American version of the culinary competition series that gives talented kids between the ages of 8 and 13 the chance to showcase their culinary abilities and passion for food through a series of delicious challenges. Celebrated food experts coach and encourage the promising hopefuls to cook like pros and teach them the tricks of the trade along the way.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 10, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
The top six junior chefs put their professional skills to the test during a restaurant takeover at the luxury hotel NoMad in downtown Los Angeles. Executive Chef Rudy Lopez lends his kitchen to the chefs after teaching them how to prepare some of the restaurant's signature dishes. The junior chefs must work together under the pressure and intensity of the kitchen to deliver the usual quality of the restaurant to a packed dining room of guests who have no idea the chefs are kids. The judges decide whose performance lands them in the top five.
The episode was rated 7.24 from 42 votes.
After facing a nutty Mystery Box challenge, 11 junior chefs compete in a fiery elimination challenge. They also welcome back Season 7 winner Che Spiotta.
The episode was rated 7.28 from 39 votes.
On the road to the finals, Gordon Ramsay recaps the biggest moments of Season 8; bloopers, clips and outtakes of the season.
The episode was rated 7.30 from 30 votes.
The Top 10 chefs start their engines for the ultimate race of the season, as they head over to a secret destination for their challenge. The strongest communicators are picked as team captains, as they compete to create the best American-style comfort dish for a team of very hungry motorsport racers. Find out who will take home the checkered flag.
The episode was rated 7.32 from 41 votes.
Gordon Ramsay's daughter, Matilda "Tilly" Ramsay, joins as a guest judge, as the panel challenges the remaining 13 young home cooks to make one of their favorite treats: donuts. The chefs have 60 minutes to prepare two types of donut holes and display them. Those in the elimination challenge transform ugly, stinky ingredients into a delicious dish.
The episode was rated 7.45 from 51 votes.
Sixteen pint-sized chefs from all around the country earn their white aprons and are tasked with their first challenge: a secret item they must use as the star of their dish. The cooks must impress judges Gordon Ramsay, Aarón Sánchez, and Daphne Oz.
The episode was rated 7.49 from 53 votes.
Fifteen chefs join together and collaborate in their groups to create the most show-stopping pizzas in only 20 minutes. The group that impresses the judges the least faces the elimination round, where they compete blindfolded.
The episode was rated 7.50 from 50 votes.
The eight remaining junior chefs split into teams for a bake sale challenge. Gordon, Daphne and Aaron judge four different types of tasty treats on flavor and presentation. Ultimately, one member of the losing team will be going home.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 47 votes.
The nine remaining junior chefs create one of the most popular fried, feisty and spicy finger foods
The episode was rated 7.64 from 42 votes.
The remaining 14 junior chefs split into 2 teams to prepare a medieval-themed dish for a crowd of lords and ladies, who vote for the winning team.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 46 votes.
The four remaining junior chefs pair up with WWE Superstars, who are much more comfortable in the ring. The winning junior receives tickets to a WWE match! In the elimination challenge, the chefs prepare one of Gordon Ramsay's signature dishes. Find out whose dish can live up to the great Gordon Ramsay's.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 40 votes.
This week, the seven remaining junior chefs test their culinary knowledge of different types of eggs and cuts of steak. In 45 minutes, the chefs must create a dish with an egg of their choice, ranging from a tiny quail egg to a giant ostrich egg. The winning chef earns immunity and decides the order in which the other contestants will choose a cut of steak in an Operation-style game. The winner of the steak challenge will get his or her recipe published and win a trip to a cattle ranch.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 44 votes.
Two finalists compete for the $100,000 prize; the chefs must create an entrée and dessert that best represents themselves.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 37 votes.
MASTERCHEF JUNIOR Season One winner Alexander Weiss makes a surprise return, as the chefs are challenged to filet as many fish as they can in 15 minutes. The three chefs who filet the least number of fish will need to create a show-stopping salmon dish to make it to the final four.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 37 votes.
The top three contestants are visited by their loved ones, and they have one hour to cook a dish for each of the judges that is inspired by their families. The contestant with the worst dish will be eliminated.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 42 votes.
