Enter the K12 National Cook-Off
Is your 6–12th grader a budding chef who loves to cook? Encourage them to enter the K12 National Cook-Off for a chance to win a trip to an in-person cook-off in Arlington, Virginia—and a shot at the $1,000 grand prize!
Competition Details
The K12 National Cook-Off is open to all students in grades 6–12. This is an opportunity for students enrolled at K12-powered schools or any other school in the U.S. to showcase their culinary skills.
Entry Deadline
Students interested in participating should submit their recipe, photos, and supporting information by 5 PM (ET) on May 31, 2024. Parents or guardians must enter on behalf of students aged 13 or under.
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.
Judging
Five finalists will be determined by a panel of judges featuring Chef David Ho, winner of Food Network’s Chopped. Entries will be judged on presentation, dish criteria, and creativity. One additional finalist will be chosen by public voting during the judging period.
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.
Prizes
$1,000
1st place
$500
2nd place
$350
3rd place
Gift baskets valued at $300
4th, 5th, and 6th place
All entries must be received by 5 PM (ET) on May 31, 2024
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
Please review the rules and regulations related to the K12 National Cook-Off. These terms and conditions must be agreed to when registering.
Stay in the know.
