
The late-stage cook-off centered on judge-assigned semifinal dishes and determined who advanced or won.
Semi-Final 2
Judge-assigned semifinal dishes
The late-stage cook-off centered on judge-assigned semifinal dishes and determined who advanced or won.
Episode 13 · Final
Winner Revealed, Part 2
Winner Revealed, Part 2 is built around final cook-off menu.
Final
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks two hours.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 1 winner
Whitney Miller
Poplarville, Mississippi
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 1, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| David Miller | 29 | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Lee Knaz | 27 | Venice, California |
| Mike Kim | 34 | Redondo Beach, California |
| Sharone Hakman | 28 | Los Angeles, California |
| Sheetal Bhagat | 37 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Whitney Miller | 22 | Poplarville, Mississippi |
Season fact sources
Season 2Jun 6, 2011 to Aug 16, 201120 episodes
- Episodes
- 20
- Premiere
- Jun 6, 2011
- Finale
- Aug 16, 2011
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 2 spans 20 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition 1
Audition #1
Audition #1 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition 2
Audition #2
Audition #2 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition 3
Audition #3/Top 38 Revealed
Audition #3/Top 38 Revealed is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 3
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Skills Challenge
Top 18 Revealed
Top 18 Revealed moves from apple knife-skills test to top 18 Revealed elimination challenge.
Skills Challenge
Apple knife-skills test
The skills round tested apple knife-skills test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Invention Test
Top 18 Revealed elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 18 Revealed elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
2 Eliminated / Top 16 Revealed
2 Eliminated / Top 16 Revealed moves from dish using only the Mystery Box ingredients to french cuisine and also received safety from elimination dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using only the Mystery Box ingredients
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using only the Mystery Box ingredients; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
French cuisine and also received safety from elimination dish
The elimination brief called for french cuisine and also received safety from elimination dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 6 · Team Challenge
Top 16 Compete
Top 16 Compete moves from five-course meal for 350 office workers in the building to top 16 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Five-course meal for 350 office workers in the building
Teams handled five-course meal for 350 office workers in the building, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 16 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 16 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 7 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 15 Compete
Top 15 Compete moves from dish using only the Mystery Box ingredients to nuts for himself and coffee dessert.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using only the Mystery Box ingredients
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using only the Mystery Box ingredients; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Nuts for himself and coffee dessert
The elimination brief called for nuts for himself and coffee dessert; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 8 · Team Challenge
Top 14 Compete
Top 14 Compete moves from sausage sandwiches for 101 bikers to top 14 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Sausage sandwiches for 101 bikers
Teams handled sausage sandwiches for 101 bikers, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Pressure Test
Top 14 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 14 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 9 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 13 Compete
Top 13 Compete moves from items used to create a vegetarian entrée to catfish dish dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Items used to create a vegetarian entrée
The Mystery Box brief centered on items used to create a vegetarian entrée; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Catfish dish dish
The elimination brief called for catfish dish dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete
Top 12 Compete moves from top 12 Compete service menu to top 12 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 12 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 12 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 12 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks two hours.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete
Top 11 Compete moves from top 11 Compete Mystery Box to top 11 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 11 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 11 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 11 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Top 10 Compete
Top 10 Compete moves from top 10 Compete service menu to perfect Eggs Benedict.
Team Challenge
Top 10 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 10 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Perfect Eggs Benedict
The pressure test focused on perfect Eggs Benedict, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 13 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 9 Compete
Top 9 Compete moves from top 9 Compete Mystery Box to double cut pork chops for himself dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 9 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 9 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Double cut pork chops for himself dish
The elimination brief called for double cut pork chops for himself dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 14 · Team Challenge
Top 8 Compete
Top 8 Compete moves from service for children's party to best cheese soufflé. The judges thought every contestant's soufflé was delicious.
Team Challenge
Service for children's party
Teams handled service for children's party, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Best cheese soufflé. The judges thought every contestant's soufflé was delicious
The pressure test focused on best cheese soufflé. The judges thought every contestant's soufflé was delicious, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 15 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 8 Compete Again
Top 8 Compete Again moves from dish with core ingredients of beef and seafood to top 8 Compete Again elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish with core ingredients of beef and seafood
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish with core ingredients of beef and seafood; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 8 Compete Again elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 8 Compete Again elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete
Top 6 Compete moves from top 6 Compete service menu to portion and serve it to the judges.
Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 6 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Portion and serve it to the judges
The pressure test focused on portion and serve it to the judges, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 5 Compete
Top 5 Compete moves from within 60 minutes to top 5 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Within 60 minutes
The Mystery Box brief centered on within 60 minutes; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Elimination Test
Top 5 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 5 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 18 · Team Challenge
Top 4 Compete
Top 4 Compete moves from top 4 Compete service menu to lemon meringue pie.
Team Challenge
Top 4 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 4 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Lemon meringue pie
The pressure test focused on lemon meringue pie, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 19 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 3 Compete
Top 3 Compete moves from dish using chicken to octopus dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using chicken
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using chicken; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Elimination Test
Octopus dish
The elimination brief called for octopus dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 20 · Season Final
Winner Revealed
Winner Revealed moves from three-course finale menu to finale entree course.
Season Final
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks two hours.
Entree
Finale entree course
The documented challenge centered on finale entree course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 2 winner
Jennifer Behm
Wilmington, Delaware
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 2, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Adrien Nieto | 28 | Ventura, California |
| Ben Starr | 33 | Dallas, Texas |
| Christian Collins | 31 | Gloucester, Massachusetts |
| Jennifer Behm | 34 | Wilmington, Delaware |
| Suzy Singh | 27 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Tracy Kontos | 32 | Coral Springs, Florida |
Season fact sources
Season 3Jun 4, 2012 to Sep 10, 201220 episodes
- Episodes
- 20
- Premiere
- Jun 4, 2012
- Finale
- Sep 10, 2012
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 3 spans 20 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition 1
Auditions #1
Auditions #1 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition 2
Auditions #2
Auditions #2 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition 3 and Top 36 Boot Camp
Auditions #3/Top 36 Bootcamp
Auditions #3/Top 36 Bootcamp is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 3 and Top 36 Boot Camp
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 18 Compete
Top 18 Compete moves from items out of their Mystery Boxes to risotto dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Items out of their Mystery Boxes
The Mystery Box brief centered on items out of their Mystery Boxes; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Risotto dish
The elimination brief called for risotto dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 5 · Team Challenge
Top 16 Compete
Top 16 Compete moves from top 16 Compete service menu to apple pie.
Team Challenge
Top 16 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 16 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Apple pie
The pressure test focused on apple pie, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 15 Compete
Top 15 Compete moves from dish using offal to every other chef to cook crab dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using offal
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using offal; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Every other chef to cook crab dish
The elimination brief called for every other chef to cook crab dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Top 14 Compete
Top 14 Compete moves from breakfast for an entire hotel to molten lava cake.
Team Challenge
Breakfast for an entire hotel
Teams handled breakfast for an entire hotel, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Molten lava cake
The pressure test focused on molten lava cake, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 8 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 13 Compete
Top 13 Compete moves from top 13 Compete Mystery Box to judges' favorite desserts.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 13 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 13 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Judges' favorite desserts
The elimination brief called for judges' favorite desserts; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete
Top 12 Compete moves from top 12 Compete service menu to tortellinis from scratch.
Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 12 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Tortellinis from scratch
The pressure test focused on tortellinis from scratch, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 10 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete
Top 11 Compete moves from with ingredients including a rabbit leg and forbidden rice to deep fryer for herself and the pizza stone for the r dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
With ingredients including a rabbit leg and forbidden rice
The Mystery Box brief centered on with ingredients including a rabbit leg and forbidden rice; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Deep fryer for herself and the pizza stone for the r dish
The elimination brief called for deep fryer for herself and the pizza stone for the r dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top Nine Compete
Top Nine Compete moves from dish using a live sea urchin to halibut for herself dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using a live sea urchin
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using a live sea urchin; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Halibut for herself dish
The elimination brief called for halibut for herself dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Top 8 Compete
Top 8 Compete moves from top 8 Compete service menu to eggs four different ways at once.
Team Challenge
Top 8 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 8 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Eggs four different ways at once
The pressure test focused on eggs four different ways at once, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 13 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 7 Compete
Top 7 Compete moves from top 7 Compete Mystery Box to top 7 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 7 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 7 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 7 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 7 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 14 · Special Mystery Box Challenge
Top 6 Compete, Part 1
Top 6 Compete, Part 1 moves from anything this episode to top 6 Compete, Part 1 pressure test.
Special Mystery Box Challenge
Anything this episode
The Mystery Box brief centered on anything this episode; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Special Pressure Test
Top 6 Compete, Part 1 pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 6 Compete, Part 1 pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 15 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 6 Compete, Part 2
Top 6 Compete, Part 2 moves from dish featuring prawns to corn as the ingredient and was shown three examples dessert.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish featuring prawns
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish featuring prawns; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Corn as the ingredient and was shown three examples dessert
The elimination brief called for corn as the ingredient and was shown three examples dessert; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete, Part 3
Top 6 Compete, Part 3 moves from top 6 Compete, Part 3 service menu to three filet mignon steaks: one rare.
Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete, Part 3 service menu
Teams handled top 6 Compete, Part 3 service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three filet mignon steaks: one rare
The pressure test focused on three filet mignon steaks: one rare, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 5 Compete
Top 5 Compete moves from top 5 Compete Mystery Box to everyone to make his white tuna dish dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 5 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 5 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Everyone to make his white tuna dish dish
The elimination brief called for everyone to make his white tuna dish dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 18 · Team Challenge
Top 4 Compete
Top 4 Compete moves from three course meal in pairs for the judges to three soufflés.
Team Challenge
Three course meal in pairs for the judges
Teams handled three course meal in pairs for the judges, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three soufflés
The pressure test focused on three soufflés, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 19 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 3 Compete
Top 3 Compete moves from signature entree for their potential cookbook to chicken legs dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Signature entree for their potential cookbook
The Mystery Box brief centered on signature entree for their potential cookbook; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Elimination Test
Chicken legs dish
The elimination brief called for chicken legs dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 20 · Season Final
Winner Chosen
Winner Chosen moves from three-course finale menu to finale appetizer course.
Season Final
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks two hours.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Entree
Finale entree course
The documented challenge centered on finale entree course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 3 winner
Christine Hà
Houston, Texas
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 3, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Becky Reams | 27 | Stilwell, Kansas |
| Christine Hà | 32 | Houston, Texas |
| Frank Mirando | 28 | Holbrook, New York |
| Josh Marks | 24 | Jackson, Mississippi |
Season fact sources
Season 4May 22, 2013 to Sep 11, 201325 episodes
- Episodes
- 25
- Premiere
- May 22, 2013
- Finale
- Sep 11, 2013
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 4 spans 25 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Day 1 of Auditions
Auditions #1
Auditions #1 is built around signature audition dish.
Day 1 of Auditions
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Day 2 of Auditions
Auditions #2
Auditions #2 is built around signature audition dish.
Day 2 of Auditions
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition 3
Top 19 Revealed
Top 19 Revealed is built around signature audition dish.
Audition 3
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 19 Compete
Top 19 Compete moves from top 19 Compete Mystery Box to top 19 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 19 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 19 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 19 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 19 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 5 · Team Challenge
Top 18 Compete
Top 18 Compete moves from top 18 Compete service menu to top 18 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 18 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 18 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 18 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 18 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 17 Compete
Top 17 Compete moves from top 17 Compete Mystery Box to cupcakes dessert.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 17 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 17 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Cupcakes dessert
The elimination brief called for cupcakes dessert; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Top 16 Compete, Part 1
Top 16 Compete, Part 1 moves from top 16 Compete, Part 1 service menu to top 16 Compete, Part 1 pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 16 Compete, Part 1 service menu
Teams handled top 16 Compete, Part 1 service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 16 Compete, Part 1 pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 16 Compete, Part 1 pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 8 · Continued Pressure Test: Las Vegas Round
Top 16 Compete, Part 2
Top 16 Compete, Part 2 moves from top 16 Compete, Part 2 pressure test to top 16 Compete, Part 2 pressure test.
Continued Pressure Test: Las Vegas Round
Top 16 Compete, Part 2 pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 16 Compete, Part 2 pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Pressure Test
Top 16 Compete, Part 2 pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 16 Compete, Part 2 pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 9 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 15 Compete
Top 15 Compete moves from top 15 Compete Mystery Box to top 15 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 15 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 15 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 15 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 15 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Top 14 Compete
Top 14 Compete moves from three entrées and sides to top 14 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Three entrées and sides
Teams handled three entrées and sides, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 14 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 14 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 13 Compete
Top 13 Compete moves from top 13 Compete Mystery Box to krissi to make a catfish dish dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 13 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 13 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Krissi to make a catfish dish dish
The elimination brief called for krissi to make a catfish dish dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete
Top 12 Compete moves from top 12 Compete service menu to box of twelve perfect macarons.
Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 12 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Box of twelve perfect macarons
The pressure test focused on box of twelve perfect macarons, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 13 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete
Top 11 Compete moves from top 11 Compete Mystery Box to top 11 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 11 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 11 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 11 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 14 · Team Challenge
Top 10 Compete
Top 10 Compete moves from top 10 Compete service menu to top 10 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 10 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 10 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 10 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 10 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 40 minutes.
Episode 15 · Mystery Box
Top 9 Compete
Top 9 Compete moves from top 9 Compete Mystery Box to mushrooms dish.
Mystery Box
Top 9 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 9 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Mushrooms dish
The elimination brief called for mushrooms dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
Top 8 Compete
Top 8 Compete moves from restaurant quality dish with essential ingredients and no kitchen tools to top 8 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Restaurant quality dish with essential ingredients and no kitchen tools
Teams handled restaurant quality dish with essential ingredients and no kitchen tools, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 8 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 8 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box
Top 7 Compete
Top 7 Compete moves from top 7 Compete Mystery Box to top 7 Compete service menu.
Mystery Box
Top 7 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 7 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Team Challenge
Top 7 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 7 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Team Challenge
Top 7 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 7 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 18 · Elimination Test #1
Top 6 Compete
Top 6 Compete moves from top 6 Compete elimination challenge to top 6 Compete elimination challenge.
Elimination Test #1
Top 6 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 6 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Elimination Test #2
Top 6 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 6 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 19 · Mystery Box
Top 7 Compete
Top 7 Compete moves from top 7 Compete Mystery Box to elimination test was poultry.
Mystery Box
Top 7 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 7 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Test
Elimination test was poultry
The elimination brief called for elimination test was poultry; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 20 · Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete
Top 6 Compete moves from top 6 Compete service menu to top 6 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 6 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 6 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 6 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 21 · Mystery Box
Top 5 Compete, Part 1
Top 5 Compete, Part 1 moves from top 5 Compete, Part 1 Mystery Box to gordon's hủ tiếu dish dish.
Mystery Box
Top 5 Compete, Part 1 Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 5 Compete, Part 1 Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Gordon's hủ tiếu dish dish
The elimination brief called for gordon's hủ tiếu dish dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 22 · Pressure Test
Top 5 Compete, Part 2
Top 5 Compete, Part 2 is built around top 5 Compete, Part 2 pressure test.
Pressure Test
Top 5 Compete, Part 2 pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 5 Compete, Part 2 pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 23 · Team Mystery Box challenge
Top 4 Compete
Top 4 Compete moves from top 4 Compete Mystery Box to top 4 Compete pressure test.
Team Mystery Box challenge
Top 4 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 4 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Pressure Test
Top 4 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 4 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 24 · Mystery Box challenge
Top 3 Compete
Top 3 Compete moves from top 3 Compete Mystery Box to king crab dish.
Mystery Box challenge
Top 3 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 3 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
King crab dish
The elimination brief called for king crab dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 25 · Season Final
Winner Chosen
Winner Chosen moves from three-course finale menu to finale appetizer course.
Season Final
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Entree
Finale entree course
The documented challenge centered on finale entree course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 4 winner
Luca Manfè
Astoria, New York
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 4, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Jessie Lysiak | 27 | Social Circle, Georgia |
| Krissi Biasiello | 34 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Luca Manfè | 31 | Astoria, New York |
| Natasha Crnjac | 26 | San Diego, California |
Season fact sources
Season 5May 26, 2014 to Sep 15, 201419 episodes
- Episodes
- 19
- Premiere
- May 26, 2014
- Finale
- Sep 15, 2014
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 5 spans 19 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
Top 30 Compete
Top 30 Compete moves from signature audition dish to signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 22 Compete
Top 22 Compete moves from top 22 Compete Mystery Box to meatloaf dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 22 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 22 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Elimination Test
Meatloaf dish
The elimination brief called for meatloaf dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 3 · Team Challenge
Top 20 Compete
Top 20 Compete moves from meal consisting of one grilled meat to top 20 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Meal consisting of one grilled meat
Teams handled meal consisting of one grilled meat, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 20 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 20 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 4 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 18 Compete
Top 18 Compete moves from using a collection of live seafood to donuts dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Using a collection of live seafood
The Mystery Box brief centered on using a collection of live seafood; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Donuts dish
The elimination brief called for donuts dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 5 · Team Challenge
Top 17 Compete
Top 17 Compete moves from scallop starter and a sea bass entrée to portion of steak frites.
Team Challenge
Scallop starter and a sea bass entrée
Teams handled scallop starter and a sea bass entrée, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks two hours.
Pressure Test
Portion of steak frites
The pressure test focused on portion of steak frites, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 16 Compete
Top 16 Compete moves from top 16 Compete Mystery Box to top 16 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 16 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 16 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 16 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 16 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Top 15 Compete
Top 15 Compete moves from surf and turf dish with one hour of cooking time to six spring rolls with a dipping sauce.
Team Challenge
Surf and turf dish with one hour of cooking time
Teams handled surf and turf dish with one hour of cooking time, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Pressure Test
Six spring rolls with a dipping sauce
The pressure test focused on six spring rolls with a dipping sauce, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 8 · Team Challenge
Top 14 Compete
Top 14 Compete moves from top 14 Compete service menu to three-layer red velvet cake.
Team Challenge
Top 14 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 14 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three-layer red velvet cake
The pressure test focused on three-layer red velvet cake, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 9 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 13 Compete
Top 13 Compete moves from dish using Alaskan king salmon in sixty minutes to top 13 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using Alaskan king salmon in sixty minutes
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using Alaskan king salmon in sixty minutes; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 13 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 13 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Top 12 Compete
Top 12 Compete moves from romantic dinners for seventeen couples to nine chocolate truffles with at least three different flavors.
Team Challenge
Romantic dinners for seventeen couples
Teams handled romantic dinners for seventeen couples, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Nine chocolate truffles with at least three different flavors
The pressure test focused on nine chocolate truffles with at least three different flavors, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete
Top 11 Compete moves from top 11 Compete Mystery Box to graham's caramelle dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 11 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 11 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Graham's caramelle dish
The elimination brief called for graham's caramelle dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Top 10 Compete
Top 10 Compete moves from top 10 Compete service menu to top 10 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 10 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 10 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Top 10 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 10 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 13 · Team Challenge
Top 8 Compete
Top 8 Compete moves from top 8 Compete service menu to top 8 Compete pressure test.
Team Challenge
Top 8 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 8 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test Part 1
Top 8 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 8 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Pressure Test Part 2
Top 8 Compete pressure test
The pressure test focused on top 8 Compete pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Pressure Test Part 3
Cheese soufflé. Jaimee had the better soufflé
The pressure test focused on cheese soufflé. Jaimee had the better soufflé, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 14 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 7 Compete
Top 7 Compete moves from top 7 Compete Mystery Box to top 7 Compete service menu.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 7 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 7 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Team Challenge
Top 7 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 7 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 15 · Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete
Top 6 Compete moves from top 6 Compete service menu to croquembouche.
Team Challenge
Top 6 Compete service menu
Teams handled top 6 Compete service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Croquembouche
The pressure test focused on croquembouche, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 16 · Mystery Box Challenge
Top 5 Compete
Top 5 Compete moves from top 5 Compete Mystery Box to top 5 Compete elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Top 5 Compete Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on top 5 Compete Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Top 5 Compete elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for top 5 Compete elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 17 · Team Challenge
Top 4 Compete
Top 4 Compete moves from appetizer and an entrée based on what was in their box to all three dishes in ninety minutes.
Team Challenge
Appetizer and an entrée based on what was in their box
Teams handled appetizer and an entrée based on what was in their box, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
All three dishes in ninety minutes
The pressure test focused on all three dishes in ninety minutes, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 18 · Individual Challenge
Top 3 Compete
Top 3 Compete moves from top 3 Compete individual challenge to three different cakes from three different regions in America.
Individual Challenge
Top 3 Compete individual challenge
The documented challenge centered on top 3 Compete individual challenge. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Pressure Test
Three different cakes from three different regions in America
The pressure test focused on three different cakes from three different regions in America, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks two hours.
Episode 19 · Season finale
Winner Chosen
Winner Chosen moves from final cook-off menu to finale appetizer course.
Season finale
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 5 winner
Courtney Lapresi
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 5, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Courtney Lapresi | 25 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Cutter Brewer | 33 | Beaumont, Texas |
| Elizabeth Cauvel | 31 | Brooklyn, New York |
| Leslie Gilliams | 56 | Malibu, California |
Season fact sources
Season 6May 20, 2015 to Sep 16, 201520 episodes
- Episodes
- 20
- Premiere
- May 20, 2015
- Finale
- Sep 16, 2015
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 6 spans 20 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
Let the Battle Commence (Top 40)
Let the Battle Commence (Top 40) is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Auditions Round 2
The Battle Continues (Top 40)
The Battle Continues (Top 40) moves from signature audition dish to signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Auditions Round 3
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 3 · Mystery Box Challenge
You're the Apple of My Eye (Top 22)
You're the Apple of My Eye (Top 22) moves from you're the Apple of My Eye (Top 22) Mystery Box to apple pie.
Mystery Box Challenge
You're the Apple of My Eye (Top 22) Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on you're the Apple of My Eye (Top 22) Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Elimination Test
Apple pie
The elimination brief called for apple pie; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 4 · Team Challenge
Cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20)
Cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) moves from cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) service menu to cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) pressure test.
Team Challenge
Cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) service menu
Teams handled cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) pressure test
The pressure test focused on cinnamon Roll-er Coaster (Top 20) pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
Clawing to Victory (Top 19)
Clawing to Victory (Top 19) moves from dish with three types of live crabs to veronica dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish with three types of live crabs
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish with three types of live crabs; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Elimination Test
Veronica dish
The elimination brief called for veronica dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 6 · Team Challenge
What Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18)
What Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) moves from what Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) service menu to what Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) pressure test.
Team Challenge
What Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) service menu
Teams handled what Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
What Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) pressure test
The pressure test focused on what Happens in Vegas Steaks in Vegas (Top 18) pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 20 minutes.
Pressure Test
Gordon a rare filet mignon
The pressure test focused on gordon a rare filet mignon, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 15 minutes.
Episode 7 · Mystery Box Challenge
Bring Home the Bacon (Top 16)
Bring Home the Bacon (Top 16) moves from bring Home the Bacon (Top 16) Mystery Box to salisbury steak meal dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Bring Home the Bacon (Top 16) Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on bring Home the Bacon (Top 16) Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Salisbury steak meal dish
The elimination brief called for salisbury steak meal dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 15 minutes.
Episode 8 · Team Challenge
Happy Birthday MasterChef (Top 14)
Happy Birthday MasterChef (Top 14) moves from happy Birthday MasterChef (Top 14) service menu to three-layer birthday cake.
Team Challenge
Happy Birthday MasterChef (Top 14) service menu
Teams handled happy Birthday MasterChef (Top 14) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three-layer birthday cake
The pressure test focused on three-layer birthday cake, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge
Gordon's Greatest Hits (Top 12)
Gordon's Greatest Hits (Top 12) moves from gordon Ramsay's signature Beef Wellington dish to of Ramsay's most well-known appetizers.
Team Challenge
Gordon Ramsay's signature Beef Wellington dish
Teams handled gordon Ramsay's signature Beef Wellington dish, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Pressure Test
Of Ramsay's most well-known appetizers
The pressure test focused on of Ramsay's most well-known appetizers, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 10 · Mystery Box Challenge
Rice Rice Baby (Top 11)
Rice Rice Baby (Top 11) moves from rice dish and the best dish would also be featured in the September issue of Family to peanut butter and jelly dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Rice dish and the best dish would also be featured in the September issue of Family
The Mystery Box brief centered on rice dish and the best dish would also be featured in the September issue of Family; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Peanut butter and jelly dish
The elimination brief called for peanut butter and jelly dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 11 · Team Challenge
Moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10)
Moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) moves from moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) service menu to moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) pressure test.
Team Challenge
Moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) service menu
Teams handled moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) pressure test
The pressure test focused on moo-vers and Bakers (Top 10) pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Family Reunion (Top 10)
Family Reunion (Top 10) moves from family dinner consisting of an entrée to gnocchi dish finished in brown sage butter sauce.
Team Challenge
Family dinner consisting of an entrée
Teams handled family dinner consisting of an entrée, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Gnocchi dish finished in brown sage butter sauce
The pressure test focused on gnocchi dish finished in brown sage butter sauce, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 25 minutes.
Episode 13 · Mystery Box Challenge
A Little Southern Flare (Top 9)
A Little Southern Flare (Top 9) moves from flambéed dish using any of five different spirits to chicken and waffles for the remaining contestants to coo dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Flambéed dish using any of five different spirits
The Mystery Box brief centered on flambéed dish using any of five different spirits; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Test
Chicken and waffles for the remaining contestants to coo dish
The elimination brief called for chicken and waffles for the remaining contestants to coo dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 14 · Team Challenge
Getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8)
Getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) moves from getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) service menu to getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) pressure test.
Team Challenge
Getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) service menu
Teams handled getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) pressure test
The pressure test focused on getting A-Head in the Competition (Top 8) pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 15 · Mystery Box Challenge
A Storm's a Brewing (Top 7)
A Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) moves from a Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) Mystery Box to a Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) service menu.
Mystery Box Challenge
A Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on a Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Team Challenge
A Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) service menu
Teams handled a Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Team Challenge
A Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) service menu
Teams handled a Storm's a Brewing (Top 7) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
The Restaurant Takeover (Top 6)
The Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) moves from the Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) service menu to the Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) pressure test.
Team Challenge
The Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) service menu
Teams handled the Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
The Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Restaurant Takeover (Top 6) pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box Challenge
Return of the Champions (Top 5)
Return of the Champions (Top 5) moves from return of the Champions (Top 5) Mystery Box to return of the Champions (Top 5) elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Return of the Champions (Top 5) Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on return of the Champions (Top 5) Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Return of the Champions (Top 5) elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for return of the Champions (Top 5) elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 18 · Team Challenge
Think Inside the Box (Top 4)
Think Inside the Box (Top 4) moves from think Inside the Box (Top 4) service menu to think Inside the Box (Top 4) pressure test.
Team Challenge
Think Inside the Box (Top 4) service menu
Teams handled think Inside the Box (Top 4) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Think Inside the Box (Top 4) pressure test
The pressure test focused on think Inside the Box (Top 4) pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 19 · Individual Challenge
Team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3)
Team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) moves from team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) individual challenge to team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) service menu.
Individual Challenge
Team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) individual challenge
The documented challenge centered on team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) individual challenge. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Team Challenge
Team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) service menu
Teams handled team Gordon Ramsay (Top 3) service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three classic dishes in only one hour with the winner of this pressure test joining
The pressure test focused on three classic dishes in only one hour with the winner of this pressure test joining, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 20 · Season finale
The Finale (Top 2)
The Finale (Top 2) moves from final cook-off menu to finale appetizer course.
Season finale
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 6 winner
Claudia Sandoval
La Mesa, California
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 6, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Claudia Sandoval | 31 | La Mesa, California |
| Derrick Peltz | 28 | Fort Myers, Florida |
| Nick Nappi | 31 | San Diego, California |
| Stephen Lee | 47 | Palm Springs, California |
Season fact sources
Season 7Jun 1, 2016 to Sep 14, 201619 episodes
- Episodes
- 19
- Premiere
- Jun 1, 2016
- Finale
- Sep 14, 2016
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 7 spans 19 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
Battle for a White Apron, Part 1
Battle for a White Apron, Part 1 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Auditions Round 2
Battle for a White Apron, Part 2
Battle for a White Apron, Part 2 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Mystery Box Challenge
Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck moves from wolfgang Puck Mystery Box to wolfgang Puck elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Wolfgang Puck Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on wolfgang Puck Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Wolfgang Puck elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for wolfgang Puck elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 4 · Team Challenge
A MasterChef Wedding
A MasterChef Wedding is built around service for season six contestant nick nappi's wedding.
Team Challenge
Service for season six contestant nick nappi's wedding
Teams handled service for season six contestant nick nappi's wedding, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
Mexican Mystery
Mexican Mystery moves from mexican Mystery to christina's pies as the task of the elimination challeng dessert.
Mystery Box Challenge
Mexican Mystery
The Mystery Box brief centered on mexican Mystery; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Christina's pies as the task of the elimination challeng dessert
The elimination brief called for christina's pies as the task of the elimination challeng dessert; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 6 · Skills Test
Gordon Ramsay Masterclass
Gordon Ramsay Masterclass moves from gordon Ramsay Masterclass Skills Test to gordon's lobster tortellini served in a seafood broth.
Skills Test
Gordon Ramsay Masterclass Skills Test
The skills round tested gordon Ramsay Masterclass Skills Test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 20 minutes.
Elimination Test
Gordon's lobster tortellini served in a seafood broth
The elimination brief called for gordon's lobster tortellini served in a seafood broth; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Jets, Vets, and Home Cooks
Jets, Vets, and Home Cooks moves from meal for 101 U.S. military veterans to jets, Vets, and Home Cooks pressure test.
Team Challenge
Meal for 101 U.S. military veterans
Teams handled meal for 101 U.S. military veterans, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Jets, Vets, and Home Cooks pressure test
The pressure test focused on jets, Vets, and Home Cooks pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 8 · Mystery Box Challenge
The Good, The Bad, and The Offal
The Good, The Bad, and The Offal moves from four entrées to the Good, The Bad, and The Offal elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Four entrées
The Mystery Box brief centered on four entrées; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Test
The Good, The Bad, and The Offal elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for the Good, The Bad, and The Offal elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge
A Piece of Cake
A Piece of Cake moves from a Piece of Cake service menu to a Piece of Cake pressure test.
Team Challenge
A Piece of Cake service menu
Teams handled a Piece of Cake service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
A Piece of Cake pressure test
The pressure test focused on a Piece of Cake pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
The Weakest Links
The Weakest Links moves from service for 101 farmers to the Weakest Links pressure test.
Team Challenge
Service for 101 farmers
Teams handled service for 101 farmers, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Pressure Test
The Weakest Links pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Weakest Links pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Sweet Surprise
Sweet Surprise moves from sweet Surprise Mystery Box to sweet Surprise elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Sweet Surprise Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on sweet Surprise Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Sweet Surprise elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for sweet Surprise elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 12 · Mystery Box Challenge
5 Star Food
5 Star Food moves from 5 Star Food Mystery Box to 5 Star Food elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
5 Star Food Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on 5 Star Food Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
5 Star Food elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for 5 Star Food elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 13 · Skills Test Part 1
Hot Potato
Hot Potato moves from hot Potato Skills Test Part 1 to hot Potato Skills Test Part 2.
Skills Test Part 1
Hot Potato Skills Test Part 1
The skills round tested hot Potato Skills Test Part 1, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Skills Test Part 2
Hot Potato Skills Test Part 2
The skills round tested hot Potato Skills Test Part 2, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Skills Test Part 3
Hot Potato Skills Test Part 3
The skills round tested hot Potato Skills Test Part 3, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Episode 14 · Mystery Box Challenge
Tag Team
Tag Team moves from tag Team Mystery Box to tag Team elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Tag Team Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on tag Team Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Elimination Test
Tag Team elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for tag Team elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 15 · Team Challenge
Pop-Up Restaurant
Pop-Up Restaurant moves from pop-Up Restaurant service menu to pop-Up Restaurant pressure test.
Team Challenge
Pop-Up Restaurant service menu
Teams handled pop-Up Restaurant service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Pop-Up Restaurant pressure test
The pressure test focused on pop-Up Restaurant pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 16 · Mystery Box Challenge
Family Drama
Family Drama moves from family Drama Mystery Box to family Drama elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Family Drama Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on family Drama Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Family Drama elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for family Drama elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 17 · Team Challenge
Critics Choice
Critics Choice moves from critics Choice service menu to critics Choice pressure test.
Team Challenge
Critics Choice service menu
Teams handled critics Choice service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Critics Choice pressure test
The pressure test focused on critics Choice pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 18 · Appetizer
The Finale, Pt. 1
The Finale, Pt. 1 is built around finale appetizer course.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Episode 19 · Entrée
The Finale, Pt. 2
The Finale, Pt. 2 moves from finale entrée course to finale dessert course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final Three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 7 winner
Shaun O'Neale
Las Vegas, Nevada
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 7, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Brandi Mudd | 27 | Irvington, Kentucky |
| David Williams | 35 | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Shaun O'Neale | 33 | Las Vegas, Nevada |
Season fact sources
Season 8May 31, 2017 to Sep 20, 201721 episodes
- Episodes
- 21
- Premiere
- May 31, 2017
- Finale
- Sep 20, 2017
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 8 spans 21 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
Battle for a White Apron, Part 1
Battle for a White Apron, Part 1 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Auditions Round 2
Battle for a White Apron, Part 2
Battle for a White Apron, Part 2 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Mystery Box Challenge
America's Grocery Bag
America's Grocery Bag moves from america's Grocery Bag Mystery Box to america's Grocery Bag elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
America's Grocery Bag Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on america's Grocery Bag Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Elimination Challenge
America's Grocery Bag elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for america's Grocery Bag elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 4 · Team Challenge
Feeding the Lifeguards
Feeding the Lifeguards moves from feeding the Lifeguards service menu to feeding the Lifeguards pressure test.
Team Challenge
Feeding the Lifeguards service menu
Teams handled feeding the Lifeguards service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Feeding the Lifeguards pressure test
The pressure test focused on feeding the Lifeguards pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
Shell-Shocked & Scrambled
Shell-Shocked & Scrambled moves from shell-Shocked & Scrambled Mystery Box to shell-Shocked & Scrambled elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Shell-Shocked & Scrambled Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on shell-Shocked & Scrambled Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Challenge
Shell-Shocked & Scrambled elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for shell-Shocked & Scrambled elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 6 · Skills Test
Silenced by the Lambs
Silenced by the Lambs moves from silenced by the Lambs Skills Test to silenced by the Lambs elimination challenge.
Skills Test
Silenced by the Lambs Skills Test
The skills round tested silenced by the Lambs Skills Test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 20 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Silenced by the Lambs elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for silenced by the Lambs elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Breakfast, Lunch & Winner
Breakfast, Lunch & Winner moves from breakfast, Lunch & Winner service menu to breakfast, Lunch & Winner pressure test.
Team Challenge
Breakfast, Lunch & Winner service menu
Teams handled breakfast, Lunch & Winner service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Pressure Test
Breakfast, Lunch & Winner pressure test
The pressure test focused on breakfast, Lunch & Winner pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 8 · Mystery Box Challenge
Whole-y Cow!
Whole-y Cow! moves from whole-y Cow! Mystery Box to strong team dish.
Mystery Box Challenge
Whole-y Cow! Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on whole-y Cow! Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Strong team dish
The elimination brief called for strong team dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge
Holy Cannoli
Holy Cannoli moves from holy Cannoli service menu to holy Cannoli pressure test.
Team Challenge
Holy Cannoli service menu
Teams handled holy Cannoli service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Holy Cannoli pressure test
The pressure test focused on holy Cannoli pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 10 · Mystery Box Challenge
The MasterChef Returns
The MasterChef Returns moves from the MasterChef Returns Mystery Box to the MasterChef Returns elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
The MasterChef Returns Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on the MasterChef Returns Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Challenge
The MasterChef Returns elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for the MasterChef Returns elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 11 · Team Challenge
Vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks
Vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks moves from vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks service menu to vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks pressure test.
Team Challenge
Vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks service menu
Teams handled vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks pressure test
The pressure test focused on vegas Deluxe & Oyster Shucks pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 12 · Skills Test
In a Pinch
In a Pinch moves from in a Pinch Skills Test to in a Pinch pressure test.
Skills Test
In a Pinch Skills Test
The skills round tested in a Pinch Skills Test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 20 minutes.
Pressure Test
In a Pinch pressure test
The pressure test focused on in a Pinch pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 20 minutes.
Episode 13 · Team Challenge
Gordon's Game of Chicken
Gordon's Game of Chicken moves from gordon's Game of Chicken service menu to gordon's Game of Chicken pressure test.
Team Challenge
Gordon's Game of Chicken service menu
Teams handled gordon's Game of Chicken service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Pressure Test
Gordon's Game of Chicken pressure test
The pressure test focused on gordon's Game of Chicken pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 14 · Mystery Box Challenge
A Mexican Tag Team Challenge
A Mexican Tag Team Challenge moves from a Mexican Tag Mystery Box to a Mexican Tag service menu.
Mystery Box Challenge
A Mexican Tag Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on a Mexican Tag Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Team Challenge
A Mexican Tag service menu
Teams handled a Mexican Tag service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 15 · Team Challenge
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors moves from the Great Outdoors service menu to the Great Outdoors pressure test.
Team Challenge
The Great Outdoors service menu
Teams handled the Great Outdoors service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Pressure Test
The Great Outdoors pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Great Outdoors pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 16 · Mystery Box Challenge
Chopsticks & Pasta
Chopsticks & Pasta moves from chopsticks & Pasta Mystery Box to chopsticks & Pasta pressure test.
Mystery Box Challenge
Chopsticks & Pasta Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on chopsticks & Pasta Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Pressure Test
Chopsticks & Pasta pressure test
The pressure test focused on chopsticks & Pasta pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 17 · Team Challenge
Pop-Up Restaurant
Pop-Up Restaurant moves from pop-Up Restaurant service menu to pop-Up Restaurant pressure test.
Team Challenge
Pop-Up Restaurant service menu
Teams handled pop-Up Restaurant service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Pop-Up Restaurant pressure test
The pressure test focused on pop-Up Restaurant pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 35 minutes.
Episode 18 · Mystery Box Challenge
Something Fishy
Something Fishy moves from something Fishy Mystery Box to something Fishy elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Something Fishy Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on something Fishy Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Challenge
Something Fishy elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for something Fishy elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 19 · Semi-Finals Skills Test 1
The Semi-Finals
The Semi-Finals moves from judge-assigned semifinal dishes to judge-assigned semifinal dishes.
Semi-Finals Skills Test 1
Judge-assigned semifinal dishes
The skills round tested judge-assigned semifinal dishes, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Semi-Finals Skills Test 2
Judge-assigned semifinal dishes
The skills round tested judge-assigned semifinal dishes, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Semi-Finals Skills Test 3
Judge-assigned semifinal dishes
The skills round tested judge-assigned semifinal dishes, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution.
Episode 20 · Appetizer
The Finale, Pt. 1
The Finale, Pt. 1 is built around finale appetizer course.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Episode 21 · Entrée
The Finale, Pt. 2
The Finale, Pt. 2 moves from finale entrée course to finale dessert course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final Three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 8 winner
Dino Angelo Luciano
Bensonhurst, New York
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 8, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Cate Meade | 25 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Dino Angelo Luciano | 28 | Bensonhurst, New York |
| Eboni Henry | 33 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Jason Wang | 34 | Newton, Massachusetts |
| Jeff Philbin | 29 | Tampa, Florida |
| Yachecia Holston | 43 | Detroit, Michigan |
Season fact sources
Season 9May 30, 2018 to Sep 19, 201823 episodes
- Episodes
- 23
- Premiere
- May 30, 2018
- Finale
- Sep 19, 2018
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 9 spans 23 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
The Judges Do Battle, Part 1
The Judges Do Battle, Part 1 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Auditions Round 2
The Judges Do Battle, Part 2
The Judges Do Battle, Part 2 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Auditions Round 3
The Judges Do Battle, Part 3
The Judges Do Battle, Part 3 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 3
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 4 · Mystery Box Challenge
Home State Heroes
Home State Heroes moves from home State Heroes Mystery Box to home State Heroes elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Home State Heroes Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on home State Heroes Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Elimination Challenge
Home State Heroes elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for home State Heroes elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 5 · Elimination Challenge
Gordon Ramsay Masterclass
Gordon Ramsay Masterclass is built around ramsay's crab eggs Benedict dish.
Elimination Challenge
Ramsay's crab eggs Benedict dish
The elimination brief called for ramsay's crab eggs Benedict dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 6 · Team Challenge
Trouble Brewing
Trouble Brewing moves from trouble Brewing service menu to trouble Brewing pressure test.
Team Challenge
Trouble Brewing service menu
Teams handled trouble Brewing service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Trouble Brewing pressure test
The pressure test focused on trouble Brewing pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 7 · Mystery Box Challenge
World Cup Dishes
World Cup Dishes moves from world Cup Dishes Mystery Box to world Cup Dishes elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
World Cup Dishes Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on world Cup Dishes Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Elimination Challenge
World Cup Dishes elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for world Cup Dishes elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 8 · Team Challenge
A Gordon Ramsay Wedding
A Gordon Ramsay Wedding is built around service for wedding reception of season seven winner shaun o'neale.
Team Challenge
Service for wedding reception of season seven winner shaun o'neale
Teams handled service for wedding reception of season seven winner shaun o'neale, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 9 · Mystery Box Challenge
The Big Not Easy
The Big Not Easy moves from the Big Not Easy Mystery Box to the Big Not Easy elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
The Big Not Easy Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on the Big Not Easy Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Elimination Challenge
The Big Not Easy elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for the Big Not Easy elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 40 minutes.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Rise or Fall
Rise or Fall moves from rise or Fall service menu to rise or Fall elimination challenge.
Team Challenge
Rise or Fall service menu
Teams handled rise or Fall service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Elimination Challenge
Rise or Fall elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for rise or Fall elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 40 minutes.
Episode 11 · Team Challenge
The Kids are Alright
The Kids are Alright moves from the Kids are Alright service menu to the Kids are Alright pressure test.
Team Challenge
The Kids are Alright service menu
Teams handled the Kids are Alright service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Pressure Test
The Kids are Alright pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Kids are Alright pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 12 · Mystery Box Challenge
Frying Tonight
Frying Tonight moves from frying Tonight Mystery Box to frying Tonight elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Frying Tonight Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on frying Tonight Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Frying Tonight elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for frying Tonight elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 13 · Skills Test
Just for the Halibut
Just for the Halibut moves from just for the Halibut Skills Test to dish of their choosing using the halibut they had fileted.
Skills Test
Just for the Halibut Skills Test
The skills round tested just for the Halibut Skills Test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 20 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Dish of their choosing using the halibut they had fileted
The elimination brief called for dish of their choosing using the halibut they had fileted; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 14 · Team Challenge
Sky's the Limit
Sky's the Limit moves from 100 Air Force members a dish to black forest gateau that has at least four layers.
Team Challenge
100 Air Force members a dish
Teams handled 100 Air Force members a dish, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Black forest gateau that has at least four layers
The pressure test focused on black forest gateau that has at least four layers, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 15 · Mystery Box Challenge
Tag Team
Tag Team moves from tag Team Mystery Box to tag Team elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Tag Team Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on tag Team Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Tag Team elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for tag Team elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
American Heroes
American Heroes moves from american Heroes service menu to three pasta dishes.
Team Challenge
American Heroes service menu
Teams handled american Heroes service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three pasta dishes
The pressure test focused on three pasta dishes, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box Challenge
Waste Not Want Not
Waste Not Want Not moves from waste Not Want Not Mystery Box to waste Not Want Not elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Waste Not Want Not Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on waste Not Want Not Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Waste Not Want Not elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for waste Not Want Not elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 18 · Team Challenge
Restaurant Takeover
Restaurant Takeover moves from restaurant Takeover service menu to three desserts that each featured chocolate.
Team Challenge
Restaurant Takeover service menu
Teams handled restaurant Takeover service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Pressure Test
Three desserts that each featured chocolate
The pressure test focused on three desserts that each featured chocolate, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 19 · Mystery Box Challenge
Cooking with Heart
Cooking with Heart moves from cooking with Heart Mystery Box to cooking with Heart elimination challenge.
Mystery Box Challenge
Cooking with Heart Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on cooking with Heart Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Elimination Test
Cooking with Heart elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for cooking with Heart elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 20 · Episode brief
Battle of the Beef
Battle of the Beef is built around battle of the Beef.
Episode brief
Battle of the Beef
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode 21 · Team Challenge
The Semi Final
The Semi Final moves from the Semi Final service menu to final cook-off menu.
Team Challenge
The Semi Final service menu
Teams handled the Semi Final service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Finalists
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Elimination Challenge
The Semi Final elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for the Semi Final elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Finalist
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode 22 · Finale
The Finale, Pt. 1
The Finale, Pt. 1 moves from final cook-off menu to finale appetizer course.
Finale
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Episode 23 · Entrée
The Finale, Pt. 2
The Finale, Pt. 2 moves from finale entrée course to finale dessert course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final Three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 9 winner
Gerron Hurt
Louisville, Kentucky
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 9, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Mincey | 28 | Opa-locka, Florida |
| Cesar Cano | 33 | Houston, Texas |
| Gerron Hurt | 25 | Louisville, Kentucky |
Season fact sources
Season 10May 29, 2019 to Sep 18, 201925 episodes
- Episodes
- 25
- Premiere
- May 29, 2019
- Finale
- Sep 18, 2019
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 10 spans 25 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Auditions Round 1
The Epic 10th Season Auditions - Pt. 1
The Epic 10th Season Auditions - Pt. 1 is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 1
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Auditions Round 2
Auditions - Pt. 2 / The Battle Round
Auditions - Pt. 2 / The Battle Round is built around signature audition dish.
Auditions Round 2
Signature audition dish
Cooks presented a signature audition dish to compete for a place in the MasterChef kitchen. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 3 · Skills Test
Gordon's Mystery Box
Gordon's Mystery Box moves from onion knife-skills test to gordon's Mystery Box.
Skills Test
Onion knife-skills test
The skills round tested onion knife-skills test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 10 minutes.
Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
Gordon's Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on gordon's Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 4 · Team Challenge
10th Season Pool Party!
10th Season Pool Party! is built around 10th Season Pool Party! service menu.
Team Challenge
10th Season Pool Party! service menu
Teams handled 10th Season Pool Party! service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 5 · Pressure Test Part 1
The Blind Chicken Show
The Blind Chicken Show moves from the Blind Chicken Show pressure test to the Blind Chicken Show pressure test.
Pressure Test Part 1
The Blind Chicken Show pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Blind Chicken Show pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Pressure Test Part 2
The Blind Chicken Show pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Blind Chicken Show pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Hot & Spicy
Hot & Spicy is built around hot & Spicy Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Hot & Spicy Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on hot & Spicy Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 7 · Elimination Test
Gordon Takes on a Tarte
Gordon Takes on a Tarte is built around gordon Takes on a Tarte elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Gordon Takes on a Tarte elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for gordon Takes on a Tarte elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 8 · Team Challenge
Joe Takes a Risk
Joe Takes a Risk is built around joe Takes a Risk service menu.
Team Challenge
Joe Takes a Risk service menu
Teams handled joe Takes a Risk service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge/Elimination Test
Tag Team Tears & Tantrums
Tag Team Tears & Tantrums is built around tag Team Tears & Tantrums service menu.
Team Challenge/Elimination Test
Tag Team Tears & Tantrums service menu
Teams handled tag Team Tears & Tantrums service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Gerron's Wedding
Gerron's Wedding is built around service for wedding reception of season nine winner gerron hurt to be held in the masterchef.
Team Challenge
Service for wedding reception of season nine winner gerron hurt to be held in the masterchef
Teams handled service for wedding reception of season nine winner gerron hurt to be held in the masterchef, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 11 · Elimination Test
Backyard BBQ
Backyard BBQ is built around backyard BBQ elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Backyard BBQ elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for backyard BBQ elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 12 · Skills Test
King of the Crabs
King of the Crabs is built around king of the Crabs Skills Test.
Skills Test
King of the Crabs Skills Test
The skills round tested king of the Crabs Skills Test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 13 · Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
Someone's Toast
Someone's Toast is built around someone's Toast Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
Someone's Toast Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on someone's Toast Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 14 · Skills Test/Elimination Test
Let Them Eat Cake
Let Them Eat Cake is built around let Them Eat Cake elimination challenge.
Skills Test/Elimination Test
Let Them Eat Cake elimination challenge
The skills round tested let Them Eat Cake elimination challenge, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 15 · Elimination Test
Small Dessert, Big Problems
Small Dessert, Big Problems is built around small Dessert, Big Problems elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Small Dessert, Big Problems elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for small Dessert, Big Problems elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
NASCAR - Finish Line Feed
NASCAR - Finish Line Feed is built around nASCAR - Finish Line Feed service menu.
Team Challenge
NASCAR - Finish Line Feed service menu
Teams handled nASCAR - Finish Line Feed service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
Box in a Box in a Box
Box in a Box in a Box is built around box in a Box in a Box Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
Box in a Box in a Box Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on box in a Box in a Box Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 18 · Skills Test
Mind Blowing Food
Mind Blowing Food is built around mind Blowing Food Skills Test.
Skills Test
Mind Blowing Food Skills Test
The skills round tested mind Blowing Food Skills Test, with advancement tied to clean, accurate execution. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 19 · Elimination Test
Pigging Out
Pigging Out is built around pigging Out elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Pigging Out elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for pigging Out elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 20 · Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
One Pan Wonder
One Pan Wonder is built around one Pan Wonder Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge/Elimination Test
One Pan Wonder Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on one Pan Wonder Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 21 · Elimination Challenge
Family Reunion
Family Reunion is built around ramsay's potato crusted sea bass dish.
Elimination Challenge
Ramsay's potato crusted sea bass dish
The elimination brief called for ramsay's potato crusted sea bass dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 22 · Team Challenge
London Calling - Pt. 1
London Calling - Pt. 1 is built around london Calling - Pt. 1 service menu.
Team Challenge
London Calling - Pt. 1 service menu
Teams handled london Calling - Pt. 1 service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 23 · Elimination Challenge
London Calling - Pt. 2
London Calling - Pt. 2 is built around london Calling - Pt. 2 elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
London Calling - Pt. 2 elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for london Calling - Pt. 2 elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 24 · Finale
The Finale - Pt. 1
The Finale - Pt. 1 moves from final cook-off menu to finale appetizer course.
Finale
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Episode 25 · Entrée
The Finale - Pt. 2
The Finale - Pt. 2 moves from finale entrée course to finale dessert course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 10 winner
Dorian Hunter
Cartersville, Georgia
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 10, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Dorian Hunter | 45 | Cartersville, Georgia |
| Nick DiGiovanni | 22 | Barrington, Rhode Island |
| Sarah Faherty | 31 | San Diego, California |
Season fact sources
Season 11Jun 2, 2021 to Sep 15, 202118 episodes
- Episodes
- 18
- Premiere
- Jun 2, 2021
- Finale
- Sep 15, 2021
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 11 spans 18 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition
Legends: Emeril Lagasse - Auditions Round 1
Legends: Emeril Lagasse - Auditions Round 1 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition
Legends: Curtis Stone - Auditions Round 2
Legends: Curtis Stone - Auditions Round 2 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition
Legends: Paula Deen - Auditions Round 3
Legends: Paula Deen - Auditions Round 3 is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Elimination Test
Legends: Chef Morimoto - Monkfish Challenge
Legends: Chef Morimoto - Monkfish Challenge is built around legends: Chef Morimoto - Monkfish Challenge elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Legends: Chef Morimoto - Monkfish Challenge elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for legends: Chef Morimoto - Monkfish Challenge elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 5 · Elimination Test
Legends: Sherry Yard - Dessert Challenge
Legends: Sherry Yard - Dessert Challenge is built around dessert of their choice.
Elimination Test
Dessert of their choice
The elimination brief called for dessert of their choice; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Legends: Michael Mina - Meat Roulette
Legends: Michael Mina - Meat Roulette is built around legends: Michael Mina - Meat Roulette Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Legends: Michael Mina - Meat Roulette Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on legends: Michael Mina - Meat Roulette Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 7 · Elimination Test
Legends: Nancy Silverton - Pasta Challenge
Legends: Nancy Silverton - Pasta Challenge is built around legends: Nancy Silverton - Pasta Challenge elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Legends: Nancy Silverton - Pasta Challenge elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for legends: Nancy Silverton - Pasta Challenge elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 8 · Mystery Box Challenge
Legends: Jonathan Waxman - California Mystery Box
Legends: Jonathan Waxman - California Mystery Box is built around legends: Jonathan Waxman - California Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Legends: Jonathan Waxman - California Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on legends: Jonathan Waxman - California Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 9 · Episode brief
Legends: Roy Choi - Elevated Street Food
Legends: Roy Choi - Elevated Street Food is built around legends: Roy Choi - Elevated Street Food.
Episode brief
Legends: Roy Choi - Elevated Street Food
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode 10 · Elimination Test
Legends: Cook for Your Legend
Legends: Cook for Your Legend is built around legends: Cook for Your Legend elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Legends: Cook for Your Legend elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for legends: Cook for Your Legend elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 11 · Team Challenge
Legends: Dominique Crenn - The Wall
Legends: Dominique Crenn - The Wall is built around legends: Dominique Crenn - The Wall service menu.
Team Challenge
Legends: Dominique Crenn - The Wall service menu
Teams handled legends: Dominique Crenn - The Wall service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 12 · Elimination Test
Legends: Niki Nakayama - Kaiseki
Legends: Niki Nakayama - Kaiseki is built around legends: Niki Nakayama - Kaiseki elimination challenge.
Elimination Test
Legends: Niki Nakayama - Kaiseki elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for legends: Niki Nakayama - Kaiseki elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 13 · Team Challenge
Legends: Dinner
Legends: Dinner is built around two-course meal consisting of an appetizer and entree.
Team Challenge
Two-course meal consisting of an appetizer and entree
Teams handled two-course meal consisting of an appetizer and entree, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 14 · Mystery Box Challenge
Legends: Ludo Lefebvre - Timed Out Mystery Box
Legends: Ludo Lefebvre - Timed Out Mystery Box is built around legends: Ludo Lefebvre - Timed Out Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Legends: Ludo Lefebvre - Timed Out Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on legends: Ludo Lefebvre - Timed Out Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 15 · Episode brief
Legends: Semi Final - 3 Chef Showdown
Legends: Semi Final - 3 Chef Showdown is built around legends: Semi Final - 3 Chef Showdown.
Episode brief
Legends: Semi Final - 3 Chef Showdown
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode 16 · Elimination Challenge
Legends: Semi Final Pt 2 - 3 Chef Showdown
Legends: Semi Final Pt 2 - 3 Chef Showdown is built around legends: Semi Final Pt 2 - 3 Chef Showdown elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Legends: Semi Final Pt 2 - 3 Chef Showdown elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for legends: Semi Final Pt 2 - 3 Chef Showdown elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 17 · Finale
Legends: Finale - Curtis Stone
Legends: Finale - Curtis Stone moves from three-course finale menu to finale appetizer course.
Finale
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Episode 18 · Dessert
Legends: Finale Pt 2 - Michael Cimarusti
Legends: Finale Pt 2 - Michael Cimarusti moves from finale dessert course to final cook-off menu.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 11 winner
Kelsey Murphy
Indianapolis, Indiana
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 11, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Alejandro Valdivia | 39 | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Autumn Moretti | 27 | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Kelsey Murphy | 32 | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Suu Khin | 30 | Houston, Texas |
Season fact sources
Season 12May 25, 2022 to Sep 14, 202220 episodes
- Episodes
- 20
- Premiere
- May 25, 2022
- Finale
- Sep 14, 2022
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 12 spans 20 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition
Back to Win - Audition Battles
Back to Win - Audition Battles is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition
Back to Win - Audition Battles (Part 2)
Back to Win - Audition Battles (Part 2) is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition
Back to Win - Audition Battles (Part 3)
Back to Win - Audition Battles (Part 3) is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Elimination Challenge
Dish That Sent You Home
Dish That Sent You Home is built around dish That Sent You Home elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Dish That Sent You Home elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for dish That Sent You Home elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
Winners Mystery Box - Spirit of Vegas
Winners Mystery Box - Spirit of Vegas is built around winners Mystery Box - Spirit of Vegas.
Mystery Box Challenge
Winners Mystery Box - Spirit of Vegas
The Mystery Box brief centered on winners Mystery Box - Spirit of Vegas; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 6 · Team Challenge
Back to Win: Feeding the U.S. Coast Guard
Back to Win: Feeding the U.S. Coast Guard is built around back to Win: Feeding the U.S. Coast Guard service menu.
Team Challenge
Back to Win: Feeding the U.S. Coast Guard service menu
Teams handled back to Win: Feeding the U.S. Coast Guard service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 7 · Elimination Challenge
Gordon Ramsay Loves Vegans!
Gordon Ramsay Loves Vegans! is built around gordon Ramsay Loves Vegans! elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Gordon Ramsay Loves Vegans! elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for gordon Ramsay Loves Vegans! elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 8 · Elimination Challenge
Southern Fusion with Guest Chef Tiffany Derry
Southern Fusion with Guest Chef Tiffany Derry is built around fusion dish combining Southern cuisine with an international cuisine chosen randomly.
Elimination Challenge
Fusion dish combining Southern cuisine with an international cuisine chosen randomly
The elimination brief called for fusion dish combining Southern cuisine with an international cuisine chosen randomly; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 9 · Elimination Challenge
Bake to Win
Bake to Win is built around of 14 desserts.
Elimination Challenge
Of 14 desserts
The elimination brief called for of 14 desserts; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Cooking for Horse Town U.S.A
Cooking for Horse Town U.S.A is built around cooking for Horse Town U.S.A service menu.
Team Challenge
Cooking for Horse Town U.S.A service menu
Teams handled cooking for Horse Town U.S.A service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Winners Mystery Box - Christine Ha
Winners Mystery Box - Christine Ha is built around winners Mystery Box - Christine Ha.
Mystery Box Challenge
Winners Mystery Box - Christine Ha
The Mystery Box brief centered on winners Mystery Box - Christine Ha; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Tag Team
Tag Team is built around three of Gordon's signature dishes.
Team Challenge
Three of Gordon's signature dishes
Teams handled three of Gordon's signature dishes, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 13 · Elimination Challenge
GrubHub Challenge
GrubHub Challenge is built around take-out dish dish.
Elimination Challenge
Take-out dish dish
The elimination brief called for take-out dish dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 14 · Elimination Challenge
Gas Station Gourmet
Gas Station Gourmet is built around gas Station Gourmet elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Gas Station Gourmet elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for gas Station Gourmet elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 15 · Mystery Box Challenge
Winners Mystery Box - Gerron Hurt
Winners Mystery Box - Gerron Hurt is built around dish highlighting chili peppers.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish highlighting chili peppers
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish highlighting chili peppers; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
The Wall
The Wall is built around the Wall service menu.
Team Challenge
The Wall service menu
Teams handled the Wall service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 17 · Team Challenge
Restaurant Takeover - Spago
Restaurant Takeover - Spago is built around and serving two appetizers and two entrees from the menu.
Team Challenge
And serving two appetizers and two entrees from the menu
Teams handled and serving two appetizers and two entrees from the menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 18 · Pressure Test
Semi Finals
Semi Finals moves from semi Finals pressure test to semi Finals pressure test.
Pressure Test
Semi Finals pressure test
The pressure test focused on semi Finals pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Pressure Test
Semi Finals pressure test
The pressure test focused on semi Finals pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 19 · Finale
Finale Part 1 - Special Guest Graham Elliot
Finale Part 1 - Special Guest Graham Elliot moves from three-course finale menu to finale Part 1 - Special Guest Graham Elliot Appetizers.
Finale
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizers
Finale Part 1 - Special Guest Graham Elliot Appetizers
The documented challenge centered on finale Part 1 - Special Guest Graham Elliot Appetizers.
Episode 20 · Entree
Finale Part 2 - Special Guest Christina Tosi
Finale Part 2 - Special Guest Christina Tosi moves from finale entree course to finale dessert course.
Entree
Finale entree course
The documented challenge centered on finale entree course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final Three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 12 winner
Dara Yu
Los Angeles, California
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 12, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Green | 36 | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Dara Yu | 20 | Los Angeles, California |
| Emily Hallock | 31 | Neenah, Wisconsin |
| Michael Silverstein | 34 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Shanika Patterson | 38 | Miami, Florida |
Season fact sources
Season 13May 24, 2023 to Sep 20, 202320 episodes
- Episodes
- 20
- Premiere
- May 24, 2023
- Finale
- Sep 20, 2023
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 13 spans 20 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition
Regional Auditions - The Northeast
Regional Auditions - The Northeast is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition
Regional Auditions - The Midwest
Regional Auditions - The Midwest is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition
Regional Auditions - The West
Regional Auditions - The West is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Audition
Regional Auditions - The South
Regional Auditions - The South is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 5 · Elimination Challenge
State Fair Food
State Fair Food is built around state Fair Food elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
State Fair Food elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for state Fair Food elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Apple Mystery Box
Apple Mystery Box is built around apple Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Apple Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on apple Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Trial by Fire: Field Challenge
Trial by Fire: Field Challenge is built around trial by Fire service menu.
Team Challenge
Trial by Fire service menu
Teams handled trial by Fire service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 8 · Mystery Box Challenge
Birds of a Feather Mystery Box
Birds of a Feather Mystery Box is built around birds of a Feather Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Birds of a Feather Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on birds of a Feather Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 9 · Elimination Challenge
United Cakes of America
United Cakes of America is built around united Cakes of America elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
United Cakes of America elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for united Cakes of America elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 10 · Team Challenge
Dodgers Stadium Field Challenge
Dodgers Stadium Field Challenge is built around dodgers Stadium service menu.
Team Challenge
Dodgers Stadium service menu
Teams handled dodgers Stadium service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 11 · Mystery Box Challenge
Military Rations Mystery Box
Military Rations Mystery Box is built around military Rations Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Military Rations Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on military Rations Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Tag Team
Tag Team is built around tag Team service menu.
Team Challenge
Tag Team service menu
Teams handled tag Team service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 13 · Mystery Box Challenge
Fish Out of Water Mystery Box
Fish Out of Water Mystery Box is built around fish Out of Water Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Fish Out of Water Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on fish Out of Water Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 14 · Elimination Challenge
Kelsey's Stadium Food
Kelsey's Stadium Food is built around kelsey's Stadium Food elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Kelsey's Stadium Food elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for kelsey's Stadium Food elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 15 · Elimination Challenge
Patio Grilling Challenge
Patio Grilling Challenge is built around patio Grilling Challenge elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Patio Grilling Challenge elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for patio Grilling Challenge elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
The Wall
The Wall is built around the Wall service menu.
Team Challenge
The Wall service menu
Teams handled the Wall service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 17 · Team Challenge
Restaurant Takeover - Hell's Kitchen
Restaurant Takeover - Hell's Kitchen is built around restaurant Takeover - Hell's Kitchen service menu.
Team Challenge
Restaurant Takeover - Hell's Kitchen service menu
Teams handled restaurant Takeover - Hell's Kitchen service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 18 · Elimination Challenge
Semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon
Semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon moves from semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon elimination challenge to semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Elimination Challenge
Semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for semi-Finals: Pasta & Keeping Up with Gordon elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 19 · Finale
Finale Part One
Finale Part One moves from three-course finale menu to finale Part One Appetizers.
Finale
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizers
Finale Part One Appetizers
The documented challenge centered on finale Part One Appetizers.
Episode 20 · Entree
Finale Part Two
Finale Part Two moves from finale entree course to finale dessert course.
Entree
Finale entree course
The documented challenge centered on finale entree course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 13 winner
Grant Gillon
Altoona, Iowa
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 13, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Gillon | 32 | Altoona, Iowa |
| Jennifer Maune | 42 | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Kennedy Underwood | 26 | Denver, Colorado |
| Reagan Sidney | 44 | New Orleans, Louisiana |
Season fact sources
Season 14May 29, 2024 to Sep 18, 202419 episodes
- Episodes
- 19
- Premiere
- May 29, 2024
- Finale
- Sep 18, 2024
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 14 spans 19 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition
Millennials Auditions
Millennials Auditions is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition
Baby Boomers Auditions
Baby Boomers Auditions is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition
Gen Z Auditions
Gen Z Auditions is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Audition
Gen X Auditions
Gen X Auditions is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
Back to the Future - Mystery Box
Back to the Future - Mystery Box is built around back to the Future - Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Back to the Future - Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on back to the Future - Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 6 · Elimination Challenge
Age Is Just a Number
Age Is Just a Number is built around age Is Just a Number elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Age Is Just a Number elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for age Is Just a Number elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
LAFC Field Challenge
LAFC Field Challenge is built around lAFC service menu.
Team Challenge
LAFC service menu
Teams handled lAFC service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 8 · Elimination Challenge
Birthday Bakes
Birthday Bakes is built around as the top four dish.
Elimination Challenge
As the top four dish
The elimination brief called for as the top four dish; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 9 · Mystery Box Challenge
Memory Lane - Mystery Box
Memory Lane - Mystery Box is built around dish using at least four ingredients inside their assigned box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish using at least four ingredients inside their assigned box
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish using at least four ingredients inside their assigned box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 10 · Elimination Challenge
Beer Necessities
Beer Necessities is built around beer Necessities elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Beer Necessities elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for beer Necessities elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 11 · Team Challenge
Quarry Field Challenge
Quarry Field Challenge is built around hearty lunch.
Team Challenge
Hearty lunch
Teams handled hearty lunch, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 30 minutes.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Tag Team
Tag Team is built around four-course meal featuring dishes representative of each generation.
Team Challenge
Four-course meal featuring dishes representative of each generation
Teams handled four-course meal featuring dishes representative of each generation, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 13 · Elimination Challenge
Storm's a Brewin'
Storm's a Brewin' is built around dish highlighting coffee in at least two different ways.
Elimination Challenge
Dish highlighting coffee in at least two different ways
The elimination brief called for dish highlighting coffee in at least two different ways; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 14 · Mystery Box Challenge
Feel the Burn - Mystery Box
Feel the Burn - Mystery Box is built around feel the Burn - Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Feel the Burn - Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on feel the Burn - Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Episode 15 · Team Challenge
The Wall
The Wall is built around the Wall service menu.
Team Challenge
The Wall service menu
Teams handled the Wall service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 16 · Team Challenge
Ramsay’s Rooftop Restaurant Takeover
Ramsay’s Rooftop Restaurant Takeover is built around ramsay’s Rooftop Restaurant Takeover service menu.
Team Challenge
Ramsay’s Rooftop Restaurant Takeover service menu
Teams handled ramsay’s Rooftop Restaurant Takeover service menu, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 17 · Mystery Box Challenge
Semi Final
Semi Final moves from dish inspired by the restaurant review in the box to semi Final pressure test.
Mystery Box Challenge
Dish inspired by the restaurant review in the box
The Mystery Box brief centered on dish inspired by the restaurant review in the box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 45 minutes.
Pressure Test
Semi Final pressure test
The pressure test focused on semi Final pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 18 · Finale
Finale (Part One)
Finale (Part One) moves from three-course finale menu to finale appetizer course.
Finale
Three-course finale menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on three-course finale menu and determined who advanced or won. The source gives the cooks one hour.
Appetizer
Finale appetizer course
The documented challenge centered on finale appetizer course.
Episode 19 · Entrée
Finale (Part Two)
Finale (Part Two) moves from finale entrée course to finale dessert course.
Entrée
Finale entrée course
The documented challenge centered on finale entrée course.
Dessert
Finale dessert course
The documented challenge centered on finale dessert course.
Final three
Final cook-off menu
The late-stage cook-off centered on final cook-off menu and determined who advanced or won.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 14 winner
Michael Leonard
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 14, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Becca Gibb | 24 | Provo, Utah |
| Kamay Lafalaise | 34 | Washington, D.C. |
| Michael Leonard | 27 | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
| Rebecka Evans | 63 | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Season fact sources
Season 15May 21, 2025 to Sep 17, 202518 episodes
- Episodes
- 18
- Premiere
- May 21, 2025
- Finale
- Sep 17, 2025
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 15 spans 18 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition
The Audition Battles
The Audition Battles is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition
The Audition Battles Continue
The Audition Battles Continue is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Episode brief
Second Chance Battles
Second Chance Battles is built around second Chance Battles.
Episode brief
Second Chance Battles
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode 4 · Elimination Challenge
Dinner Party Dish
Dinner Party Dish is built around dinner Party Dish elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Dinner Party Dish elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for dinner Party Dish elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 5 · Mystery Box Challenge
Mister-y & Mrs. Box
Mister-y & Mrs. Box is built around mister-y & Mrs. Box Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Mister-y & Mrs. Box Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on mister-y & Mrs. Box Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 6 · Team Challenge
Pier Pressure
Pier Pressure is built around hearty lunch for 101 fishermen and their families at Gem Pier in Williamstown.
Team Challenge
Hearty lunch for 101 fishermen and their families at Gem Pier in Williamstown
Teams handled hearty lunch for 101 fishermen and their families at Gem Pier in Williamstown, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 7 · Pressure Test
Mystery Box
Mystery Box is built around pressure test.
Pressure Test
pressure test
The pressure test focused on pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 8 · Elimination Challenge
Recipe Telephone
Recipe Telephone is built around recipe Telephone elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Recipe Telephone elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for recipe Telephone elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 9 · Team Challenge
Train to Table
Train to Table is built around two-course fine dining experience consisting of an amuse-bouche and an entrée for.
Team Challenge
Two-course fine dining experience consisting of an amuse-bouche and an entrée for
Teams handled two-course fine dining experience consisting of an amuse-bouche and an entrée for, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 10 · Pressure Test
The Great Ingredient Bid Off
The Great Ingredient Bid Off is built around the Great Ingredient Bid Off pressure test.
Pressure Test
The Great Ingredient Bid Off pressure test
The pressure test focused on the Great Ingredient Bid Off pressure test, putting technical control ahead of improvisation. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 11 · Elimination Challenge
Macaron Mayhem
Macaron Mayhem is built around macaron Mayhem elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Macaron Mayhem elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for macaron Mayhem elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 90 minutes.
Episode 12 · Team Challenge
Backyard BBQ
Backyard BBQ is built around restaurant quality barbecue plate for over 40 people.
Team Challenge
Restaurant quality barbecue plate for over 40 people
Teams handled restaurant quality barbecue plate for over 40 people, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 13 · Pressure Test
Divide & Conquer
Divide & Conquer is built around three signature dishes by the judges consisting of Joe’s Egg Yolk Raviolo appetizer.
Pressure Test
Three signature dishes by the judges consisting of Joe’s Egg Yolk Raviolo appetizer
The pressure test focused on three signature dishes by the judges consisting of Joe’s Egg Yolk Raviolo appetizer, putting technical control ahead of improvisation.
Episode 14 · Elimination Challenge
The Wall
The Wall is built around identical dishes.
Elimination Challenge
Identical dishes
The elimination brief called for identical dishes; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 15 · Elimination Challenge
Keeping Up With Gordon - Tag Team Style!
Keeping Up With Gordon - Tag Team Style! is built around keeping Up With Gordon - Tag Team Style! elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Keeping Up With Gordon - Tag Team Style! elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for keeping Up With Gordon - Tag Team Style! elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 16 · Final
Road to the Finale
Road to the Finale is built around three-course finale menu.
Final
Three-course finale menu
The finalists planned and served a season-ending menu across the appetizer, entree, and dessert courses.
Episode 17 · Final
Grand Finale, Part 1
Grand Finale, Part 1 is built around three-course finale menu.
Final
Three-course finale menu
The finalists planned and served a season-ending menu across the appetizer, entree, and dessert courses.
Episode 18 · Final
Grand Finale, Part 2
Grand Finale, Part 2 is built around three-course finale menu.
Final
Three-course finale menu
The finalists planned and served a season-ending menu across the appetizer, entree, and dessert courses.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Season result
The winner stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the Season 15 winner
Jessica Bosworth
Boston, Massachusetts
Full cast
Everyone recorded for Season 15, listed alphabetically without result spoilers.
| Baker | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Aivan Tran | n/a | Fairplay, Colorado |
| Jesse Rosenwald | n/a | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Jessica Bosworth | n/a | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Julio Figueredo | n/a | Naples, Florida |
| Rachel Sanchez | n/a | Naples, Florida |
| Tina Duong | n/a | Fountain Valley, California |
Season fact sources
Season 16Apr 15, 2026 to Aug 5, 202612 episodes
- Episodes
- 12
- Premiere
- Apr 15, 2026
- Finale
- Aug 5, 2026
- Country
- United States
Complete season breakdown
Every episode and bake
MasterChef US season 16 spans 12 documented competition episodes. This guide follows the actual episode briefs and featured dishes from auditions through the finale.
Episode 1 · Audition
Auditions Day 1 (Europe)
Auditions Day 1 (Europe) is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 2 · Audition
Auditions Day 2 (Asia-Pacific)
Auditions Day 2 (Asia-Pacific) is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 3 · Audition
Auditions Day 3 (Africa)
Auditions Day 3 (Africa) is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 4 · Audition
Auditions Day 4 (The Americas)
Auditions Day 4 (The Americas) is built around signature audition dish.
Audition
Signature audition dish
Home cooks presented signature dishes while competing for a place in the MasterChef kitchen.
Episode 5 · Elimination Challenge
Game Day Gourmet
Game Day Gourmet is built around game Day Gourmet elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
Game Day Gourmet elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for game Day Gourmet elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition. The source gives the cooks 60 minutes.
Episode 6 · Mystery Box Challenge
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is built around eggs Benedict Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Eggs Benedict Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on eggs Benedict Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate.
Episode 7 · Team Challenge
Team Pitch to Plate
Team Pitch to Plate is built around lunch for 100 young soccer players part of the U.S. Soccer Forward foundation as well.
Team Challenge
Lunch for 100 young soccer players part of the U.S. Soccer Forward foundation as well
Teams handled lunch for 100 young soccer players part of the U.S. Soccer Forward foundation as well, with the service result deciding who stayed safe.
Episode 8 · Elimination Challenge
World Cup Cookoff
World Cup Cookoff is built around world Cup Cookoff elimination challenge.
Elimination Challenge
World Cup Cookoff elimination challenge
The elimination brief called for world Cup Cookoff elimination challenge; the weakest result risked leaving the competition.
Episode 9 · Mystery Box Challenge
Bitter Sweet Mystery Box
Bitter Sweet Mystery Box is built around bitter Sweet Mystery Box.
Mystery Box Challenge
Bitter Sweet Mystery Box
The Mystery Box brief centered on bitter Sweet Mystery Box; contestants had to turn the revealed constraint into an original plate. The source gives the cooks 75 minutes.
Episode 10 · Episode brief
Wheel of Fusion
Wheel of Fusion is built around wheel of Fusion.
Episode brief
Wheel of Fusion
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode 11 · Episode brief
Royal Wedding
Royal Wedding is built around royal Wedding.
Episode brief
Royal Wedding
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode 12 · Episode brief
Global Feed
Global Feed is built around global Feed.
Episode brief
Global Feed
The cited episode table identifies this installment by challenge title but does not provide enough detail to name a separate dish.
Episode guide sources
Challenge details verified 2026-07-18. en.wikipedia.org.
Competitors
This format does not use one season-long cast roster. Competitors and winners change by episode, so they belong in the sourced episode breakdown rather than in a misleading season table.
Season fact sources
Every season guide is on this page: open a season for its episodes, bakes, cast where available, and sources. Winners stay tucked away so nothing gets spoiled by accident.
Season winners
Tap a season to reveal its winner. Nothing is spoiled until you ask.
Season 1Reveal
Season 2Reveal
Season 3Reveal
Season 4Reveal
Season 5Reveal
Season 6Reveal
Season 7Reveal
Season 8Reveal
Season 9Reveal
Season 10Reveal
Season 11Reveal
Season 12Reveal
Season 13Reveal
Season 14Reveal
Season 15Reveal
Every winner is verified against a cited source: Wikipedia and verified press per season.
Gear seen on this show
Specific kit tied to MasterChef (US), each labelled with how solid the attribution is. When the exact model is not sold on Amazon we say so and point you at a buyable equivalent instead of faking a link.
Chef's knife roll (5-piece)
MasterChef Show Knives — 5-Piece Chef Knife Set with Bag (officially licensed)
The single strongest attribution in the set: an officially licensed product explicitly tied to the show AND buyable on Amazon. The canvas roll mirrors the contestants' kit. Note the show's own store also sells it directly; the Amazon roll is the affiliate-linkable path.
Affiliate note: linked items carry our Amazon Associate tag and earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.