Meet our 2024 K12 National Cook-Off finalists!
Budding chefs in grades 6–12th competed in the K12 National Cook-Off virtual round where six lucky finalists have been selected to head to Arlington, Virginia where they will compete in the final in-person cook-off on July 13, 2024, for their shot at the $1,000 grand prize!
Watch the 2024 K12 National Cook-Off Finals held at the Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington, VA!
K12 CMO Deb Hannah and Cook-Off Finalist Alivia Featured on WUSA9's Great Day Washington - Watch Now!
Competition Overview
Round 1: Submit an original recipe
Create a dish that includes all of the following:
An ingredient that starts with the letter “c”
A green ingredient
A source of protein
An ingredient from the freezer
At least three spices that are not salt or pepper
And any other ingredients of your choice
Each submission must include:
- The recipe with step-by-step directions and a comprehensive list of all ingredients, specifying which ones meet the requirements outlined above.
- A description of why you chose to make the dish
- Preparation time, from set up to plating
- Three (3) photos of the dish:
- Mise en place (a photo of the ingredients and utensils that will be used to prepare the recipe)
- In process (a photo of the dish as it is being prepared)
- Completed dish (a photo of the dish plated and ready to serve)
- Students will also have the option to submit a video of their completed dish.
Round 2: In-person national cook-off
The six finalists (plus one chaperone each) will receive a paid trip to compete at the K12 National Cook-Off in Arlington, Virginia, on July 13, 2024.
Judging
The finalists will compete for the title of K12 Cook-Off Champion at the in-person cook-off where Chef David Ho, winner of Food Network’s Chopped, will be one of the judges. Entries will be judged on taste, presentation, creativity, timeliness, and food safety. One additional finalist will be chosen by public voting during the judging period.
Prizes
$1,000
1st place
$500
2nd place
$350
3rd place
Gift baskets valued at $300
4th, 5th, and 6th place
Competition Schedule
May 31
Entry deadline
June 4-10
Judging period and People’s Choice voting
June 11
Finalists notified
July 13
In-Person National Cook-Off
August 14
In-Person National Cook-Off Aired
Please review the rules and regulations related to the K12 National Cook-Off. These terms and conditions must be agreed to when registering.
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